Best Lakes for Paddling Near Des Moines, Iowa

Discover 5 of the best lakes for kayaking, canoeing, and SUP within 30 miles of Des Moines, IA

Copyright © April 2026 by CanoeSport Outfitters | Est. 1992 | 34 Years Serving Iowa Paddlers

Des Moines and the surrounding area offer excellent lake paddling. Whether you're looking for a quick after-work paddle, a peaceful morning on calm water, or a full-day adventure, we've got you covered.

After 35 years of paddling most of Iowa’s lakes and spending significant time on those within 50 miles of Des Moines, we've created a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect lake for the time you have available and paddling style. Each lake has its own character—from the intimate serenity of Lake Ahquabi to the bigger waters of Big Creek.

We've included everything you need to know: where to launch, what to expect, difficulty ratings, best times to paddle, and insider tips we've learned over decades of exploring these waters.

At-a-Glance Lake Comparison

Lake	Distance from Downtown	Size (Acres)	Difficulty	Best For
Gray's Lake	2 miles	167	Beginner	Urban paddle, families, after-work
Easter Lake	8 miles	194	Beginner	Wildlife viewing, peaceful paddling
Blue Heron Lake	15 miles	232	Beginner	Small intimate lake, beginners
Lake Ahquabi	25 miles	115	Beginner	Scenic beauty, camping
Big Creek Lake	20 miles	866	Beginner-Intermeditae	Longer paddles, fishing, variety

1. Gray's Lake

Location	2400 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
Distance from Downtown	2 miles southwest
Lake Size	167 acres
Difficulty	Beginner
Best Season	April-October
Parking Fee	Free

Overview

Gray's Lake is Des Moines' signature urban paddling destination. Located just minutes from downtown, this 167-acre lake offers a quick escape with the city skyline as your backdrop. The lake is surrounded by a 1.9-mile walking trail, making it a hub of activity year-round.

What makes Gray's Lake special for paddlers is its accessibility and calm water. The lake is shallow (max depth around 12 feet) and protected from strong winds by surrounding trees and development. It's ideal for beginners to take in an after-work paddles, and families with young children.

Launch Points

Main Beach Area (Best Launch):

Located on the east side of the lake off Fleur Drive. This is your best bet with a designated beach area, easy water access, and ample parking. The gentle slope makes launching kayaks, canoes, and SUPs effortless.

What to Expect on the Water

·      Average paddle time: 45-90 minutes for full lake loop

·      Distance: Roughly 2 miles around the perimeter

·      Water conditions: Generally calm, light chop possible on windy days

·      Boat traffic: Moderate. Watch for other paddlers, especially weekends

·      Wildlife: Ducks, geese, occasional blue heron, turtles

·      Views: Des Moines skyline to the east, beautiful at sunset

·      Crowd level: Busy on nice weekend afternoons, quieter weekday mornings

Best Times to Paddle

Early morning (6-8 AM): Calm water, fewer people, beautiful light for photography. Our favorite time.

Weekday evenings (5-7 PM): After work, the lake is busy but fun. Great people-watching.

Sunset: The city lights reflecting on the water are spectacular.

Insider Tips (From 35 Years of Experience)

·      💡 Paddle counter-clockwise around the lake—you'll have better views

·      💡 The southwest corner near the marsh is the quietest and best for wildlife

·      💡 Avoid summer weekend afternoons (1-4 PM) when it's most crowded

·      💡 Winter paddling is possible here—we've paddled in March with ice shelves still on shore!

·      💡 Great spot for SUP beginners—shallow water means in many places you can stand up if you fall

·      💡 Pack a picnic—the surrounding park has great spots to eat after paddling

Who Should Paddle Gray's Lake?

·      ✓ First-time kayakers or paddlers

·      ✓ Families with young children

·      ✓ After-work quick paddles (live nearby)

·      ✓ SUP beginners wanting to build their confidence on the water

·      ✓ Anyone wanting an urban escape without driving far

Our verdict: Perfect first lake for beginners. Not the most scenic or remote, but unbeatable for convenience and ease. We've taught hundreds of people to paddle here.

