Vandalia, IA

This is Yellow Banks park, SE of Des Moines on Vandalia Road and the Des Moines River. The park is a well kept secret, with campgrounds (developed and primitive), Indian burial mounds, hiking trails, and an excellent river access.

The bluffs are about 180 feet above the river, and are made of loess deposits. In this picture, there are tiny people visible at the top of the bluffs, near the primitive camping area. The boat ramp is just to the left of the left of the photo.

There is a winding road down to the river access, which has been nicely redone. Train tracks cross the road, and it’s hard to hear the trains coming. Fortunately, they do not move very fast.

I’ve made the 10 mile river trip from Des Moines at least 20 times, it’s a great run. One trip highlight is an eagle nest and eagles year-round near the old C-46 bridge.