(Radio Iowa) – Crews have finished construction central Iowa’s first whitewater recreation site in the Des Moines River . It’s part of the ICON Water Trails project and includes whitewater features. in what’s known as Principal Point in downtown Des Moines. ICON’s Anna McDonald crews have completed the waveshaper for surfing and rafting, and a habitat channel for fish to pass through.
The regional water trail system has been under development since 2014 as a way to add more fishing and paddling access in the area. McDonald says the Des Moines feature is unique.
McDonald says crews will begin tuning and testing the waves before the site opens to the public in spring 2027.
