Paddle Louisa County, Iowa

Check out the video below to learn more about paddling the Odessa and Iowa River Water Trails!

Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Interactive Paddling Map to find additional areas to explore!

Odessa Water Trail

The Odessa Wildlife Complex features 6,400-acres of large shallow lakes, isolated ponds, timbered chutes, marsh and woodlands. Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge makes up the Northern half and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages the southern portion. The area is managed for migratory birds, check water levels before you go.

Iowa River Water Trail

The Iowa River flows 72 miles, dam free from Sturgis Ferry Landing, Iowa City to the Mississippi River. In Louisa County it flows unimpeded through thousands of acres of public backwater sloughs, wetlands, and bottomland forests. Spectacular scenery and diverse habitat flank the river.

Cedar River

Although there is not an official Iowa DNR Water Trail on the Cedar River, it is another great place to paddle. Muscatine County Conservation offers canoe rentals. Paddle from Jack Shuger Park in Moscow to the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.

The Cedar River joins the Iowa River at Columbus Junction, just above the HWY 92 bridge.