The Scenic Des Moines

Gently . . . quietly . . . flowing . . .

Moving ever so slowly, the Des Moines River passes along one minute at a time. On the lower Des Moines its hard to find a soul to bother. You may drift for hours and not see anyone.

The canoeist and fisherman will find the solitude they seek. Its tranquil waters are perfect for those wanting to escape the noise and crowds of large cities. During low water levels, sand bars and islands are accessible from shore and delight adults and children alike with their treasures of clam shells, geodes and interesting rocks.

Return, renew and relax on the Des Moines.

There are several boat and canoe accesses to the Des Moines River. You can find these accesses at Austin Park, west of Keosauqua; Bentonsport, near the Odd Fellows Hall; Bonaparte has two . . . one in the city park near Bonaparte's Retreat, while the other is located 2 miles downstream from Bonaparte on the south side of the river; Farmington, two blocks downstream from the bridge on the north side of the river; Keosauqua, near the Senior Center; and Shidepoke-Selma, on the south side of the river.

Visit Gerry Rowland's Des Moines River Canoe and Kayak Trail Web Site

Experience A Des Moines River Float Trip through Van Buren Co.