2. Easter Lake

Location	Easter Lake Park, 5815 SW 21st St, Des Moines, IA 50315
Distance from Downtown	8 miles south
Lake Size	194 acres
Difficulty	Beginner
Best Season	May-September (best wildlife viewing)
Parking Fee	Free

Overview

If Gray's Lake is the social butterfly of Des Moines paddling, Easter Lake is the introvert's paradise. This 194-acre lake is quieter, more natural, and spectacular for wildlife viewing. Located on the south side of Des Moines, Easter Lake feels much more remote than it actually is.

The lake is shallow with extensive marsh areas on the north and west sides, creating perfect habitat for birds, turtles, frogs, and fish. The water is typically calm and protected, making it ideal for peaceful, contemplative paddling.

Launch Points

Main Boat Ramp (East Side):

The primary launch is a concrete boat ramp on the south side of the lake, accessible off Easter Lake Drive. Easy parking is nearby, a gentle ramp is suitable for all watercraft. This is where most paddlers launch.

Beach Area (South Side):

There's also a small beach area on the north side with shore access. More walking required to get your kayak in the water, but doable if the main ramp is crowded.

What to Expect on the Water

·      Average paddle time: 1-2 hours to explore thoroughly

·      Distance: About 2.5 miles around the perimeter

·      Water conditions: Very calm, protected from wind

·      Boat traffic: Light. Mostly paddlers and some small fishing boats

·      Wildlife: EXCELLENT. Herons, egrets, ducks, geese, turtles, occasional bald eagles

·      Water clarity: Moderate. Can be murky after rain

·      Depth: Shallow (3-10 feet most areas), be careful near shore

·      Crowd level: Quiet on weekdays, moderate on nice weekends

Best Times to Paddle

Early morning (sunrise-9 AM): This is THE time for Easter Lake. Wildlife is most active, water is glass-calm, and you'll often have the lake to yourself. Bring your camera.

Weekday afternoons: Still quiet, great for a peaceful paddle after work.

Avoid: Summer weekends can bring jet skis and motorboats (though still less busy than other lakes).

Paddling Routes

The Wildlife Loop (1.5 hours):

From the main boat ramp, paddle north along the east shore, then cut west into the marsh areas. This northern section is where you'll see the most birds. Paddle slowly and quietly through the cattails and lily pads. Circle back along the west shore to complete the loop.

Quick Evening Paddle (45 minutes):

Launch from the boat ramp and paddle south toward the dam, then return along the east shore. Less wildlife but still peaceful and beautiful.

Insider Tips

·      💡 The marsh on the northwest side is incredible for bird photography—paddle slowly and bring binoculars

·      💡 Water levels drop significantly by late summer—watch for stumps and shallow areas

·      💡 Fishing is excellent here (bluegill, bass, catfish)—great combo fishing/paddling trips

·      💡 Pack bug spray for summer evening paddles—mosquitoes love the marsh

·      💡 The dam at the south end creates a small current—not dangerous, just be aware

·      💡 This is one of the best lakes for seeing bald eagles in winter (yes, winter paddling!)

·      💡 Parking fills up on summer weekends—arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM

Who Should Paddle Easter Lake?

·      ✓ Nature lovers and bird watchers

·      ✓ Photographers (especially wildlife photographers)

·      ✓ People seeking solitude and peace

·      ✓ Beginner paddlers who want easy, calm water

·      ✓ Fishing kayakers (great fishing + paddling combo)

Our verdict: Easter Lake is underrated. If you want natural beauty without driving far, this is your lake. The wildlife viewing is unmatched in the Des Moines metro.

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3. Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

Location	Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Distance from Downtown	8 miles west
Lake Size	230 acres
Difficulty	Beginner
Best Season	April-October
Parking Fee	Free

Overview

Blue Heron Lake is West Des Moines' best-kept paddling secret. Tucked inside the sprawling Raccoon River Park, this intimate 230-acre lake offers the perfect quick escape without leaving the metro area. It's small enough to paddle in 30-45 minutes, but beautiful enough that you'll want to stay longer.

What makes Blue Heron Lake special is its accessibility combined with surprising tranquility. Despite being surrounded by one of West Des Moines' most popular parks (with trails, playgrounds, and sports fields), the lake itself feels peaceful and separate. The tree-lined shore creates a natural buffer from park activity, and on weekday mornings, you'll often have the entire lake to yourself.

