Best Kayaking in Iowa

Trying to find the best kayaking in Iowa? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Wisconsin, Iowa County

06 :21 hrs
15 mi
12.006287 ft
I

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section is peaceful, studded with islands, and loaded with inviting sandbars and beaches. Bluffs often tower over the shoreline and one unique open area is very beautiful. An annual canoe race covers most of this section in July but the rest of the year you will see far fewer paddlers.

2

Wisconsin, Grant County

05 :25 hrs
12.7 mi
6.1359863 ft
I

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section and the adjacent upstream section comprise the most secluded part of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. There is far less company from other boaters and it is very remote. However, it maintains the same level, or higher, of scenic beauty. Glacial meltwater cut through sandstone and limestone, resulting in many riverside bluffs reaching 300- to 400-feet in height. Big islands and many sandbars add to the scenic beauty.

3

Wisconsin, Boscobel

03 :44 hrs
8.8 mi
4.4095 ft
I

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section and the next comprise the most secluded part of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. There is far less company from other boaters and it is very remote. However, it maintains the same level, or higher, of scenic beauty. Glacial meltwater cut through sandstone and limestone, resulting in many riverside bluffs reaching 300- to 400-feet in height. Big islands and many sandbars add to the scenic beauty.

4

Wisconsin, Crawford County

03 :45 hrs
8.9 mi
8.427933 ft
I

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section runs to the end of the Wisconsin River at the confluence with the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River portion of this trip is brief and interesting, highlighted by imposing bluffs on both sides. Wyalusing State Park is also worth the visit either before or after your trip to learn about the history of the area and see the magnificent views from atop the bluffs.

5

Iowa, Humboldt

02 :00 hrs
4.8 mi
9.623993 ft
III

The West Fork of the Des Moines River definitely requires experience. From the get go, scout the first rock dam. If you think it is too difficult there is an optional put in at the bridge on Sumner Avenue. The river is quite swift, and it will take you to a second rock bridge, which you can go through the chute on the left or center. However, in low water season, you may have to portage. As you go on, there are riffles and a slow down stretch by rocks and boulders. During lower water levels you may have to paddle harder to avoid them. Be watchful for rocks before the Gotch Park Road at any water level. The take out is a boat ramp on the river left after the Gotch Park Road bridge.

6

Iowa, Delaware County

03 :58 hrs
9.4 mi
12.277054 ft
II

Going through wooded bluffs, riffles, riprap and you will find there is access to campsites. At the put-in, the river goes through a canyon, the bottom of a 200-foot valley. There is a canoe access at the Pioneer Road, for those that would like to finish the trip earlier or start it at a lower spot downriver. There also is a change in the landscape as the valley widens. The riverbed becomes sand and gravel; there are farms, wildflowers and wooded ridge. When it splits into two channels, go right or you will miss the take out. Depending on the water level, you will take out upstream or downstream from the bridge.

7

Iowa, Des Moines

01 :08 hrs
2.7 mi
8.364487 ft
II

waterworks Park ISUP paddle. Leave bike at take out spot and bike back!

8

Wisconsin, Grant County

03 :41 hrs
8.8 mi
17.431732 ft
I

The Grant is a delightful paddling river as it winds circuitously between the hills of the rugged Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin. It provides gorgeous canopied foliage, striking rock formations, pleasant riffles, and unbroken solitude. Although there are not any classed rapids on this river, it is recommended for advanced beginners due to the sharp turns, tricky currents and eddies, occasional maneuvering around tree limbs, and infrequent riffles. This section contains frequent riffles that are very enjoyable and keep the trip exciting. Paired with the spectacular scenery, this is a wonderful destination to paddle. All river accesses here are on private land and proper respect should be shown.

9

Wisconsin, Crawford County

03 :57 hrs
9.4 mi
18.643967 ft
I

The Kickapoo River travels through one of the most rugged portions of Wisconsin, the heart of the Driftless Area. It is incredibly twisty as it winds past spectacular bluffs and sandstone cliffs. This is the final stretch before it joins with the Wisconsin River. This trip is almost entirely in the Kickapoo River State Wildlife Area Wauzeka Unit, consequently, showing few signs of civilization. This part of the Kickapoo is unique from the other portions. Rather than being surrounding by tall cliffs and outstanding rock outcroppings, it flows through a prairie between steep 4- to 8-foot banks. One major attraction of this stretch of river is its isolation. There are often fallen trees and limbs but the river is wide with plenty of space to move around them.

10

Wisconsin, Grant County

04 :41 hrs
11.1 mi
14.82843 ft
I

The Grant is a delightful paddling river as it winds circuitously between the hills of the rugged Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin. It provides gorgeous canopied foliage, striking rock formations, pleasant riffles, and unbroken solitude. Although there are not any classed rapids on this river, it is recommended for advanced beginners due to the sharp turns, tricky currents and eddies, occasional maneuvering around tree limbs, and infrequent riffles. The scenery is breathtaking on this stretch. All river accesses here are on private land and proper respect should be shown.

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