Water Trail Designation for Lower Half of Maquoketa River in Delaware County

Delaware County Conservation hosted a dedication ceremony for the newest segment of the Maquoketa River Water Trail on Tuesday.

The DNR and ECIA, who were both partners in the designation, gathered at Bailey’s Ford Park south of Manchester to celebrate. Iowa DNR Director Kayla Lyon was on hand – she says it’s the 37th water trail designation in Iowa.

So what exactly does it mean for a water trail to be designated? John Wenck is the Water Trails Coordinator for the Iowa DNR. 

The latest Maquoketa River water trail designation extends from Bailey’s Ford to the southern Delaware County line – that’s about 22 and a half miles. The upper stretch from Backbone State Park to Bailey’s Ford, which is about 20 miles, was designated several years ago in 2018 – so Wenck says that means Delaware County’s water trail designation is now complete.

He says now that it’s designated, the work truly begins – with improvement projects on the Maquoketa River through Delaware County already identified.

Delaware County Economic Development Director Donna Boss says water trail designations help draw people to the county.

Water enthusiasts say getting on the water is a great way to see Iowa. In her travels across the state, Lyon can testify to that.

Tuesday afternoon’s Maquoketa River water trail dedication ended with a river paddle from Bailey’s Ford Park to Turtle Creek Park. 

audio & photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH