Des Moines River Water Trail - North Section

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On the river trail in Des Moines.

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This 8.8-mile section of the entire 19 miles on the Des Moines River Water Trail is a scenic, historical, and natural experience with multiple access points between the Saylorville Dam in Johnston and Birdland Park in Des Moines, IA.

The entire stretch of the Des Moines River, which encompasses a length of 525 miles from Lake Shetek in Minnesota to the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa is an extremely scenic stream. The 20-mile, state-designated Des Moines River Water Trail section in Polk County, Iowa provides a unique opportunity to connect a diverse group of trail users, including both rural and urban populations.

The northern-most access point can be found just below the Saylorville Dam, north of Des Moines in the Cottonwood Recreation area, with the southern-most access point being at Yellow Banks County Park, which boasts new paddle-in campsites enabling a multi-day paddling experience with excellent camping amenities.

The trail spawned from partnerships among government agencies in addition to numerous clubs and organizations realizing an existing need for a growing population of water users. Beautifully constructed informational kiosks stand at each access point providing information, maps, and safety messages pertinent to trail segments.

This unique trail provides a critical healthy community promotion feature, it also connects with multiple other trails. The intertwining of many trail types can provide a unique opportunity and enable visitors to create their own special experiences. Connections to the Neal Smith Multi-Use Trail, which was designated an NRT in the 1990s, can be accessed at two places along the trail. A mountain biking trail as well as the Trestle-To-Trestle paved biking trail can also be accessed easily from the water trail.

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  May 2, 2010