Birdland Park

Birdland Park offers convenient public access to the Des Moines River in central Des Moines via a dedicated boat ramp facility. The park includes a motorized boat ramp as well as a scaled-down ramp specifically designed for kayaks and canoes, making it suitable for both paddle sports and larger vessels. The site is located at 1900 Saylor Rd and serves as home to the Des Moines Rowing Club and Birdland Marina.

The park provides excellent amenities for day-use paddlers and boaters, including picnic tables, charcoal grills, drinking fountains, and a walking/bike path. Enclosed shelters are available for reservation if you need group facilities. From this access point, paddlers can explore the Des Moines River and connect to the broader Saylorville Lake system, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley and encompasses 26,000 acres of recreational water. Cherry Glen Campground is located within 10 miles if you're planning an overnight trip.