The 30 Best Water trail access guide in Iowa

Turkey River Park & Canoe Access is a beautiful outdoor destination located at 20195 Strawberry Point Road in Elkader, Iowa. This park, managed by Clayton County Conservation, offers a wide range of educational opportunities for people of all ages. Visitors can explore the Osborne Nature Center, where they can view live outdoor and indoor animals native to northeast Iowa. The park also features an outdoor nature playground, hiking trails, fishing spots along the Volga River, and much more.

Middle River Water Trail Access #61 parking is a convenient spot located at 2518 Pammel Park Trail in Winterset, Iowa. This park provides easy access to the Middle River Water Trail, allowing visitors to launch their kayaks, canoes, or other watercraft for a day of exploring the scenic waterway. With ample parking available, this location makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you're looking to paddle, fish, or simply relax by the river, Middle River Water Trail Access #61 parking is the perfect starting point for your outdoor adventure.

The Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building and Visitor Contact Station is a park and tourist attraction located at 10728 County Road X61 in Wapello, Iowa, United States. This institution offers visitors a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and mushroom and berry picking. Whether you are interested in birding, watching mammals, or searching for reptiles and amphibians, a trip to Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge is sure to be enjoyable. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife including over 270 species of birds, 35 species of amphibians, 60 species of reptiles, 100 species of fish, 50 species of mammals, and numerous species of plants, fungi, and insects.

The Nahant Marsh Education Center is a 382-acre preserve located in southwest Davenport, Iowa. It is part of a larger 513-acre wetland complex bordered by the Mississippi River, Interstate 280, and Highway 22. The center offers a variety of environmental education programs for people of all ages, focusing on midwest ecosystems, conservation, and stewardship. Research projects, such as water quality testing and turtle population monitoring, guide their management practices. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon (extended to 3 p.m. from April through October). Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, accessible from the front parking lot if the main gate is locked. There is no fee to visit the Marsh.