Iowa / Raccoon River /

Des Moines Water Works Park

Boat ramp · on Raccoon River · near Des Moines · Iowa

Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.

At the launch

Type
Boat ramp
Fee
Free
Ramp surface
Concrete
Car parking
6 spaces
Restrooms
Portable toilet
Managed by
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Coordinates
41.56778, -93.65622

Directions (Google) Apple Maps

Conditions

Water level

Latest reading loads here; without it, see the USGS page below.

USGS gauge Raccoon River at Fleur Drive at Des Moines, IA, 1.2 mi from this launch on Raccoon River: water level, flow, a reading every 15 minutes. Readings and history at USGS.

On the river

River hazards

Low-head dams drown people every year: the current below the drop circles back and holds a swimmer or a boat at the face. Portage around them; stay well clear above and below.

  • Rapids, under 0.1 mi downstream: Waterworks Park Rock Dam (rubble), 3 ft. · Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids
  • Low-head dam, 1.8 mi downstream: Fleur Drive Dam (low-head). Portage river right. Marked portage route: 638 ft, natural. · Iowa DNR River Programs dam hazards

Up to 10 river miles each way, from the agencies' inventories; not every hazard is listed and rivers change. Scout before you go.

Sources: Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids, Iowa DNR River Programs dam hazards, Iowa DNR River Programs portage routes.

On Raccoon River

River in Iowa. All launches on Raccoon River.

Community

Where people who use Raccoon River talk about it.

Nearby launches

Sources

Why it is listed as public: listed by Iowa DNR Water Accesses. Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.