Rental Canoes & Kayaks
Relax in the water for the day in one of our Rental Canoes or Kayaks!
For parties from 1 to 24 we can outfit you with everything you need.
Canoes rent for $34 per day (24 hours) Kayaks rent for $28 per day (24 hours)
Pick them up at our shop, we'll help you load, take them where ever you want.
Float Trip Guides for Northwest Iowa |
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| Bradgate to Rutland | Rutland to Humboldt | Dakota City to Gotch Park |
| Humboldt to Gotch Park | Livermore to Foster Bridge | Foster Bridge to Dakota City |
Humboldt County & Northwest Iowa
Humboldt County is located in north central Iowa, approximately 100 miles north of Des Moines. The City of Humboldt, the county's population center sits on sits on the junctions of State Highway 3 and US Highway 169. Dakota City, Humboldt's neighbor to the east is the county seat.
Though small in size, Humboldt County, one of the state's smallest counties, is not small in the availability of recreation and outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors. The county boasts an abundance of natural resources that includes scenic rivers with limestone outcroppings, an extensive city and county park system, diverse prairie and wetland ecosystems, forested river corridors and an extensive bike trail system that traverses the county.
Stephen H. Taft, founder of the City of Humboldt, knew immediately he was somewhere special as he recalled - "I remember the delight with which I first looked upon this beautiful spot of the Des Moines Valley. It was the afternoon of a perfect September day, and I can never forget the impression it made upon me by its wild and marvelous beauty."
The essence of this wild and marvelous beauty of the Upper Des Moines River Valley rings true today and still captures the hearts of both residents and visitors.
The Trail County
Humboldt County showcases an extensive network of rivers, trails and parks that provide multiple recreational opportunities. The East and West Forks of the Des Moines River transect the county before joining south of the City of Humboldt at Gotch Park to become the Des Moines River.
The county's river system provides 42 miles of water trail recreation and offers paddling opportunities for all types of paddlers - those seeking whitewater experiences. This information is designed to maximize your paddling experience on the rivers of Humboldt County by featuring 6 different paddling trips with descriptions of each so that you as a paddler can pick your experience.
While this guide highlights water trails, ample opportunities exist to also experience the bike trails of the county. The 32 miles of trail system throughout the county often intersects or runs parallel to the river system so coordinate a paddle/peddle weekend and experience Humboldt County from land or water. The crushed limestone trail system extends beyond the county into the neighboring counties of Pocahontas and Wright and links several communities through its east and west journey.
Things to Do!
Enjoy camping along the river at one of the many attractive campgrounds!
-Rose Mill Park at Rutland
-Sheldon Park in Humboldt
-Gotch Park south of Humboldt
-Dakota City Park in Dakota City
Fish on both forks of the river! Hike or bike on the miles of scenic trails!
Natural rapids and rock riffles provide some of the best walleye fishing in the state. The City of Humboldt raises walleye in their rearing ponds and release them into the West Fork of the Des Moines River to ensure excellent fishing for future generation.
Resources
Iowa Water Trails Information
Iowa Water Trails Program
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Building
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3134
Lodging/Restaurant Information
Humboldt/Dakota City Chamber of Commerce
29 S. 5th Street
Humboldt, IA 50548
(515) 332-1481
River Level Information
US Geological Survey
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt
National Weather Service
http://www.nws.noaa.gov
Conservation Contacts
Humboldt County Conservation Board
(515) 332-4087
Iowa DNR - Conservation Officer
(515) 571-0127
Meandered or Non-Meandered - Who Owns the River?
A meandered river is where the adjacent landowners own the land above the high water mark meaning land below the high water mark (river bed) is public, giving paddlers a chance to explore sandbars without worry of trespassing.
The river sections through Humboldt County and highlighted in this brochure are designated as meandered meaning the river bed is public; however, some islands along the route are private property and must be respected.
If you have any questions regarding other sections of rivers in Iowa, contact the Iowa Water Trails Program in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Low-Head Dams
Three low-head dams exist along Humboldt County rivers and MUST BE PORTAGED as they present a danger due to the hydraulic that is created as part of their churning backwash. Refer to the float trip maps for the location of these dams.
Paddling Safety Tips!!
1. Wear a life jacket! Read the life jacket's label to ensure the right fit provides the right type of flotation.
2. Know the waters you plan to float. Prepare a float plan and let others know your plan. Check weather forecast for storms or increased winds.
3. Stay alert! Be aware of your surroundings and look for hazards such as low-head dams or log jams.
4. Keep your vessel stable. Do not lean over the edge which can lead to capsizing.
5. Don't boat under influence of alcohol or other drugs.
6. Plan to get wet and be prepared with proper supplies.