Launch Points

Main Boat Launch (North Side):

There's a small concrete boat ramp on the north side of the lake, accessible from the parking lot near the north entrance of Raccoon River Park. It's a gentle slope perfect for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. Parking is immediately adjacent—you're carrying your boat maybe 20 feet from car to water.

Alternative Launches (West Shore):

There's informal shoreline access on the west side near the walking trail. It's grassy bank access rather than a ramp but works fine if the main ramp is busy. At the southern end of the rental launch beach which is south of the boathouse, paddlers may launch and land. Keep in mind this is the landing and launching zone for the rental business so it’s best not to loiter on the beach. Be sure not to swim or wade in this area as well. It’s best to carry everything off the beach as quickly as possible.

What to Expect on the Water

·      Average paddle time: 45-60 minutes for complete exploration

·      Distance: Approximately 3 miles around perimeter

·      Water conditions: Very calm, well-protected from wind by surrounding trees

·      Boat traffic: Minimal. Mostly kayaks and canoes, occasional small fishing boat

·      Wildlife: True to its name—herons are common! Also turtles, waterfowl, occasional deer at shoreline

·      Fishing: Good (bluegill, bass, catfish)

·      Water clarity: Generally clear to moderate

·      Crowd level: Very low weekdays, moderate weekend mornings, busier summer afternoons

Best Times to Paddle

Weekday mornings (7-10 AM): Absolute perfection. The lake is typically empty, water is calm, wildlife is active, and you're close enough to downtown that you could paddle before work if you wanted.

Early weekend mornings (7-9 AM): Great window before the park fills with families for sports and playground activities.

Sunset paddles: The west-facing orientation means beautiful evening light. The lake glows golden hour.

Avoid: Summer weekend afternoons (1-4 PM) when the park is at peak capacity. Not that the lake gets crowded, but the parking lot does, and you'll hear more activity from the nearby fields.

Paddling Strategy

Blue Heron Lake has several bays and out of the way areas to paddle, including a non-motorized area in the southeast corner. The entire perimeter takes an hour or so to paddle. The size of the lake will vary with water level which will naturally effect the paddling time. Our recommendation: Launch from the north ramp, paddle counterclockwise around the lake, exploring the shallow coves and watching for wildlife.

The south end has some interesting shallow areas with aquatic vegetation—great for bird watching and fishing. The east shore has nice tree coverage and is typically the quietest section.

Then here's the best part: After paddling, you have the entire Raccoon River Park to explore. There's a paved trail system (13+ miles of trails), picnic areas, playgrounds if you have kids, and restrooms. This makes Blue Heron perfect for a 'paddle plus' outing.

Insider Tips

·      💡 The lake is no-wake, which keeps it peaceful and safe for paddlers

·      💡 Combine your paddle with a walk on the trails or rent a bike from the Boathouse—park is beautiful year-round

·      💡 Perfect 'lunch break paddle' if you work in West Des Moines—30-minute paddle + 15-minute drive each way

·      💡 Great introduction lake for nervous beginners—small, protected, close to shore always

·      💡 Pack a picnic—multiple pavilions and picnic tables throughout the park

·      💡 Fishing from kayaks is excellent here—the lake isn't over-pressured

·      💡 Winter paddling is possible on ice-free days (we've paddled here in November)

·      💡 The park has excellent mountain biking trails too—bring bikes for after your paddle

·      💡 Clean, modern restrooms near the parking lot (rare at paddle locations!)

Don’t Have A Boat? Rent One!

The Boathouse on the northwest corner of the lake, just inside the main entrance offers canoes, kayaks (singles and doubles), Stand-up Paddleboards, and Peddle Boats.  Go to www.canoesportoutfitters.com for more details. Rentals are available for half-hour, hour, or daily rentals. They also rent bicycles.

Who Should Paddle Blue Heron Lake?

