Saylorville Lake
About
26,000-Acre USACE Lake Just North of Ankeny
Saylorville Lake is a 26,000-acre US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Des Moines River, adjoining Ankeny's northwest edge. Two swimming beaches, hiking trails, Visitor Center with native wildlife displays, and over 30 miles of shoreline make it the largest outdoor recreation area in metro Des Moines.
What Kids Can Do
Lake View and Sandpiper beaches have sandy swim areas, restrooms, and shaded picnic shelters - kids splash and build sandcastles all summer. Visitor Center has interactive lake-ecology exhibits plus Blastoise the resident turtle. Neal Smith Trail (paved) runs 25 miles along the lake - perfect for kid bike rides. Boating, kayaking, fishing from multiple boat ramps. Camping at four developed campgrounds [marked: beaches lifeguarded Memorial Day through Labor Day only - swim at your own risk other seasons].
What's Included
$5 per vehicle day-use at beaches (free at Visitor Center and trail access points). Camping and boat rentals priced separately. Visitor Center free during operating hours.
Experience
Plan 2-6 hours depending on activity mix. Almost entirely outdoor. Bring swimsuits, sun protection, water. About 8 miles northwest of downtown Ankeny via NW Ankeny Blvd.