DES MOINES, IA (July 16, 2025) – ICON Water Trails and its partners, Hubbell Realty Company, Polk County, and Polk County Conservation, among others, have broken ground on the Hubbell Trailhead at the Fleur Drive dam. This is ICON’s second whitewater site to begin construction; Principal Point at the Scott Avenue dam continues on schedule.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone for ICON and our many partners,” Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director for ICON Water Trails, said. “In a very short amount of time, the Hubbell Trailhead will serve as an anchor point for the community, offering enhanced natural habitat, opportunities for recreation, and economic vitality.”

“Seeing this project come to fruition after more than a decade of researching, planning and fundraising truly shines the spotlight on Iowa as a national destination, not only for recreation and conservation but for long-term quality of life and workforce attraction. Hubbell has been a proud supporter of ICON in its entirety and this project will benefit generations to come,” said Rick Tollakson, CEO Hubbell Realty Co.

The Hubbell Trailhead will include a whitewater feature, kayak launch and boat ramp, along with a recreation channel, among other amenities. Both it, and Principal Point, will be open for operation as early as 2027. ICON’s Harriet Street site, a third point along the Raccoon River Run, is also well underway with a formal ribbon cutting expected later this year.

Polk County Conservation will be the long-term operator of the site, which will create connectivity throughout the Raccoon River into the heart of downtown Des Moines. ICON’s whitewater attractions are projected to be the second-most visited in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the nation and spurring significant economic activity.

About ICON Water Trails 

ICON Water Trails is a regionally inclusive recreational confluence connecting culture, conservation, and adventure by empowering our waterways. When complete, ICON will connect 50+ access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa.  This transformational initiative represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction, and workforce retention.