9 Best Places to Paddle Board in Iowa (IA)

Iowa: a hidden gem for water enthusiasts.

Have you considered exploring the best places to paddle board in Iowa?

The Hawkeye State offers stunning scenery and serene waters for paddleboarding adventures.

Let’s dive into Iowa’s astonishing paddleboarding spots and embrace the midwestern charm. Are you ready?

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Iowa

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Gray’s Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Gray’s Lake Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake water, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, turtles, fish
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Des Moines skyline, surrounding parks
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, follow park rules

Gray’s Lake, located in the heart of Des Moines, is a popular spot for paddleboarding within the city. With tranquil waters and a beautiful view of the skyline, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike.

With a surrounding park and trail system, Gray’s Lake offers a peaceful respite from city life for a relaxing paddleboarding session.

#2 Lake Red Rock

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Elk Rock State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, moderate wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, deer, fish
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, wooded shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of water levels, follow park rules

Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake, offering a vast area for paddleboarding amongst its scenic surroundings. The lake has plenty of coves and inlets to explore, providing a picturesque backdrop for your paddleboarding adventure.

Nearby Elk Rock State Park offers a great access point as well as additional recreational activities for a fun weekend getaway.

#3 Lake Okoboji

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Pikes Point State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Clear blue waters, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, small mammals
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: West Lake, East Lake, vibrant shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow park guidelines

Lake Okoboji offers a stunning paddleboarding experience in Iowa’s Great Lakes region. The clear blue waters and abundant shoreline make it a popular destination for water enthusiasts.

Whether you’re exploring narrow channels or venturing into open waters, Lake Okoboji promises an unforgettable time on the water with ample opportunities for scenic paddling.

#4 Coralville Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: West Overlook Day Use Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, Coralville Dam
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of changing water levels, stick to designated areas

Coralville Lake, located near Iowa City, offers a serene paddling experience along its wooded shoreline. With calm waters and minimal wind, it’s ideal for beginners looking to build their skills.

While paddling, you can enjoy the picturesque landscape, catch glimpses of local wildlife, and even visit the nearby Coralville Dam.

#5 Saylorville Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Cherry Glen Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, moderate wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Saylorville Dam, woodland shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of changing water levels, adhere to designated areas

Saylorville Lake near Des Moines offers a scenic spot for paddleboarding adventures. With its calm waters and abundance of coves and inlets to explore, Saylorville provides a great opportunity for paddleboarders of all levels to enjoy the water.

Be sure to visit the Saylorville Dam and marvel at the engineering feat while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.

#6 Mississippi River

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Bellevue State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Slow-moving currents, possible winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, river otters
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Lock and Dam 12, limestone bluffs, wildlife
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be cautious of changing river conditions

Experience paddleboarding along the mighty Mississippi River at Bellevue State Park in eastern Iowa. The park offers a unique vantage point of Lock and Dam 12, along with impressive limestone bluffs and diverse wildlife.

The slow-moving current and calm conditions make it an ideal spot for a leisurely day exploring the river and its surrounding landscape.

I sincerely apologize for any confusion earlier. As per your request, please find below additional paddleboarding spots in and very close to Iowa. Please note that due to limited information available on the popularity of these specific spots, the listing is in no particular order.

#7 Big Creek Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Big Creek Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shoreline, park amenities
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park regulations, be cautious of other watercraft

Big Creek Lake, located just north of Des Moines, offers paddleboarders a peaceful escape within the state. With calm waters and a beautiful shoreline, this spot is perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Big Creek State Park provides additional recreational activities and amenities for a fun-filled paddling day.

#8 Ahquabi Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Lake Ahquabi State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, mild wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, small mammals
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooden docks, park amenities
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park guidelines, be aware of motorized boats

Ahquabi Lake, located in the scenic Lake Ahquabi State Park south of Des Moines, offers paddleboarders calm waters and a beautiful setting. The clear, shallow waters are perfect for beginners looking to learn the sport or for experienced paddleboarders wanting a tranquil experience.

The state park provides additional amenities for picnicking and other outdoor activities, making it a great spot for a day trip.

#9 Beeds Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Beeds Lake State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Stone dam, limestone bluffs, wooded shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, be cautious of dam proximity

Beeds Lake, situated within the picturesque Beeds Lake State Park in north-central Iowa, provides paddleboarders with a unique and scenic experience. The calm lake waters offer a serene environment for paddleboarding against the backdrop of the impressive stone dam and limestone bluffs.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant bird and fish species present in and around the lake for an unforgettable encounter with nature.

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