Reconnect with the Magic of Water in Central Iowa

ICON Water Trails is more than just a place to spend an afternoon or weekend. It’s a way to reconnect people and communities with the magic of water. Whether you love spending the weekend paddling or camping near a creek, ICON offers something for everyone. There are more than 150 miles of rivers and creeks to explore. Start planning your adventure. Learn about the access points and the 80-plus improvements to come.

Overview map of the Iowa water trails

SEE KEY

Key To Amenities Icons

Bathrooms

Biking

Birding

Boating

Camping

Fishing

Food & Beverage

Hiking

Kayak & Canoe Lockers

Kayaking

Parking

Pet Friendly

Picnic

Playground

Rentals

Close up map of Beaver Creek featuring Sites 23 and 30

Begin Your Adventure on Beaver Creek

New to paddling? There’s a beginner-friendly access point for canoes and kayaks at 86th Street and 70th Avenue in Johnston. In the future, we’ll develop the Merle Hay Gateway downstream as an ecotourism destination for paddlers, walkers, waders and more.

Return to Your River Roots on the Des Moines River

Whether you love to canoe, row, fish or simply enjoy the water from the shore, the Des Moines River sites will feature a full range of activities once fully completed. These sites represent a renewed commitment to conservation and safety, as well as returning Iowans to their river roots.

Close up map featuring multiple sites along the Des Moines River
Close up map of Fourmile Creek featuring Sites 29 and 43

Enjoy Family-Friendly Wading on Fourmile Creek

Mally’s Weh-Weh-Neh-Kee Park is home to Fourmile Creek, one of Central Iowa’s most loved wading spots. Choose your favorite waterway in Ankeny, Des Moines, Pleasant Hill and other locations.

Find Your Favorite Activity on Raccoon River

From sports complexes to extensive trails and a dog park, there’s no shortage of things to do along the Raccoon River. Accessing the water will be even easier once improvements are done.

Close up map of the Raccoon River featuring sites 88 and 91
Close up map featuring 2 sites along the South Skunk River

Sleep Under the Stars on South Skunk River

We all need to take time to recharge and refocus. Nothing works better than water, a crackling campfire and sleeping under the stars along the South Skunk River. Once complete, the area will feature remote campsites only accessible by kayak or canoe.

Spot Iowa’s Native Birds at Mud Creek

Hit the trails and look for Iowa’s native birds at Mud Creek near Bondurant and Altoona. Once complete, you’ll enjoy more trail connections, seating near the creek and easier access to the water.

Close up map with site 17 pinned on Mud Creek
Close up map of Middle River water trail near Carlisle

Start Your Weekend Paddling Trip at Middle River

Begin your paddling trip at the Middle River once improvements are complete. A new kayak and canoe launching area will offer a three-mile trip before the waterway connects with the Des Moines River.

Relax Along the North River

Whether you want to play, relax or reconnect with nature, there’s an activity for you in parks along the North River in Carlisle. Once complete, residents and visitors will have much easier access to the water from trails and other locations.

Close up map of North River water trail
Close up drawing of the Walnut Creek water trail

Reconnect with Your Childhood at Walnut Creek

Wade, skip stones and catch frogs as you introduce new generations to the water at Walnut Creek. Once complete, this family-friendly location will feature easy access to wading and soft trails.