River Park Features

Gateway River Park was created with many different engineered features, including rocks, waves, and obstacles placed to create fun and challenging water flows. These features are great for activities like kayaking, river surfing, and learning new skills in a more predictable environment.

Prairie Rapids

Features Map

View and Print a PDF with features, descriptions, and sponsor information.

Prairie Rapids

River Art Alcove

Take in relaxing views of the city, river activities, and explore Dan Hatela's artwork of the Cedar River Watershed.

Angler’s Point

Beginners can catch small waves here within medium flow ranges, making this spot ideal for tubing. It’s also a fantastic habitat for fish. Playful currents and a broad eddy create a fun area that shifts to swirling currents as river flow levels change.

Gateway Launch

This hard-surface ramp provides a stable, secure area for smooth launching and retrieval of watercraft, with convenient access to fishing.

Melendy Shores

This area features a thriving fish habitat. It is also ideal for tubers. During specific river flow conditions, beginner surfers can enjoy a small wave.
At higher levels, intermediate users can navigate swirling currents, and play in a wide eddy.

Millrace Point

This location is perfect for longboard surfing, with thrilling whitewater and swirling currents during ideal river flow conditions that challenge all watercraft. Just downstream is a wide, welcoming area when the river has lower flows.

Red Cedar Landing

An ideal exit point for tubing and kayaking—or a convenient entry if you prefer to skip the busier sections. From here, enjoy a relaxed tubing or kayaking journey that extends for miles along the scenic water trail.

Sturgis Run

This spot offers an exciting hole for intermediate paddlers, especially within medium flow ranges. It’s also great for tubing and boogie boarding. The calm, spacious stretch just downstream makes it perfect for tubers to enjoy during lower flows.

Turtle Back Landing

A perfect landing spot to relax and soak in the surroundings! Take a photo, look for turtles, or watch the activity in the river. This area is a great spot to park your watercraft and follow the path to enjoy lunch, shopping, and entertainment in the Downtown District.

Safety Information

WARNING: Use of this unsupervised facility involves recreational activity with an inherently high risk of serious injury. User assumes all liability for all risks associated with activities in this area.

River conditions can change quickly. Stay observant and move to higher ground during flooding.

No lifeguard on duty. Whitewater is inherently dangerous and inexperienced users should seek proper training before entering the water.

The park is open from 5:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Water use should be limited from sunrise to sunset.

Helmets and Type III or V whitewater personal flotation devices are recommended.

Dispose of all trash properly

Dial 911 for emergencies.