Canoe/Kayak

Seven Oaks
Canoe/Kayak Trip #1

Approximate times and distance
2 to 4 hour float covering 8 miles

Enjoy a scenic float that will take you under the longest and highest double-track railway bridge in the world with trains passing 185 feet overhead approx. every 15 minutes. Consider this trip if you have never been on a canoe float, you have no more than 4 hours to be on the water, you like to get out at most all the sandbars to play and explore, you are bringing small children or you are in a very large group.

Seven Oaks
Canoe/Kayak Trip #2

Approximate times and distance
5 to 8 hour float covering 15 miles

This scenic float starts with trip #1 and continues by the popular ledges of Ledges State Park. Consider this trip if you are wanting to spend the entire day on the river, you plan on staying in your canoe for most of the float, you like to paddle versus float, you have experience canoeing, or you want to see a lot more of the river.

Float times are subject to river flow, wind and paddling time. Seven Oaks reserves the right to alter trips based on boat ramp conditions, water levels and wind conditions.

Canoe/Kayak Hours

Complimentary transportation departs from Seven Oaks for Canoe/Kayak Trip #1 at 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm. You must arrive at Seven Oaks a minimum of 30 minutes before departure times. First pick-up for Canoe/Kayak Trip #1 is 1:00 pm.

Complimentary transportation departs from Seven Oaks for Canoe/Kayak Trip #2 at 9:30 am, and 11 am. You must arrive at Seven Oaks a minimum of 30 minutes before departure times. First pick-up for Canoe/Kayak Trip #2 is 3:00 pm.

Trip departures before or after these hours must be pre-arranged with Seven Oaks.

When canoeing/kayaking from May through August, everyone must be off the river by 6 pm. When canoeing/kayaking during September and October, everyone must be off the river by 5 pm.

A late fee of $5 per person per quarter hour is charged after the designated “off the river” time.

Canoe/Kayak Season

May Through October

Floats outside these season dates are subject to weather and at the discretion of Seven Oaks.

Canoe/Kayak Rates

(add 7% sales tax to all rates)
(add $4 per person for 3rd & 4th person)
Prices subject to change.

Floating Conditions

Floating rates include transporting watercraft, two paddles per canoe, one paddle per kayak, one personal floatation device per person and complimentary transportation.

Canoe Rates (Rates are based on 2 persons/canoe)

Trip #1 $43/canoe
Trip #2 $49/canoe
Canoe Seat Cushion - $2 per day

One Person Kayak Rates

Trip #1 $29/kayak
Trip #2 $32/kayak

Groups of 8 or More Canoes, Canoe Group Rates

Advance reservation required for group rates. Group leader is responsible for lump sum payment.

Trip #1 $38/canoe
Trip #2 $43/canoe

Canoe/Kayak Reservations

To ensure that canoes and kayaks are available, and to help us provide the service you expect, we encourage and recommend reservations be made as far in advance as possible. A 50% deposit is required when making reservations.

If plans need to be cancelled or numbers reduced, you must notify Seven Oaks a minimum of 7 days before the date of the planned float. Any changes within the 7 days will be charged in full and a “Credit Certificate” will be issued.

Floating on Sunday through Friday will typically offer more solitude and be a quieter, relaxing float experience. Saturdays are generally busier with groups and more of a party atmosphere. Taking the 9:30 am float will help avoid some of that.

Call 515-432-9457 or make your canoe, kayak, or river tube reservation online.

Retail Items

Drinks, ice, candy bars, t-shirts, can koozies, wet dry bags & other “oh, I forgot” items are available on site.

Canoe/Kayak Terms of Service

Canoes and kayak will not be rented to persons 15 years of age and younger without adult supervision. Persons aged 16 and 17 must have a parent/guardian indemnification signature on the rental agreement. All participants must sign a rental/indemnification agreement. You may print the agreement to obtain required signatures prior to arrival.

If you plan to drink alcohol on the river . . . please drink responsibly.

Canoe/Kayak Policies

In the event of heavy rains or high water as determined by Seven Oaks, rain checks will be issued.

We charge for all lost or damaged equipment. Damaged equipment caused by abuse or carelessness is your responsibility; we do expect normal wear and tear.

A retrieval fee of $25.00 will be charged for canoes and kayaks abandoned or lodged.

A late fee of $5.00 per person per quarter hour is charged after the designated “off the river” time.

No glass containers or styrofoam coolers on float trips.

Seven Oaks does not recommend tying together canoes, kayaks or river tubes. For safety reasons, Seven Oaks will not supply ropes/twine.

Seven Oaks Recreation
Water Trail Rules

Respect Property and Others

Do not tamper with private or public property. Respect staff doing their jobs and others enjoying the water trail with you, whether in your group or not.

Be Safe

River users are required to have a Personal Flotation Device in the boat. Actually wearing it greatly increases your chance of survival if you capsize. River levels change and conditions change constantly. Avoid hazards such as snags and ALWAYS portage at low-head dams.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Intoxication on waterways leads to poor judgment and increased risk of drowning. This river is public property and subject to the governing laws. If you plan to drink alcohol on the river . . . please drink responsibly.

No Littering or Dumping

No glass containers on float trips. Please protect and preserve the beauty of the Des Moines River by keeping it clean, do not litter. Leave NO trace. Volunteers work to keep this river clean.

Dragoon River Romp

The Dragoon River Romp will be September 17, 2011 (registration due September 9). See our Dragoon River Romp page for more information.