Des Moines

Sullivan Slough River Access is the southernmost of Des Moines County Conservation’s four boat ramps on the Mississippi River. The property features a concrete ramp and gravel parking lot as well as 22 acres of adjacent bottomland timber open to public hunting. DMCC provides a public boat dock during the summer and fall boating season. The ramp provides access to quality boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities on Mississippi River Pool 19. The access lies directly across the river from a sand island locally known as “johnboat beach,” a popular summer boater hangout. Due to the property’s low elevation, it is inaccessible when the river stage at Burlington exceeds 13.5’. 

• 22 acres
• Boat ramp
• Accessible only when Mississippi River stage at Burlington is less than 13.5 feet.

You can check the river level at Burlington here.

Location

Go south on Burlington’s Summer St., two miles past the airport. Turn left on Sullivan Slough Rd. The road will end at the boat ramp, about two miles from Summer St.

Features

History

In May, 1989, the DMCCB entered into a 15-year management/lease agreement with Sidco Inc., Centerville, IA. The lease was renewed in 2005 for another 15 years. Located in Concordia Township, this 22-acre area was developed to include a river access plus a wildlife area. A single-lane, concrete boat ramp with boat dock and parking with maneuvering areas was constructed on a two-acre area. Two cost share grants through the Iowa Marine Fuel Tax Fund, as well as DNR funding aided in paying for the project. The remaining 20-acre area is used as a wildlife area.