DES MOINES, Iowa — Three trails in downtown Des Moines known for fishing and boating are getting a facelift through an ICON Water Trails project.

ICON Water Trails is a conservation program that builds recreational areas for people to fish, boat, and enjoy the water while preserving the area. ICON has made over 80 improvements to 150 miles of central Iowa rivers and creeks.

The group is currently working on improvements to make the Scott Avenue dam safe for boat passage. The project also adds a cascade feature and fish passage, and a wave feature for water sports. Scott Avenue is a premier spot for fishing in downtown, something ICON says they were sure to preserve.

“Every project that we do has water quality components to it, so stabilizing the stream, improving the flow, improving the habitat opportunities. Until recently, with the work that we’ve done, fish and other aquatic species have not been able to pass the dam easily. But we’re putting in this great habitat channel that will allow all sorts of fish and aquatic species to travel farther up the river,” said Stephanie Oppel, ICON Water Trails Executive Director.

The project broke ground in 2023, and despite high waters causing temporary delays, the project is on track to finish by the end of 2026.

Principal Point is just one of several projects taking place in downtown, including the Harriet Street site. The site originally hosted a boat ramp with minimal parking.

After breaking ground in 2023, ICON aimed to expand the area to be more family-friendly and provided more amenities for expanded water engagement.

“An improved inclusive kayak and canoe access there and nice parking lot structure with some private and public support,” said Oppel. “We are putting in a wetland there as well, that will filter some of that water that comes off of downtown before it reaches the river.”

Construction at Harriet has been completed with just signage and amenities left to go up at the site. ICON says the site should be open by the end of spring.

ICON will break ground on the Fleur Drive project this summer, where improvements are planned for the dam, including the addition of fishing and boating passages. The area will feature similar wave features and fishing opportunities to the Principal Point project.

Keep up to date on these projects and learn about ICON Water Trails’ mission here.