LEDGES ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE (July 26, 2024) - Flood waters have nearly receded from the park, but due to debris and mud left behind, parts of Ledges State Park are currently closed to vehicle traffic until clean up efforts can begin. These closures include:
-
The one-way Canyon Drive, where motorists usually can drive through the low-water crossings
-
Des Moines River boat ramp and parking lot
-
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.