City: Eldon, IA
County: Wapello County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 40.90994994, -92.21766638
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Des Moines River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Eldon Ramp is a cement boat launch located on Water Street on the west side of the Des Moines River, just below the dam in Eldon. This is the starting point for the Des Moines River Water Trail, which winds through scenic southeast Iowa down to Farmington in Van Buren County. The ramp provides direct access to quality boating, fishing, and paddling opportunities on the river.
**Important considerations:** The portage around the dam is difficult for solo paddlers. If you're planning to paddle upstream toward the dam, approach from the west side and exit on the bank below the last bridge before the dam to avoid the hazardous dam area. The ramp works best for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats looking to paddle downstream on the Des Moines River.
**Important considerations:** The portage around the dam is difficult for solo paddlers. If you're planning to paddle upstream toward the dam, approach from the west side and exit on the bank below the last bridge before the dam to avoid the hazardous dam area. The ramp works best for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats looking to paddle downstream on the Des Moines River.