Barringer Slough Wildlife Area

Located in Ruthven in Clay County, this 22-acre access site provides a single-lane concrete boat ramp with an attached dock and adequate parking/maneuvering area for launching kayaks, canoes, and small boats onto Lost Island Outlet. The facility is straightforward and well-designed for water access, making it suitable for paddlers of various experience levels.

Barringer Slough itself is a reconstructed wetland area spanning 1,526 acres—a remnant of Iowa's historic Des Moines lobe prairie wetlands. This rich marsh environment offers paddling through scenic wetland habitat, though conditions may vary seasonally. The area is managed as both a wildlife area and public recreation site, making it valuable for both boating and wildlife observation.

To reach the ramp, head south on Summer Street from Burlington (approximately 2 miles past the airport), then turn left on Sullivan Slough Road, which ends at the boat launch. For current conditions, access details, or seasonal updates, contact the Clay County Conservation Board at (712) 262-2187.