Canoeing in Iowa

Canoeing Trips in Iowa

With a river or creek in nearly every county in Iowa, you are never far from a potential paddling destination! Find canoeing trips in Iowa for every level of canoeist. Whether you're looking for canoe rentals, a self-guided trip, day trip, multi-day trip, or anything in between, there's a canoeing trip in Iowa for you. If you've paddled Iowa before, be sure to share your trip with the rest of us!

Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these safe paddling tips and always wear your life jacket


- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -

Guide to Canoeing in Iowa

Iowa is rich with good rivers to canoe, many offering a remote feeling as you paddle past wooded shores. Explore some of these paddling destinations in Iowa:

  • Des Moines River
  • North Raccoon River
  • Lake Red Rock
  • Turkey River

Canoeing Locations In Iowa

If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in Iowa! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!

Plan a Canoeing Trip in Iowa

Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled throughout Iowa and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Iowa community trip reports below:

Connect with Paddlers in Iowa

Are you looking to connect with other canoeists about going canoeing in Iowa? Check out the Paddling.com Message Boards for resources to help you get started.