Learn about...

What is a water trail?
Where are these water trails located?
What is the Emmet County Water Trail?
Where can I go?
Can you help me plan a trip?
Is it just for kayakers?
Where do you camp?
How many people can fit into a campsite?
Can I reserve a site?
How much does it cost to camp?
Who do I contact if the site is missing a sign/there's something wrong with
the site?
Are there other water trails in North America?
What if I own land on the shoreline that I want to turn into a water trail?
Who maintains the sites?
How do I join?
What do I get as a member?
How do I contact my legislature to support water trails?

Q: What is a water trail?
A: Around the world there are many types of water trails. For the ECWTA a water trail is a route along a river or across a lake(s) where people use small boats like kayaks, canoes or rowboats. Water trails are most often identified by the land facilities that support water travel. These include launch and landing sites (we call these trailheads), campsites, rest areas, and other points of interest. On land, trails have distinct treads or walkways; on water it’s the entire water surface, a surface that is constantly changing with flow, current, and wind.

Q: Where are these water trails located?
A: See our map.

Q: What is the Emmet County Water Trail (ECWT)?
A: The primary Emmet County Water Trail is the West Fork of the Des Moines River. This water trail that stretches over 20 miles through Emmet county from the Iowa / Minnesota border on the northwest edge of Emmet County. There are several lakes also in Emmet Count that you can use for your paddling fun.

Q: Where can I go?
A: Iowa and Emmet County have a wide variety of water opportunities for river and lake canoeing and kayaking. Water trails are used mostly by recreational canoeists kayakers. The Emmet County Water Trail has mellower excursions during the lower water in the summer and increased challenging conditions around the spring rainy season. The Des Moines River is being developed throughout the course of the River through the state of Iowa.

Q: Can you help me plan a trip?
A: We have information about trip planning available right here online. We can also offer suggestions if you call the Estherville Chamber office at (712.362.3541) but we are not a guide service.

Q: Is it just for kayakers?
A: While Emmet County Water Trail Association works for public access to public waters and the development of shoreline accesses for those using small boats of any type. The Association works for the public, all people who enjoy fishing, traveling the water, wildlife viewing, or just sitting at the water’s edge. The majority of ECWTA members do use kayaks and canoes for river fun.

Q: Where do you camp?
A: Camp at designated water trail campsites campgrounds adjacent to the water or at public parks like Fort Defiance State Park designated as a camping area. For a break from camping contact a hotel in Estherville. Call the Chamber at 712.362.3541 for more information on lodging. Do not camp on private property or restricted areas unless you have first received permission from the landowner.

Q: How many people can fit into a campsite?
A: Campsites come in many sizes. Limit your group size and learn about camp capacities before you go. The first principle of Leave No Trace is Plan Ahead and Prepare. Fort Defiance State Park in Estherville has many camp sites and interesting hiking trails. Reservations are rarely needed.

Q: Who do I contact if the site is missing a sign/there's something wrong with
the trail or a camping site?
A: If there’s no one at the site, jot down details, location, date and time of your visit and send an e-mail to ECWTA when you return. If you have a camera take a picture and thanks for helping!

Q: Are there other water trails in Iowa?
A: Iowa has many areas with water trails. There are water trails of various lengths through the State.

Q: What if I own land on the river that I want to make accessible to water trail users?
A: Contact the Emmet County Conservation Board or the ECWTA and we will help you and be grateful for you opening your door.

Q: Who maintains the sites?
A: Many people care for the sites. ECWTA Access adopters are stewards of our accesses. These people and volunteers do periodic maintenance. The City of Estherville Parks Department and the Emmet County Conservation Board staff lovingly care for the parks where they live and work. Local service clubs, businesses, families or individuals may adopt a site. If you want to help just let us know.

Q: How do I join?
A: There are multiple ways to join, including online - please visit our join page for a complete list of ways to join.

Q: What do I get as a member?
A: Membership benefits include the access to a discounted membership in the American Canoe Association, and e-mail messages. More info will become available on our join page when we get that page up!.

Q: How do I contact my legislator to support water trails?
A: Be prepared. Know the issues and what your legislator’s interests are. There’s good information on communication with your state legislator available online. Find out who represents you. Contact local elected officials and government staff and help obtain funding by writing your US representative and senators.

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