Sometimes, we all crave a little adventure. If you love paddling Iowa’s rivers and backwaters, you should make it a point to visit the best Whitewater and Kayak Park in Iowa, located right in Charles City.

Charles City Whitewater, located on the Cedar River, is perhaps the most fun adventure park in the entire state.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
Within the park, there are three man-made water features that will let any level of paddler enjoy a little whitewater excitement.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
"Dam Drop" is the first water feature, and it's appropriate for beginner and intermediate paddlers.

Further down the river, you'll find Doc's Drop. This is an aggressive feature where national level competitions are held, and advanced paddlers will absolutely love it.

The third feature is called "Exit Exam", and any paddler will enjoy the surfing opportunities here.
The Whitewater Park is 3/4 of a mile long, and each feature offers a safe chute, so you can bypass the rapids.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
Every feature offers large, easily accessible eddies for rest and recovery
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
It's easy to paddle off to the left of the river to rest at any point! When you're done, you can walk back to your drop-in point along a scenic, paved trail.
You'll find more than just kayakers in the Charles City Whitewater park! Stand up paddleboarders and tubers also love to enjoy the wild river.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater

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Riverfront Park boasts a beautiful setting with stone amphitheater, naturalized play area, disc golf course, picnic shelters, labyrinth, public art and trail.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
Every year, the park swells with visitors for their Charles City Challenge Whitewater Day!
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
The day includes giveaways, contests, games, challenges, live music, local vendors, and of course, plenty of paddling!
It's a great way to introduce yourself to the sport of whitewater paddling, or to upgrade your current setup.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
You'll learn from some of the best in the state and even have the chance to win some top-of-the-line kayaks!
The Kayak Games during the Charles City Challenge are a big draw for avid paddlers.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
There are boatercross races, kayak rodeos, cookie races, SUP challenges and even an inner tube race.
The inner tube race is one of the most entertaining events you'll ever watch.
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
The race is held in the middle of the day, is free to enter, and is a fun way to see how competitive Iowans can really be!
Kayakers, paddlers, and tubers of all levels will love exploring this incredible Iowa Whitewater Park!
Facebook / Charles City Whitewater
You can find this amazing park at 700 Riverside Drive, Charles City, IA. It's accessible year round, and free to use! If you don't have your own boat, you can rent a tube or kayak through many local businesses. Call the Charles City Chamber of Commerce at 641.228-4234 for help arranging a boat rental. Don't forget to swing by their website before planning your trip!

If you’ve never thought to visit a kayak park in Iowa, a trip to Charles City Whitewater is worth keeping in mind for a future visit. This charming park is friendly and welcoming, and it offers an incredible way to cool off on warm days.

Not every waterbug likes the thrill of whitewater, but there’s plenty of other ways to enjoy Iowa’s wild rivers! For a more relaxing adventure along Iowa’s rivers, read up on 10 Lazy Rivers In Iowa That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day.

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More to Explore

Best Kayak Park In Iowa

Nikki Rhoades | April 05, 2020

Where else can I go kayaking in Iowa?

If you’re in search of an incredible place to go kayaking in Iowa, you’ll find that you have many options. We’re bordered by two rivers, one to the east and one to the west, which naturally has our state crisscrossed with tributaries, streams, and creeks. Elkader is a particularly pleasant place to kayak – here, you get a charming small town adventure combined with the thrill of water sport.

Are there other water sports in Iowa that are popular?

There are many water sports in Iowa that are worth checking out, but there are also effortless float trips that will totally relax you. You can also try stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, canoeing, and other water sports in our lakes and rivers. No matter what you decide to do here, you’ll enjoy incredible views of our shores. Plus, if you visit a forested area, you might find that your adventure is set to a soundtrack of birdsong.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Iowa?

The best outdoor adventures in Iowa are, largely, a matter of personal opinion… but most agree that hiking here is a true treat. You can take a few short and sweet treks to experience our landscape in a snap, or you can explore some fan favorite hiking spots and set out for a longer adventure. Hiking here is a treat all year round, so be sure to check the weather in advance to plan accordingly.

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700 Riverside Dr, Charles City, IA 50616, USA