saylorville lake

The lake is always busy!! It's fun for people of all ages and the little bar at the dock is pretty good too!! Friendly staff!!

Upon our first visit to Saylorville Lake we loved the lake but it was fun to see the dam when the Army a Corps of Engineers decided to let some water flow through to keep the dam from overflowing this summer. At the base of the dam, the water was pounding out, flying in the air, and my husband got a quick shower from that churning spray! The rivers below the dam were still higher, but flooding was avoided and property and lives were protected--even entertained!Having seen a discussion about all this (and the local high water) on DesMoines TV, we were as anxious to see the dam as much as the lake, which was pretty much closed to everyone for safety reasons. We have been through since to see the normal water level and the lake is beautiful. The park below the dam is lovely as ever. The east side of the lake has a lovely visitor center and overlook where we took photos of the sunset.

Over 5000 acre man-made lake just north of Des Moines, IA. Great place to boat, swim, fish, picnic and hike. They offer a wildlife area and a visitors center. Many rest rooms and shelters and areas for kids of all ages to walk and play & enjoy life. The day I visited, the lake was up and the area near the lake was flooding so access to the lake was restricted. But the scenery & the trails and just about everywhere else was open for business.Handicapped accessible, biking,exhibits and interpretive programs are also available. With all this to see & do,it's a nice place to visit.

We went to the Saylorville beach and it was a great time. The sand was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean. Next time I want to go with a boat.

After moving to the area, I was glad to find a decent lake with boating facilities.Of course on the holidays it does get a bit crazy, but other then that not too bad.The marina facilities are quite accomidating.

We recently rented a pontoon boat for an afternoon from the Saylorville Lake Marina. The boats can be rented for 2, 4, or 8 hour periods. We chose a 4 hour rental. The rental store is right on the dock, obviously quite convenient. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by two friendly and efficient staff. After about 10 minutes of paperwork, we were helped with life vests (no charge) and ready to go. Our boat was a 22' with 90 horse motor. The boat was clean, equipped with stereo, and easily sat the 8 of us. The motor was the quietest outboard I have ever been around. We left the marina and cruised the lake. Saylorville has no real coves, but the cruise was nice. We stopped for a couple of swims. There is no anchor on board which was a bit of a let down, but it was calm enough to drift and swim. The 4 hours went by quickly. On out return we were greeted at the dock. The tank was filled and we were charged for the gas we used. $150 for the rental and $32 for the gas. All in all a reasonable cost for an afternoon on the lake. We will do it again some day!

With numerous camp grounds, fishing spots, and boat rentals, this place is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. I've camped here twice, fished at Big Creek State Park, which is right next to this place, more times than I can count, and just enjoyed a drive across mile long bridge oir the spill way I can say I love it.

great for boating, biking, hanging out. Very pretty and fun. Just north of Des Moines. Very good for sailing and water skiing.

The lake is beautiful, Haven't been out on it, but the parks are great, really pretty. On a nice day you can walk the parks and along the beaches, there is fishing and they have camping in some of the parks. Jester Park is really close to our house and on some afternoons it’s a great spot for a picnic. There is a golf course which looks really great if that is your thing, and a floatin bar/restauraunt on the lake which I haven't been to yet but planning on it this summer! Trying to talk my husband into getting a pontoon boat for my birthday this year, we shall see!

Nice views of the Iowa countryside. We went to see the dam, and it did not disappoint. It was a very relaxing drive.