River rafting in Iowa: What to know & where to go

Interested in river rafting in Iowa? To help you plan your next trip, here’s a list of some of the best spots, along with other helpful info you should know.

Contrary to popular belief, Iowa is not solely made up of corn fields and pig sties. Local Iowans will tell you that the state is rich in natural wonders. From the valleys and bluffs of Dubuque to the forests and prairies surrounding Iowa City, there are many natural sites to explore.

That being said, even some Iowa natives may be surprised to know that the state has places to enjoy whitewater rapids and rafting. If this sounds interesting to you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots for rafting in Iowa, along with other tips and tricks you need to know.

Best places to go rafting in Iowa

Charles City Whitewater Park

In 2011, Charles City Whitewater (CCWW) became the first whitewater park in Iowa. The course is about 1200 feet long and includes three exciting features, which add an extra element of fun and the opportunity to do some tricks. The course is located at Riverfront Park on the Cedar River in downtown Charles City and is free to use. Depending on the river levels, the river can be great for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. The park also hosts the annual Charles City Challenge. This whitewater festival includes events for paddlers and activities on shore for those who’d prefer to stay on solid ground.

When to go: spring, early summer

Who should go: kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, and canoeists (inner-tubers in mid to late summer)

Difficulty: II(III)

A person navigating a kayak through the Charles City Whitewater Park. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Tourism Office)

Manchester Whitewater Park

If you’ve never experienced rapids, the Manchester Whitewater Park is a great place to begin. Completed in 2015, this course is located on the Maquoketa River in downtown Manchester and is approximately 1000 feet long. It includes six distinct features, ranging in difficulty from class 1 to class 2 rapids. The park is free to use and is open at any time. Be sure to read the signs posted around the park and check water levels before entering the river. 

When to go: summer

Who should go: kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, boogie boarders, canoers, and inner-tubers.

Difficulty: I-II

A person paddling through the Manchester Whitewater Park. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Tourism Office)

Elkader Whitewater Park

Elkader Whitewater Park is best for those with prior paddling experience. Located on the Turkey River, this course is shorter than the previous two, at only a couple of hundred feet. Its main feature is Gobbler Wave, which is actually a large hole that causes waves during high enough river flows. It’s a great place for experienced paddlers to practice their freestyle moves. For the best results, try going after heavy rains or flooding when the river flow rate is between 3500-4500 cfs. 

When to go: late spring, early summer

Who should go: kayakers, canoers, and those interested in playboating

Difficulty: II(III)

A group of people enjoying Elkader Whitewater Park. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Tourism Office)

Other places to go

While not necessarily locations to go whitewater rafting in Iowa, with 18,000 miles of navigable streams and rivers across the state, there are lots of other options to consider. 

Upper Iowa River 

A tributary of the Mississippi River, the Upper Iowa River is one of the most widely recognized rivers in the state. In fact, it was one of the first in the nation to be nominated as a national Wild and Scenic River. Consequently, it is a great place not only to go kayaking and canoeing, but also camping, fly fishing, and birdwatching. 

A bridge over the Upper Iowa River. (Photo by Kevin Schuchmann, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Middle River

Want to visit Madison County’s famous covered bridges? Then look no further than a paddling trip on the Middle River Water Trail. The state water trail begins at Middle River Forest County Park and goes for about 45 river miles. Enjoy picturesque views of the countryside and access to two of the six remaining covered bridges in the county, Roseman Covered Bridge, which played a prominent role in the movie “The Bridges of Madison County,” and the Holliwell Covered Bridge. 

For more river locations and ideas, check out this map from the Iowa DNR.

A view of Roseman Covered Bridge. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Tourism Office)

Planning your trip

The key to a fun outing is thorough planning. Two important aspects are packing and safety. Below, we’ve compiled some of the basics, but it’s also a good idea to do more specific research on your own, depending on the adventure you are going on.

Basic Packing List

• Lifejacket
• Dry bag with extra clothing
• A cell phone with a waterproof case
• First aid supplies
• Water shoes 
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Bug repellant
• Enough food and water for the trip
• Wet or dry suit (for cold conditions)

Safety

Whether you decide to hit the rapids or plan a leisurely float, there are risks when entering any river. While you should always do some of your own research before going somewhere new, here are a few of the most important safety considerations to keep in mind. For more information about river and paddling safety, visit Iowa DNR’s website.

1. Know what you are getting into. Before you jump into your boat, be sure to check river levels, water temperatures, weather, access points, and the location of dams and hazards. 
2. Create a float plan. Give someone who isn’t entering the river the plans for your trip. Tell them where you are going, your starting point, ending point, and how long it will take you. That way, if something does go wrong, they’ll know if and where to send help.
3. Don’t forget transportation. Ensure you have a way to get both to and from the river so you don’t end up stranded.  
4. Paddle with a group. If you don’t know anyone who wants to go, consider joining your local paddling club or booking a guided tour.
5. Always wear a lifejacket. Even if you are a great swimmer, a lifejacket could mean the difference between a scary close call and a fatal accident. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: Stand-up paddleboarding in Iowa: What to know & where to go