Des Moines River Oxbow Prairie Trail

The Des Moines River Oxbow Prairie Trail follows 14 miles of gentle gravel and dirt roads through some of central Iowa’s last remaining tallgrass prairie, tracking the river’s ancient oxbow channels from Ledges State Park north to Fraser. This easy route passes through three restored prairie sections where big bluestem grass grows eight feet tall, and crosses the old Milwaukee Road railroad grade twice. The trail follows Farm-to-Market roads and county maintenance routes that local farmers have used for decades to access river bottom fields and hunting cabins.

Any stock vehicle can handle this route — it’s more scenic drive than technical challenge, perfect for families or anyone wanting to see Iowa’s prairie heritage without beating up their rig. The gravel sections stay solid year-round, though spring floods occasionally close the low-water crossing at Beaver Creek. Best experienced in late summer when the prairie grasses are in full bloom and the wildflower displays rival anything in the western states. No permits needed, and there are established camping areas at both Ledges State Park and Fraser Conservation Area. It’s Iowa at its most beautiful — rolling grassland that stretches to the horizon under that famous big sky.