Lake Ahquabi is a classic, CCC-built state-park lake just south of Des Moines – a 115-acre no-wake lake in Warren County wrapped by Lake Ahquabi State Park, with a big sandy swimming beach, boat rentals, trails and good panfish-and-bass fishing. Quiet, scenic and close to the city, it’s one of central Iowa’s most popular family lakes. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Ahquabi at a glance
- Surface area: ~115 acres (a no-wake lake)
- Depth: maximum ~20 ft
- Elevation: in the rolling hills of south-central Iowa
- Location: Warren County, near Indianola (south of Des Moines)
- Built: by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s; centerpiece of the 770-acre Lake Ahquabi State Park
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, redear sunfish
How deep is Lake Ahquabi?
Lake Ahquabi is a small, no-wake lake of about 115 acres with a maximum depth around 20 feet. Built by the CCC in the 1930s, it’s a classic, well-loved Iowa park lake – the kind of cover-rich, fertile water that’s great for panfish and bass.
Fishing Lake Ahquabi
Fishing is excellent for a small lake: a variety of panfish (bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie), largemouth bass and channel catfish. A Iowa fishing license is required. The park provides two boat ramps, an enclosed, universally accessible fishing pier, and a number of fishing jetties to help shore anglers – making it one of the most accessible fisheries near Des Moines. The no-wake water is ideal for kayaks, canoes and small boats.
Swimming, camping and recreation
Lake Ahquabi State Park has a large sandy swimming beach with a designated (unsupervised) swimming area, plus a campground, cabins, picnic shelters and more than six miles of trails, including a loop around the lake. Paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and boats can be rented at the beach concession. The 770-acre park’s mix of woods, water and trails makes it a favorite for swimming, camping, paddling and hiking close to the metro.
Water level
Lake Ahquabi is a stable state-park lake, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Ahquabi is near Indianola in Warren County, south-central Iowa, about 30 minutes south of Des Moines off US-65/69. Indianola (home of the National Balloon Classic) and the Des Moines metro are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Swim & camp: a sandy swim beach, campground and boat rentals at the state park.
- No-wake lake: ideal for paddling and small boats.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Lake Ahquabi?
Yes – Lake Ahquabi State Park has a large sandy swimming beach with a designated (unsupervised) swimming area, plus boat rentals.
What fish are in Lake Ahquabi?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish.
How deep is Lake Ahquabi?
About 20 feet at its deepest, across roughly 115 acres – a no-wake lake.
Where is Lake Ahquabi?
In Warren County, south-central Iowa, near Indianola about 30 minutes south of Des Moines.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
