Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area

Burt, IA · Boat Ramp · Public

Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp on East Fork Des Moines River near Burt, Iowa. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

River access at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area near Burt, Iowa. Good for kayaking and canoeing.

Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area offers access to East Fork Des Moines River in Iowa. This stretch of river draws paddlers looking for mild current conditions.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water. Midwestern waterways provide reliable paddling through the warmer months, with vast open spaces and uncrowded conditions.

Expect mild current conditions on the water. The best time to visit is March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area sits about 5 min from Burt, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

Paddling Tips

  • Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.
  • Scout downstream from the launch before committing to your paddle.
  • Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
  • River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area?
Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp in Iowa. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area?
Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area?
The best time to paddle at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area?
Water conditions at Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area include mild current.
Is Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area good for beginners?
Yes, Patterson Recreation And Wildlife Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 43.1959, -94.1815

Quick Facts

State
Iowa
Region
Midwest
Getting There
~5 min from Burt
Get Directions

43.1959, -94.1815

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