News

The number of miles of water trails throughout Central Iowa officially increased by 20 on Thursday with the designation of Beaver Creek and the Des Moines River as state water trails. Leaders from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ICON Water Trails, Polk County and the city of Johnston gathered to mark the designation at Lew Clarkson [...]

ICON Water Trails has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Bank of America to support the Hubbell Trailhead at the Fleur Drive Dam, the second whitewater attraction in its downtown development timeline. The access point will include a whitewater feature, kayak launch and boat ramp, along with a recreation channel, among other amenities. To read the full [...]

DES MOINES, IA (May 16, 2025) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Bank of America. This investment will help support ICON’s Hubbell Trailhead at the Fleur Drive Dam, the second whitewater attraction in its downtown development timeline. The access point will include a whitewater [...]

DES MOINES, IA (April 18, 2025) – ICON Water Trails Executive Director, Stephanie Oppel provided the following statement today regarding the death of Jay Byers, founding Central Iowa Water Trails board member: “ICON Water Trails is incredibly saddened by the loss of Jay Byers. We, like so many in our region, benefited from Jay’s dedication, [...]

Rick Wanamaker, a Realtor at Iowa Realty, noted that Des Moines offers community, walkability and access to outdoor experiences, which is what Gen Z values. “From the country’s longest bike trail system to major events like the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Considering these factors, paired with a growing job market, a thriving downtown and sustainable infrastructure projects, [...]

DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 17, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce that the MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, has awarded its $125,000 fall grant to the City of Windsor Heights. The funding will be used to establish access along Walnut Creek within the revitalized Colby [...]

DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 17, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce that the MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, has awarded its $125,000 fall grant to the City of Windsor Heights. The funding will be used to establish access along Walnut Creek within the revitalized Colby [...]

Des Moines earned first place for Location and Community, and some features contributing to its win are its abundance of healthy food sources, a cost of living that’s 12% below the national average, a lively festival scene and a focus on sustainability. “Another standout for Des Moines is its status as the fastest-growing region in the [...]

Public access has been approved ahead of the start of a kayak and boat launch project in Johnston. The access will be built along Beaver Creek near Merle Hay Road. It will also double as a trailhead for Beaver Creek. Watch the full video on KCCI Des Moines.

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 15, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by Hubbell Realty Company — has raised more than $160,000 for conservation and recreation. The event, held Oct. 10 at the Community Choice Convention Center Ballroom, had nearly 400 [...]