Water

Boone River Designated Water Trail

The 26-mile stretch between Webster City and the Boone Forks offers some spectacular wildlife and habitat scenery. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular along this river, especially when the river levels are at their best. There are no low head dams, but there are some natural challenging rapids that make the trip fun. 7 public access areas are available along this scenic float.

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Briggs Woods Lake

This 55-acre lake is located in Briggs Woods Park. Electric motor only is allowed on the lake. Fishing includes crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and catfish.  

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Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

At 6,500 acres, Brushy Creek SRA is one of Iowa’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. The land is a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian, and lake habitats with a 690-acre lake.  The area has an extensive network of equestrian, mountain biking, and hiking trails.  It also features two equestrian campgrounds and a non-equestrian campground.

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Des Moines River Water Trail

The Des Moines River Water Trail offers a scene 46-mile float through Webster County & Fort Dodge and highlights the limestone cliffs of the Des Moines River Valley. Eight public access sites available with signage to guide your water trail adventure. Key destinations include: Fort Dodge, Lehigh, & Dolliver State Park.

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Dickcissel Lake

Dickcissel Lake, located east of the city of Boone, is a 13 acre lake that is just a short drive from the city’s of Boone and Ames. This is the perfect location to escape the fast paced city life and experience some peace and quiet on this “no wake lake.” A new canoe and kayak boat launch was recently installed here.

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Don Williams Recreation Area

Don Williams Recreation Area, located north of the city of Ogden, is home to the 150 acre Don Williams Lake where anglers can get out and try their luck year round. A variety of fish can be found here including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Channel Catfish and a bait shop is located on site. Hunting is not permitted at Don Williams Recreation Area.

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Jay Carlson Wildlife Area

Jay Carlson Wildlife Area, located just west of the City of Boone, is a one stop shop for all of your hunting and fishing needs. There are 22 acres of water combined between two gravel pits here with a variety of fish to target as well as 100 plus acres of wetlands, prairie, and woodlands that offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities as well.

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John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

One of the largest and most popular areas managed by the Webster County Conservation Board is John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. This park is a 400-acre multiple-use recreation area. The 53-acre Badger Lake provides the focal point for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, and boating (no gas motors).

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Kennedy Park Kayak / Canoe Rental

Kayak and canoe rentals at Kennedy Park are available Memorial Day through Oct 1st, between 10am and 4 pm Monday -Friday. Kayaks and canoes can be rented for 2 hours to week-long rentals.

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Ledges State Park

Ledges State Park, located just south of the City of Boone, is one of Iowa’s most popular State Parks. Pea’s Creek is a very popular location for kids of all ages to do some “creek stomping” and maybe even get a little splash from vehicles passing by! There is currently a new boat ramp under construction on the southwest boundary of the park that will...

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Little Wall Lake Park

Little Wall Lake Park is located south of Jewell and has one of the most southern glacial lakes in Iowa. 250 acres of surface water is fun for fishing or power boating and water sports. 106 campsites are available along with 3 year round cabins.

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Lizard Creek Water Trail

The Lizard Creek Water Trail follows the North Fork Lizard Creek flowing from northwest to the southeast ending at the Des Moines River in the City of Fort Dodge. This beautiful water trail is best suited for experienced kayak fishermen looking for a remote experience. Large rocks and fast-flowing water make it essential to check water levels before entering the system.

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Seven Oaks Recreation

Family-owned and operated as well as offers year-round outdoor recreation in central Iowa. From May through October, Seven Oaks visitors may take a full-service canoe, kayak or river tube float. The winter months are spent on the hill skiing, tubing, or snowboarding and each year the Gladiator Assault Challenge is held.

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