Indian Creek in Iowa

Trip Overview

I have kayaked this shallow creek (1 foot deep) several times this spring just to keep up with a blue heron rookery(I think that's the right term). There has to be no less than 100 nests and nesting birds in a two hundred yard stretch. I noticed the nests last winter when the leaves were off the trees and they were visible from Hwy 65/330 to the south.

This is just a typical little creek, maybe 20 yards across in most places. It is not passible in summer unless we have a rain that raises the level. My kayak only needs about 4-6 inches of water, so whenever I see the water up I take a quick trip.

There are numerous put-in points, usually under bridges on the stretch from Maxwell to Mingo, which would be about a day trip. It goes through level fields and hills and is usually lined with woods. Lots of wild life. On several trips we paddled directly under an overhanging oak tree that had at least 50 turkey vultures "eyeing" us.

The Indian Creek also has some good catfishing.

Accommodations:

none

Fees:

no

Directions:

From Des Moines, IA: Hwy 65 north to the junction of Hwy 65/330/117. Follow 65 north, the creek is in the trees to the west.