News

ICON Water Trails has received $1 million from the federal government to help fund a project that will turn the low-head dam on the Raccoon River at Fleur Drive into a hub for water recreation. The funding was announced during a news conference Friday morning at Gray’s Lake, near the site where the work will [...]

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $1 million federal investment in improvements to the Fleur Drive Dam in Des Moines as part of a major economic development project for the region. “The ICON Water Trails Project will bring huge economic growth to our community,” said Rep. Nunn. [...]

DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 15, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the launch of the fourth annual Wild Prairie Showdown, a peer-to-peer campaign advancing conservation and recreation in the region. The Wild Prairie Showdown is a dynamic, grassroots initiative that will conclude with a pseudo-pageant in which [...]

Plans to turn the Des Moines north side's Birdland Park and Marina into a resort-like recreation area just got a $5.3 million boost. The city announced that the project — which includes a new boathouse, kayak rentals, playgrounds, an all-season skating ribbon, splash pad and a river overlook — will receive the U.S. Department of the Interior grant funding [...]

DES MOINES, IA (June 28, 2024) – ICON Water Trails, in partnership with Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, and Polk County Conservation, is pleased to announce that “Hello, River,” an interactive art installation connecting culture and conservation, has been installed next to the Lauridsen Skate Park and the future capstone [...]

A shimmery sculptural landmark set to debut in downtown Des Moines in mid-June is designed to catch eyes and capture hearts. The creative duo behind "Hello, River" hopes its head-turning public art piece will serve as the catalyst for a conservation-oriented meet-cute. To read the full article, visit dsm Magazine.

DES MOINES, IA (April 9, 2024) – ICON Water Trails, in partnership with Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Polk County Board of Supervisors, is pleased to announce that “Hello, River,” an interactive art installation connecting culture and conservation, has been selected to fulfill a $125,000 National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, originally [...]

With just 15 regional sites open, the Iowa Confluence Water Trails system already has generated 250,000 visits and nearly $20 million in economic benefit over the course of a single recreational season, says a study the group planning and raising money for the trails released Wednesday. To read the full article, visit the Des Moines [...]

West Des Moines receives MidAmerican grant to establish ICON site at Raccoon River The MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, awarded its $125,000 fall grant to the city of West Des Moines to establish access to the Raccoon River, directly south of Valley Junction, within the 35-acre Raccoon River [...]

When ICON Water Trails was conceived as an idea, those behind the initiative hoped it would one day enhance outdoor recreation in Central Iowa and serve as a placemaking attraction that would help draw people to the region. With 15 regional sites along 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa now activated [when [...]