BOONE, Iowa—According to Andy Bartlett, Manager of the Ledges State Park in Boone County, they are in the midst of their third round of flooding this summer. Currently the Canyon Drive is closed to vehicles because from the 4th water crossing to the exit is under a lot of water. Visitors are welcome to hike into the canyon at this time and starting from the Oak Woods picnic area is the best option. Current projections show the flood waters to continue to rise until on or around July 12th. Bartlett says it is a safe bet that the staff will be dealing with this flooding (and the aftermath) into August.

If you have any questions about park access during the flooding, please feel free to check out the alerts on the park’s website or call at (515) 432-1852.

The photos, provided by Bartlett, show high water at the beginning of the week. Since then, the level for the Des Moines River at the Saylorville Reservoir has risen to nearly 880 feet. The Des Moines River at Lower Ledges area is part of the Saylorville Flood Pool.

Photos from the Ledges State Park contributed by DNR from last weekend. Water levels have increased since then.