·      ✓ Absolute beginners wanting confidence-building water

·      ✓ Busy people who want to paddle but only have 45 minutes total

·      ✓ Families with young kids (small lake = less intimidating)

·      ✓ Anyone wanting to combine paddling with other park activities (trails, picnic)

·      ✓ Fishing kayakers (great action, easy access)

·      ✓ After-work paddlers who live in West Des Moines

·      ✓ People testing out a new kayak or paddle (low-stakes environment)

Why We Love Blue Heron Lake

It's 10 minutes from anywhere in West Des Moines, you can go for a short paddle or stretch it out, and it's genuinely peaceful and pleasant. For busy people who struggle to find time to paddle, Blue Heron Lake removes every excuse. Park, unload, paddle, load up, drive home—the whole experience can take as little as 60 minutes if you hustle, or 2 hours if you relax and enjoy the park.

Our verdict: Blue Heron Lake is the perfect 'quick paddle' destination. Not epic, not challenging, not remote—just reliably pleasant, conveniently located, and exactly what you need when you want to be on the water.

4. Lake Ahquabi

Location	Lake Ahquabi State Park, 1650 118th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125
Distance from Downtown	25 miles south (near Indianola)
Lake Size	115 acres
Difficulty	Beginner
Best Season	May-October (campground open year-round)
Parking Fee	Free
Special Note	Camping available, beach, hiking trails

Overview

Lake Ahquabi is where Des Moines paddlers go when they want a 'real' lake experience. This 115-acre lake sits in rolling, forested hills south of Indianola and feels like you've traveled to northern Minnesota. It's Iowa's most scenic lake within 30 minutes of Des Moines—dramatic wooded shoreline, and a truly wild feel despite being a state park.

The name 'Ahquabi' comes from a Native American word meaning 'place of rest,' and it absolutely delivers. This is a destination paddle—pack a lunch, bring your camera, and plan to spend 2-3 hours here minimum.

Launch Points

Main Boat Ramp (North Shore):

The primary launch is a concrete boat ramp just inside the north (campground) entrance. There is also a small boat launch area immediately adjacent to the boat ramp that is easy to use. Easy parking is nearby, and the ramp is well-maintained, suitable for all boats.

Public Docks (East Shore)

You may also launch from or between the public docks located on the east side of the lake near the beach. This is accessed via the south entrance of the park across from the Izaak Walton League.

What to Expect on the Water

·      Average paddle time: 1.5-3 hours (you'll want to explore everything)

·      Distance: About 2.5-3 miles around the perimeter

·      Water conditions: Generally calm mornings, can get choppy afternoon with wind

·      Boat traffic: Moderate. Mix of paddlers, small fishing boats, occasional pontoons

·      Wildlife: Excellent. Great blue herons, kingfishers, bald eagles (winter), turtles, deer

·      Water clarity: Usually good—depends on recent rains and run off,

·      Scenery: OUTSTANDING. Wooded hills, dramatic bluffs, natural shoreline

·      Crowd level: Moderate on summer weekends, quiet weekdays

Best Times to Paddle

Early morning (6-8 AM): Absolutely magical. Glass-calm water, mist rising off the lake, wildlife active. This is when Lake Ahquabi shines brightest.

Weekday mornings: Great any time, but especially nice on weekdays when campground isn't full.

Fall (September-October): The forested hills turn brilliant colors. This is THE lake for fall paddling near Des Moines.

Avoid: Summer weekend afternoons (noon-4 PM) when boat traffic peaks and wind tends to pick up.

Paddling Routes

The Full Circle (2-2.5 hours):

Launch from the boat ramp and paddle clockwise around the entire lake. The west and south shores are the most scenic with dramatic wooded bluffs rising from the water. Take your time exploring coves and inlets. The east shore has a marshy area that's great for birds. Complete the loop back to the boat ramp.

South Shore Exploration (1.5 hours):

Paddle south from the boat ramp along the west shore, exploring the deepest, most dramatic section of the lake. Turn back at the southern tip and return. This hits the highlights if you're short on time.

Fishing Expedition (3+ hours):

Lake Ahquabi has excellent fishing (largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish). Slow paddle with frequent stops at productive spots. The deep water near the dam, lily pad areas on the east shore, and shallow coves are all good.

