Des Moines River Trail

Des Moines River Water Trail is 41 miles of "Floating Fun" through Van Buren County! 

Boats, Canoes and Kayaks have access to the river at 8 access points. (Shidepoke Access in Selma, Douds, Austin Park, Keosauqua, Bentonsport, Bonaparte, Des Moines River access (down river from Bonaparte) and Farmington.)

A popular single day float includes put-in at the Keosauqua Boat Ramp, which is conveniently located across the street from Hotel Manning, a rest stop, (maybe some shopping too!) at Bentonsport, (9 miles) and take-out at Bonaparte (3 miles) or Farmington, (6 miles from Bonaparte) just in time for dinner at the Bonaparte Retreat or Bridge Cafe in Farmington. 

Public restrooms are available at Keosauqua, Bentonsport, Bonaparte & pit-toilet at Farmington. Information Kiosks with map & brochure available at all locations except Austin Park & Des Moines River Access. You can download a map of the Lower Des Moines River Trail along with other Iowa Water Trails from the IA DNR.

The University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist has also published a book with interesting historical information on the Lower Des Moines River, "A River of Unrivaled Advantages".