The Delaware County Conservation Board will consider approval of the draft Lower Delaware County Water Trail Plan at a public meeting scheduled for:
Friday, December 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM in the Delaware County Conservation Office
Bailey’s Ford Park, 2379 Jefferson Road, Manchester, Iowa
Review the Draft Water Trail Plan
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering with Delaware County Conservation, East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA), and the project steering committee to develop a water trail plan for a portion of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County that begins at Bailey's Ford Park, flows through Lake Delhi, and ends at the county's southern boundary. See the Delaware County Water Trail Map below.
Water trails are recreational routes on rivers and lakes that provide a unique experience for canoeists and kayakers. Water trail routes provide adequate access points that can be used for planning trips at various lengths and difficulty.
The draft Water Trail Plan presents a vision for the future of river recreation in Delaware County. The plan recommends actions that can be taken to make that vision a reality. A key part of the plan are the improvement projects like boat launches, information signs, parking areas, and safety improvements.
Click here to review the draft Water Trail Plan.
Review the Design Concepts for Improvement Projects
The draft Water Trail Plan includes design concept plans for the Top 3 Priority improvement projects. The design concepts were prepared by the Iowa DNR’s engineering consultant, L T Leon Associates, in consultation with the Delaware County Conservation staff and the project steering committee.
• Turtle Creek Park Access Design Concept
Recommended improvements are to improve the existing parking lot area with asphalt paving to reduce erosion and maintenance cost, help channel runoff water, and maximize use of the space with pavement markings.
The design concept proposes to regrade the site, and push into the hill by adding a retaining wall. Parking will include 2 accessible stalls with concrete steps to the river, 20 trailer stalls, and 6 vehicle stalls. Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) include 1 underground detention cell and possibly a bio cell.
• Retz Wildlife Area Access Design Concept
Recommended improvements are to complete water trail signage and replace the existing ramp. The design concept proposes clearing and grading, increasing the turning radius around the cottonwood tree, and reshaping the bank for a carry-down access and a rustic/primitive grass boat ramp for occasional research boats. The theme is to keep it simple, work with the site.
The design includes accessible paved parking and access with an interpretive sign. The current parking area is grass. There may possibly be fencing with gated access for pedestrian and equestrian access. Culvert improvements are planned. The existing culvert is undersized and may need to be replaced to ensure access during and after flooding.
• Dunlap Park Access Design Concept
Recommended improvements are to improve the upstream take-out ramp and to complete water trail signage, including portage signage. The design concept proposes adding an accessible parking stall and an interpretive sign near the existing shelter, and concrete sidewalk to existing restrooms. A 6-foot concrete trail between upstream take-out and downstream carry-down ramp would replace the existing 3-foot path. The design proposes to retain the existing boat ramp, and adding a hybrid concrete boat ramp for motorized boats and emergency access. The project will avoid the archeological site of the former mill.
Click the titles to review the 3 design concepts.
Share Your Ideas and Photos
Click here to submit your ideas for the plan.
You can share your photos of the Maquoketa River between Bailey’s Ford Park and Hard Scrabble Wildlife Area, whether an area of concern or a scenic view. Click here to submit your shared photos for the plan.
Visit the Iowa DNR’s website for more information on canoeing and kayaking and water trail development in Iowa.
Delaware County Water Trail Map
The map below shows the locations of the existing river accesses in the plan corridor, from Bailey’s Ford County Park past Hardscrabble Wildlife Area to the County line.
View full size map