Insider Tips

·      💡 This lake can get windy in afternoon—mornings are almost always calmer

·      💡 Pack a lunch and eat on the water or beach—beautiful picnic spot

·      💡 The state park has great hiking trails—combine paddling with hiking for a full day

·      💡 Camping here is excellent—camp Friday, paddle Saturday morning before crowds arrive

·      💡 Winter paddling is possible on ice-free days—we've paddled here in November

Facilities & Amenities

·      ✓ Modern restrooms near boat ramp

·      ✓ Beach and swimming area

·      ✓ Campground

·      ✓ Picnic areas and shelters

·      ✓ Hiking trails (3+ miles of trails)

Don’t Have A Boat? Rent One!

The Boathouse on the northwest corner of the lake, just inside the main entrance offers canoes, kayaks (singles and doubles), Stand-up Paddleboards, and Peddle Boats.  Go to www.canoesportoutfitters.com for more details. Rentals are available for half-hour, hour, or daily rentals.

Who Should Paddle Lake Ahquabi?

·      ✓ Paddlers wanting Iowa's most scenic lake near Des Moines

·      ✓ Photographers—this lake is incredibly photogenic

·      ✓ Families planning a full day (paddle + swim + picnic + hike)

·      ✓ Camping enthusiasts who want a paddle-centric camping trip

·      ✓ Anyone wanting to feel like they've left Iowa without driving far

Our verdict: Lake Ahquabi is a wonderful place to paddle. This is where we bring most of our customers to show off what Iowa offers and teach the majority of our paddling courses.  Make the drive—you won't regret it.

5. Big Creek Lake

Location	Big Creek State Park, 8332 NW 110th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226
Distance from Downtown	20 miles north (Polk City area)
Lake Size	866 acres
Difficulty	Beginner - Intermediate
Best Season	May-October
Parking Fee	Free
Special Note	Large lake, marina, camping, excellent facilities

Overview

Big Creek Lake lives up to its name. At 866 acres, this is a REAL lake—big water, long distances, and the potential for adventure. Located just north of Polk City, Big Creek is Des Moines paddlers' go-to lake for longer expeditions, and serious fishing trips.

What makes Big Creek special is its variety. You have open water for distance paddling, protected coves for beginners, marshy areas for wildlife viewing, and enough shoreline complexity to explore for years without repeating the same paddle. It's also Iowa's premier sailing lake, so expect to see sailboats on nice days.

Important note: This can be a step above beginner-level, maybe not quite intermediate-level water but wind can create legitimate waves, distances are longer, and it helps to be a more confident paddler. But if you're ready for it, Big Creek rewards you with incredible paddling.

Launch Points

Main Beach & Boat Ramp (Best for Kayakers):

Located on the south shore near the park office. This is the primary launch with excellent parking, clean restrooms nearby, and easy beach access for kayaks and canoes. Most paddlers launch here.

Marina Area (Alternative):

The marina on the east side has boat ramps, but these are busier with powerboat traffic. Better for motorized boats than kayaks.

North Access Points:

There are additional access points on the north shore near the campground. These can be nice for campers who want to paddle right from camp.

What to Expect on the Water

·      Average paddle time: 2-4 hours (or all day—it's that big)

·      Distance: 5+ miles around the entire perimeter (most people explore sections)

·      Water conditions: Varies dramatically. Can be glass-calm or 2-foot waves

·      Boat traffic: SIGNIFICANT. Powerboats, sailboats, jet skis (especially weekends)

·      Wildlife: Good. Pelicans (!), herons, eagles (especially winter), waterfowl

·      Water clarity: Fair. Can be murky after storms

·      Depth: Varies considerably

·      Wind exposure: HIGH. Open water means wind affects you significantly

·      Crowd level: Busy summer weekends, moderate weekdays, quieter spring/fall

Best Times to Paddle

Early morning (6-8 AM): Absolutely critical on Big Creek. Wind is calm, boat traffic is minimal, wildlife is active, and the lake is yours. This is when experienced paddlers hit Big Creek.

Weekday mornings (any time before noon): Much less boat traffic than weekends, still manageable wind.

Spring and fall: Less boat traffic, cooler temperatures, dramatic bird migrations in spring.

AVOID: Summer weekend afternoons (noon-5 PM). Busy boat traffic, peak wind, waves from boat wakes. Not pleasant.

