Iowa / Raccoon River /
Emergency Dam Access Only
Carry-in (canoe and kayak) · 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
- Carry-in (canoe and kayak)
- Ramp surface
- Gravel
- Managed by
- City
- Coordinates
- 41.57981, -93.61368
Conditions
- Weather forecast for this launch · National Weather Service
- Water level, flow at the Des Moines River blw Raccoon Riv at Des Moines, IA gauge · USGS, 0.4 mi away on Raccoon River
Water level
Latest reading loads here; without it, see the USGS page below.
USGS gauge Des Moines River blw Raccoon Riv at Des Moines, IA, 0.4 mi from this launch on Raccoon River: water level, flow, a reading every 15 minutes. Readings and history at USGS.
On the river
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.
- Low-head dam, 2.2 mi upstream: Fleur Drive Dam (low-head). Portage river right. Marked portage route: 638 ft, natural. · Iowa DNR River Programs dam hazards
- Rapids, 3.9 mi upstream: Waterworks Park Rock Dam (rubble), 3 ft. · Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids
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 dam hazards, Iowa DNR River Programs portage routes, Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids.
On Raccoon River
River in Iowa. All launches on Raccoon River.
Community
Where people who use Raccoon River talk about it.
Nearby launches
- Harriet Street Access · 1.1 mi · Des Moines River
- Birdland Park · 2.1 mi · Des Moines River
- Des Moines Water Works Park · 2.4 mi · Raccoon River
- Prospect Park · 2.9 mi · Des Moines River
- Pleasant Hill Boat Ramp · 5.5 mi · Des Moines River
- Walnut Woods State Park · 7.5 mi · Raccoon River
Sources
- Iowa DNR Water Accesses record ea922757-c60d-4685-b06f-1d9607ef46a0 · Public data (Iowa DNR), no terms stated; credit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
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.