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WHEN IS THE PARK OPEN? The Whitewater Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. The City of Manchester does not close the river. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would be the only agency allowed to close the river, and it’s not likely to happen.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Zero. Because of gracious donors, the Whitewater Park is open to the public and there is no cost or admission to ride the river.
WHERE DO I GET IN? Anywhere you want.
HOW LONG IS THE RIDE? There are 6, 18 inch drops and spans over 800 feet in length.
HOW DO I GET BACK? There is a paved trail to walk back to the start of the course, or you can continue to float along the Maquoketa River as far as you’d like and make arrangements for pick-up with friends or the outfitters listed below.
HOW HIGH IS THE RIVER? Recreational users of the river need to use their judgement to determine when the river is too much for them. Click on the following link to check out the current flow rates and water level of the Maquoketa River.
Links to River Levels and Information:
American Whitewater – Manchester Whitewater Park paddling info and River levels
NOAA site – Maquoketa River Flow Rates and River Levels
USGS site – Maquoketa River Info and River Levels
We suggest that below 250cfs (flow rate) is preferred for tubers and recreational kayaker’s interested in playing at the park, while reducing the risks that increase above that level. The river is always a wild place where there is risk. Minimize your risk by wearing proper water shoes, a properly fitted and secured pfd (life jacket), and a helmet – since the rocks are very unforgiving. Have fun – play safely!
PARK DEVELOPMENT: Reconstruction of the river began upstream of Marion Street and extended downstream toward the CN railroad bridge. Construction of the whitewater course included: removal of the existing Marion Street dam, construction of 6 “drop” features, development of spectator locations, and shoreline restoration and beautification.
The primary whitewater features are called “U structures”. These elements create waves or holes catering to recreational and freestyle kayakers and fishermen. Constructed using large, grouted rocks anchored into the bed and bank of the river, the structures have a gradual slope allowing for fish passage to the large pools located downstream of each feature. Construction of the course relied heavily on the addition of large rocks and anchor systems to channel the natural flow of the river so as to create rapid moving water in channels. The primary in-stream users are whitewater enthusiasts including kayakers, canoeists, rafters, tubers, swimmers and boogie board/surfers.
PARK ADDRESS: 300 West Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
PARKING AND ACCESS: Public parking is available at 300 West Main Street. This is also adjacent to the Whitewater Park’s access point and 1st feature.
Current flow rates and water level of the Maquoketa River
EQUIPMENT & RENTAL INFORMATION
The Manchester Whitewater Park is open to the public and there is no cost or admission to utilize the park.
Bring your own kayak, paddle board, tube or contact the outfitters below for rental information
Avis Kayak Rentals
Coggon, Iowa
Phone: 319-360-5491
Facebook
TO PURCHASE TUBES AND/OR EQUIPMENT:
Palmer Hardware
115 N Franklin Street, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone: (563) 927-2518
Norby’s
1341 W Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone: (563) 927-4151
Walmart
1220 W Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
Phone: (563) 927-3377
CONTACT INFORMATION
208 East Main Street, Manchester, IA 52057
Email us at info@manchester-ia.org
Call us at 563-927-1118
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