High water at Boone Waterworks

Boone, IA (E26 at the Des Moines River bridge)

Boone Waterworks has a scenic access just below a dangerous dam. On this day in March of 2007, the dam and the access were well below water. The snow, the trees, the silvery water made for a pretty picture.

The bridge out in the middle of the river is for a portage trail that was built by the city of Boone and the DNR, with help from many volunteers. All were moved by the tragic drowning of a young woman who had just graduated from Iowa State at this very place. Warning signs and easy access above the dam will, hopefully, mean the end of such terrible accidents.

This especially scenic stretch of the Des Moines River is very popular with paddlers. Seven Oaks outfitters puts more than 5,000 people on the river here every year.