Saturday, September 27

Since 1983, Des Moines Rowing has held a race on the Des Moines River, making it one of the oldest and biggest regattas in the Midwest. This three-mile upstream race attracts crews from all over the region. HOTDM is a USRowing-sanctioned regatta.

Please add our 2026 race to your calendars:
Head of the Des Moines 2026 will be on Saturday, September 26, 2026!

Results of 2025 are on HereNow

Thank you to our sponsors!



The Movic Foundation
The Jamie Wade Family

Race Course

The HOTDM course begins by the Botanical Center and continues upstream to the finish line by the western edge of Prospect Park. Clubs launch and disembark at Prospect Park.