Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan

The Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan was adopted by unanimous vote of the MPO Policy Committee in November 2016. The water trails plan provides the region a road-map for enhancing citizen experiences in and along the 150 miles of waterways in Greater Des Moines.

Executive Summary
Water Trails and Greenways Plan
Beaver Creek Booklet
Des Moines River Booklet
Fourmile and Mud Creeks Booklet
North and Middle Rivers Booklet
Raccoon River Booklet
South Skunk River and Chichaqua Bottoms Booklet
Walnut Creek Booklet
State of the Rivers Report

Water Trails Appendix

A great amount of community feedback and research went into of the Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways Plan. This information is retained as an appendix for research and reference.

Water Trails Appendix

Phase I Implementation: Engineering Study

The Water Trails Engineering Study will examine list of recommended projects more closely. The engineering study will determine the feasibility of the recommended projects and provide estimated costs of those projects. With this information, local governments and funding partners can begin prioritizing projects and budgeting for the installation of these projects.

Click here for more information on the Water Trails Engineering Study.

What are Water Trails?

Water trails are recreational corridors and routes on rivers and lakes that provide a unique experience all water users. Water trails help re-connect Iowans to their waterways’ history, heritage, geology, fisheries, and wildlife. Water trails provide adequate access and can include amenities like riverside camping, wild spaces, cookout areas, and restrooms, and watercraft rentals provided by local, state, and federal partners. Coordinated signage and mapping systems guide users toward the types of experiences they seek, ranging from a highly social first-time river experience lasting a few hours to multi-day adventures. Water trails help boost local economies and give central Iowans outdoor experiences just out their back doors.

About the Regional Water Trails Planning Effort

The MPO received funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to develop a regional water trails plan. Now developed, the plan provides the region a road-map for enhancing citizen experiences in and along the waterways in Greater Des Moines.

Water Trails Plan Study Area

General Water Trails Presentation

Steering Committee

The Water Trails and Greenways Steering Committee oversaw the development of a water trails master plan for the Greater Des Moines region. Agendas, minutes and presentations are posted here.

Agendas & Minutes