7 Jul 2022

Saylorville Lake Recreation Areas to remain open this fall

Due to a schedule adjustment, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is keeping several campgrounds and day use recreation areas at Saylorville Lake open for the remainder of the recreation season this fall.

29 Apr 2022

Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors to practice water safety

As millions of Americans plan visits to our nation’s lakes and rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District reminds visitors of the importance of practicing safe, sensible, and thoughtful activities in, on, and around open water.

16 Feb 2022

Saylorville Lake to host bald eagle watch Feb. 27

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Dallas County Conservation Board and the Des Moines Audubon Society, is hosting a FREE bald eagle watch Sunday, Feb. 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cottonwood and Bob Shetler Recreation Areas at Saylorville Lake.

15 Dec 2021

Roadway across Saylorville Lake Dam closed due to high winds

Due to high winds, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has closed the roadway that crosses over the Saylorville Lake dam. Boat ramps and other winter recreation areas have also closed due to forecasted weather conditions. Areas will reopen when conditions are deemed safe. For more information, contact the Saylorville Lake Project Office at 515-276-4656.

2 Jul 2021

Neal Smith Trail fully reopened at Saylorville Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has reopened portions of the Neal Smith Trail on the east side of Saylorville Lake which had been closed due to ongoing repairs. Newly reopened areas include NW Big Creek Drive to the access point across from E. Southside Drive in Polk City, and from Oak Grove Recreation Area to Red Feather Prairie.

4 Jun 2021

Portions of Neal Smith Trail to temporarily close for repairs at Saylorville Lake

Beginning Tuesday, June 8, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, will temporarily close portions of the Neal Smith Trail on the east side of Saylorville Lake to replace broken asphalt with concrete and install culverts. Areas impacted by the closures include NW Big Creek Drive to the access point across from E. Southside Drive in Polk City, and from Oak Grove Recreation Area to Red Feather Prairie.

30 Mar 2021

Corps to resume collection of recreation fees at Saylorville Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, will resume collection of recreational day use fees for boat ramps at Saylorville Lake beginning April 1. Launching fees are $5 per day, per vehicle and can be paid with a credit or debit card via the self-serve machines at each boat ramp location. No cash or coins will be accepted at Cherry Glen, Sandpiper and Lakeview Main boat ramps. Lakeview Highwater boat ramp remains a cash or check only ramp with envelopes provided at the dropbox.

17 Dec 2020

Outflow gates at Saylorville Lake Dam to close for concrete placement

On Friday, Dec. 18, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District will close the outflow gates at the Saylorville Lake Dam for approximately 48 hours to facilitate concrete placement and curing in the outlet channel. Bob Shetler Recreation Area will remain closed to visitors during this time and visitors are asked to stay clear of the work area.

17 Nov 2020

Corps to reduce outflows, begin repairs to Saylorville Lake outlet channel

Over the next few weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District will be modifying outflows at Saylorville Lake to facilitate repairs in the outlet channel below the dam. At times, outflows will be reduced to zero to accommodate concrete placement and curing. Ongoing coordination with downstream communities is underway to ensure successful completion of the work with minimal impacts to these areas.

30 Jun 2020

Saylorville Lake Opens Oak Grove Beach

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District has opened Oak Grove Beach as a designated beach. The beach is open 6am to 9pm daily and day-use fees will not be collected.