Paddling near Ankeny, IA

Set in Polk County in central Iowa, Ankeny sits within easy reach of three marquee paddling waters: Saylorville Lake (≈11 miles NW), Big Creek Lake (≈12 miles NW), and the Des Moines River corridor — all under 20 minutes away. The Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails project is adding 80+ access amenities along the Des Moines, Raccoon, and South Skunk rivers, making this a genuine central-Iowa paddling hub.