LEDGES ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE (June 28, 2024) - Due to flooding from the nearby Des Moines River, parts of Ledges State Park are currently closed to vehicle traffic. These closures include:
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The one-way Canyon Drive, where motorists usually can drive through the low-water crossings
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The Lower Ledges Road (through road leading out of the park to the south side of Boone)
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Des Moines River boat ramp
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Flood Pole parking lot.
Visitors are welcome to hike into the canyon area at this time and the easiest access will be found by parking at the Oak Woods picnic area and then hiking either the closed roadway or any of the trails down into the canyon. On days of heavy visitation, please consider using extra parking here to explore the park. It is expected that the flooding will impact the areas mentioned above for at least the next 2 weeks.
Areas not impacted by the flooding that are still open and accessible by vehicle include the Ledges campground, Carl Fritz Henning Shelter, Lost Lake Nature Trail, and upper picnic areas near the campground entrance. For the most up-to-date information on the flooding impacts, please call the Ledges park office at (515) 432-1852.