Cherry Glen - East

Cherry Glen East provides paved boat ramp access to Saylorsville Lake's 26,000-acre impoundment on Big Creek in Johnston. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility offers convenient launch access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boaters exploring the extensive lake system. The ramp is located near Cherry Glen Picnic Area (4586 NW 94th Avenue, Polk City, IA) and serves as an entry point to approximately 6,000 acres of water on Saylorsville Lake plus an additional 950 acres at Big Creek State Park.

The lake stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley and supports a variety of recreational uses including boating, fishing (walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike), and water sports. Paddlers should note that registered campers at nearby Cherry Glen Campground receive hangtags for day-use access to the beach and boat ramp areas. The site connects to the 24-mile Neal Smith Trail, offering additional recreation opportunities. For current conditions, facility details, or to reserve nearby camping, contact the facility at 515-276-4656.

Overview
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.Recreation
Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and...

Overview
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.Recreation
Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.

The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.Facilities
This day-use area offers six group picnic shelters, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground and hiking trails. Cherry Glen Campground is adjacent as well as Cherry Glen Boat Ramp. Natural Features
Cherry Glen is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge. Visiting with family and friends while relaxing in the shade of one of the area's many trees is a popular pastime.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Cherry Glen Campground and Cherry Glen Boat Ramp.

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