Des Moines River Access Points
Sites along the Des Moines River offer a mix of natural and urban improvements, bringing a greater connection to recreational activities along the water.
Site 21
On the Des Moines River
You can find Site 21 at the Cottonwood Recreation Area. This site currently offers:
- Primitive and developed campsites
- A playground
- Volleyball courts
- Multi-use trails for walking and biking
- Picnic Shelters
Improvements
Used for canoe and kayak access, this site will move downstream where it will be closer to the river channel. Additional future improvements will include:
- Cast-in-place launch
- New seating areas
- Educational signs
- Habitat improvements for conservation
Site 26
On the Des Moines River
You can find site 26 along the Neal Smith Trail and Ding Darling Greenway. This site currently offers:
- Hard surface trails
- Sycamore boat access
- Trailhead signs
- Parking
Improvements
This site is a hub for both water and land-based recreation, so restrooms are planned to accommodate more visitors.
Site 48
On the Des Moines River
Site 48 is located within Des Moines’ Prospect Park. There’s lots to see and do here, including:
- Drake University’s boathouse and rowing dock
- Safe access to the Des Moines River for both paddlers and motorboats
- Disc golf
- Parking, restrooms and picnic shelters
Improvements
From athletics to watersports, future improvements include:
- More fishing and hiking infrastructure
- Interpretive signage for education
- Places to sit and relax near the water
Site 51
On the Des Moines River
Site 51 lies within the City of Des Moines and features the Birdland Marina, home to the Des Moines Rowing Club. This site currently offers:
- Extensive boating amenities like rowing docks and motorized boat access
- Restrooms and other park facilities
- Captain Roy’s bar and restaurant
Improvements
In the future, Birdland Marina will serve as the primary put-in location for the downtown water trails operations. New additions to the site will coordinate with the City of Des Moines’ Birdland Masterplan and will offer:
- Canoe and kayak launch with nearby equipment rental
- Improved water access with paved parking area
- Additional signage
- Landscaping and outdoor seating
Site 87
On the Des Moines River
This site makes up part of Polk County Conservation’s Yellow Banks Park. There are many existing amenities to enjoy, such as:
- Both primitive and formal campgrounds
- An extensive trail network and river access
- Restrooms, picnic shelters, playgrounds and ballfields
Improvements
Other future improvements include:
- Relocated canoe and kayak access
- Adding additional primitive campsites
- Outdoor seating near the river
Site 106
On the Des Moines River
The Des Moines River’s final site is found within the Red Rocks Wildlife Management Area. This site currently offers:
- Public hunting access
- Boat launch
- Gravel parking lot
Improvements
Improvements will benefit park visitors, paddlers, anglers and more. They include:
- New on-water safety signage
- Picnic area
Find Your Activity with ICON
Whether you love to spend your weekend under the stars or paddling the Des Moines River, there’s something for everyone on ICON water trails. Learn more about the activities awaiting you.
EXPLORE ACTIVITIESKey To Amenities Icons
Bathrooms
Biking
Birding
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Food & Beverage
Hiking
Kayak & Canoe Lockers
Kayaking
Parking
Pet Friendly
Picnic
Playground
Rentals