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Minnesota | Southwest Minnesota

Des Moines RiverChristiania Bridge to Ashley Park

Middle lower-Des-Moines connector from Christiania Bridge through Kilen Woods and Belmont to Ashley Park, ending just above the Jackson gauge and former dam rapid context.

Route location

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Open access map
DistanceAbout 16.3 mi
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAbout 5.5 hr to 8 hr
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Des Moines River runs past bridges and downtown buildings in Des Moines, Iowa.
River contextDes Moines River through downtown Des Moines river-level photo — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Giant Asparagus / Pexels
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.

Permits, camping and season
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Use the named DNR public accesses, follow Minnesota boating/PFD rules, and obey posted county, state park, watercraft campsite, and private-bank rules.
CampingOptions nearbyKilen Woods State Park, the Kilen Woods watercraft campsite, and Belmont County Park watercraft campsite are mapped in this corridor. Use only designated campsites and current park rules; do not camp on private riverbanks or riverbed areas.
SeasonApr-OctDNR says the Des Moines is beginner-friendly at normal levels but can flood and move quickly after heavy rain. Spring usually has the most reliable water; summer low water can mean scraping and slow progress.

Access and shuttle

Launch at Christiania Bridge and take out at Ashley Park for a 16.3-mile Des Moines River connector through Kilen Woods and Belmont. The Jackson gauge is just downstream of the finish, so use it with same-day visual checks at both endpoints.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Des Moines River, Christiania Bridge / Chris Public Water Access Site
DirectionsOpen map

Christiania / Chris resolves as WAS01445 at river mile 29.1, and Ashley Park resolves as WAS02771 at river mile 12.8.

Finish

Take-out

Des Moines River, Ashley Park Public Water Access Site
DirectionsOpen map

The Jackson DNR gauge sits just downstream of Ashley near the former Jackson Dam / high Class I rapid. Do not miss Ashley or casually continue downstream without a scouted plan.

Road shuttle

Stage Ashley Park in Jackson first, then drive back to Christiania Bridge. This route ends just above the Jackson former-dam rapid area, so confirm the Ashley take-out before launching.

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On-water distance16.3 miCreek-focused
On-water timeAbout 5.5 hr to 8 hrFull route option
ShuttleCar shuttleChoose a shorter in/out pair for a shorter day.

Des Moines River, Christiania Bridge / Chris Public Water Access Site to Des Moines River, Ashley Park Public Water Access Site is about 16.3 mi. Use the planner to compare shorter access pairs.

Additional access notes
  • Kilen Woods State Park and Belmont County Park camping access depends on current posted rules, fees, reservations, and campsite availability.
More route and safety guidance
  • Expect several small Class I rapids, snags, fallen trees, muddy banks, cold water, and faster current after heavy rain.
  • Use only named public accesses and designated campsites. DNR says riverbed camping next to private property is not permitted.
Terms and safety
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Conditions

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Sources and methodology

Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.

NotesPublished evidence and verification notes

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Route shapeChristiania RM 29.1 to Ashley Park RM 12.8

    MN DNR Des Moines Map 1 places Christiania Bridge, Kilen Woods, Belmont County Park, Ashley Park, and the Jackson gauge/former dam area in sequence.

    Source

  • Public access recordsWAS01445 to WAS02771

    Minnesota public-water-access GIS resolves the Christiania / Chris access and Ashley Park with coordinates, route river miles, and public access records.

    Source

  • Official DNR bands75 / 200-900 / 1,800 cfs

    MN DNR interprets the Jackson gauge as Scrapable below 75 cfs, Low from 75 to 200, Medium from 200 to 900, High from 900 to 1,800, and Very High above 1,800.

    Source

  • Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-22113 cfs at 2026-07-22 18:00 CDT

    This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.

    Source

  • Camping and hazard contextKilen Woods and Belmont campsites; Class I rapids

    DNR Map 1 identifies Kilen Woods State Park camping, Kilen Woods and Belmont watercraft campsites, several small Class I rapids, and private-bank camping limits.

    Source

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Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.

Other routes nearby

More on Des Moines River

All 18
Ashley Park to PetersburgSouthwest MinnesotaModerate · About 9.7 mi

Nearby routes within 75 miles

Cottonwood RiverSpringfield to Highway 4 · about 31 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 24.9 mi

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