Kayak and Canoe Rental in Des Moines, Iowa
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are fun summer activities for the whole family in central Iowa! Whether you are looking for kayak rentals, different river floats, and excursions, paddleboard rentals, or canoe rentals, there are plenty of places to enjoy the water and options to rent in the Des Moines area. Many offer half day, full-day, or an hourly rate. Many places include life jackets with their rentals but always double-check before going.
Check out this great list of kayak and canoe rentals in Des Moines, Iowa.
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
Location: 2830 Easter Lake Dr, Des Moines, IA 50320 on Easter Lake
Details: At Athene North Shore Recreation Area folks of all abilities will be able to experience outdoor recreation. The Athene North Shore Recreation Area is the most universally designed waterfront in Iowa and has kayaks, paddle boats, and more for all abilities.
Big Creek Marina
Location: 8550 NW 142nd Avenue, Polk City
Contact: 515-984-6083
Details: You can rent several things at the Big Creek Marina including Hobie Sailboats, fishing boats, canoes, pontoon boats, kayaks, hydro bikes, stand-up paddle boards, and more. Prices vary depending on the length of the rental and what you are renting.
Canoe Sports Outfitters
Location: 203 W Salem Avenue, Indianola
Contact: 515-961-6117; info@canoesportoutfitters.com
Details: Canoe Sports Outfitters offers lots of fun tours and paddling courses. If you would like to plan your trip, you can rent gear to paddle on your own.
Captain Roy’s
Location: 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Contact: Visit the website and select ‘Book Online Now!’
Details: There are many options and access points listed here. Rent a kayak to float on the Des Moines River from the Euclid access point to Captain Roy’s. A shuttle ride is provided.
Easter Lake Boat Rental
Location: 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines
Contact: 515-418-0837
Details: Easter Lake Boat Rental provides a wide selection of quality outdoor recreation rental equipment right on the beach at Easter Lake Park. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, bikes, fishing boats, Craig cats, drinks, snacks, bait, and more.
Gray’s Lake Park
Location: 2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
Contact: 515-237-1386; parks@dmgov.org
Details: Gray’s Lake Park offers several watercraft to rent including canoes, double kayaks, single kayaks, standup paddle-boards, and pedal boats. After a day on the water grab a snack and the snack shack!
Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center
Location: 12130 NW 128th Street, Granger
Contact: 515-323-5339
Details: Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center offers equipment to rent for all seasons including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, snowshoes, and more. Rental prices vary.
Lake Ahquabhi
Location: 16510 118th Avenue, Indianola
Contact: 515-967-0792
Details: Canoe Sport Outfitters offers different watercraft for Lake Ahquabi including paddleboats, rowboats, single and double kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and more. Prices range from $8 per 30 minutes to $45 for the day.
Quarry Springs Park
Location: 1208 Hwy 117 S, Colfax
Contact: 515-306-0126
Details: Quarry Springs Outfitters rents and sells kayaks, paddle sports accessories, and E-bikes. Contact Quarry Springs for more details on prices.
Raccoon River Park Boathouse
Location: 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Contact: 515-440-4787 / 515-222-3424
Details: The Raccoon River Boathouse is operated by CanoeSport Outfitters and is located in West Des Moines. You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and more to enjoy on Blue Heron Lake. Racoon River Park is a great place to play all year round and a favorite place for our family.
Raccoon River Retreats
Location: 7LL Bridge Street, Redfield, Iowa 50233
Contact: 515-833-2636 or website
Details: Float on the Middle Raccoon River! This location is perfect for the inexperienced to the expert paddler and safe for the whole family which makes it an enjoyable experience. They offer both canoe and kayak rentals and shuttles along the Middle Raccoon River between Panora, and Redfield Iowa.
Seven Oaks Recreation
Location: 1086 222nd Drive, Boone
Contact: 515-432-9457; info@sevenoaksrec.com
Details: Seven Oaks Recreation offers several rental packages to have fun on the river all summer long including tubes, canoes, and kayaks. They are known for their kayak trips which include shuttle rides and more. Prices of rentals and excursions vary. Check their website for details.
Terra Park
Location: 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, IA 50131
Contact: Visit the website and select ‘Book Online Now!’
Details: Kayak on Terra Park Lake located in Johnston, Iowa. Perfect for all ages!
