Conservation

Boating

Boating

Boat ramps on Saylorville Lake at Jester Park offer convenient access to the northern stretches of this 17-mile long lake. The Lincoln Access ramp is just north of the Mile-Long Bridge, and the Jester Park Drive ramp is adjacent to the main camping area at the park.

"No Motorized Vessel Zone" is located north of the Mile Long Bridge during April 1 to August 31. This "No Motorized Vessel Zone" effects the boat ramp located near the main camping area at Jester Park. During periods of flood storage, restriction may be lifted. Please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at Saylorville Lake for details. Call 515-276-4656 or visit their website by clicking here.

Fishing and boating access to 172-acre Easter Lake is provided by a boat ramp on the south shore of the lake off Easter Lake Drive. Boaters are advised to follow the "no wake" rules for this prime walleye, bass, and catfish spot on the southside of Des Moines.

Access to the Des Moines River between Des Moines and Lake Red Rock is provided at the Yellow Banks Park boat ramp. The ramp is located off the western park drive past camp area #1.

Paddle sport launches into park ponds are located at Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park, Fort Des Moines Park, Yellow Banks Park, and into the oxbows at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.