Paddling Routes & Areas

West Cove Exploration (1.5-2 hours):

From the main beach, paddle west into the large cove. This area is more protected from wind and has less boat traffic. Good wildlife viewing in the marshy areas. Great option for less experienced paddlers who want to try Big Creek without committing to the open water.

North Shore Adventure (2.5-3 hours):

Paddle north from the main beach along the east shore, then cut across to the north shore. The north shore is more remote and natural with interesting inlets to explore. Return along the west shore. About 4-5 miles total.

Full Lake Circuit (4-6 hours):

The complete perimeter is 5-6 miles depending on how you navigate the coves. This is a legitimate expedition requiring good fitness, proper gear, and favorable weather. Check weather forecast carefully. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Incredibly rewarding if you're up for it.

Fishing Hotspots:

Big Creek has excellent fishing (walleye, white bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill). Productive areas: The dam on the east end, rocky points along north shore, weed beds in west cove, and deep water drop-offs.

⚠️ BIG CREEK SAFETY CHECKLIST:

✓ Check weather forecast before launching (wind speed especially)

✓ Wear your PFD at all times (this is big water—not optional)

✓ Bring more water than you think you need

✓ Stay close to shore if wind picks up (waves build quickly)

✓ Be visible—bright colored kayak or flag recommended

✓ Watch for powerboat traffic (they may not see you)

✓ Bring phone in waterproof case

If wind exceeds 15 mph or you see whitecaps forming, get off the water.

Insider Tips

·      💡 Wind forecast is everything—check weather before you go, and be conservative

·      💡 The west cove is your safe zone if conditions deteriorate—you can always retreat there

·      💡 Pelicans! Big Creek has a pelican population—amazing to see in Iowa

·      💡 Fishing is phenomenal here—bring rod holders if you have a fishing kayak

·      💡 The beach area is great for swimming—plan to cool off after your paddle

·      💡 Give boats plenty of room

·      💡 Fall paddling here is underrated—lake is nearly empty and gorgeous

Facilities & Amenities

·      ✓ Excellent beach and swimming area

·      ✓ Modern restrooms and shower facilities

·      ✓ Marina with boat rentals

·      ✓ Concession stand (summer weekends)

·      ✓ Playgrounds for kids

·      ✓ Multiple picnic areas and shelters

·      ✓ Hiking and mountain biking trails

Who Should Paddle Big Creek Lake?

·      ✓ Distance paddlers wanting a longer workout

·      ✓ Serious fishing kayakers (excellent fishing)

·      ✓ Confident beginners who stick to protected west cove area

·      ✓ Camping families wanting paddle + swim + camp experience

·      ✓ Paddlers seeking variety and new challenges

Our verdict: Big Creek is great if smaller lakes feel too easy. It demands respect, preparation, and skill—but rewards you with genuine adventure.

General Iowa Lake Paddling Tips

·      Check weather forecast (especially wind) before every paddle

·      Always wear your PFD

·      Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back

·      Bring more water than you think you need (Iowa heat + sun = dehydration)

·      Early morning paddles are almost always better (less wind, fewer crowds, more wildlife)

·      Respect private property along shorelines

·      Pack out everything you pack in—Leave No Trace principles

·      Be visible—bright colored boats are safer around powerboat traffic

·      Start small and work your way up to bigger lakes as skills improve

READY TO GET ON THE WATER?

We've been paddling these lakes for 35 years and teaching thousands of Iowans to paddle safely and confidently. Whether you're buying your first kayak or upgrading to a touring boat for Red Rock adventures, we'll help you choose the right equipment and teach you the skills you need.

What We Offer:

✓ Free paddling instruction with every kayak purchase

✓ Test paddle before you buy at our rental locations

✓ Expert advice from paddlers who know these lakes intimately

✓ Lifetime maintenance and support

✓ Complete gear selection (kayaks, paddles, PFDs, car racks)

Visit our retail store or either of our rental locations. Let's get you on the water!

CanoeSport Outfitters | “Where Paddling Is A Priority”

Phone: 515-961-6117 or 515-339-5582 | Email: info@canoesportoutfitters.com

Check out www.canoesportoutfitters.com for more about our retail store, our rental facilities at Lake Ahquabi State Park & Raccoon River Park, and our full schedule of Instruction Programs and Adventure Trips.