You might think "Turkey Ridge" is a funny name for a dive site, and if you were looking at a map of a tropical island, you might be right. But when you stop to consider that this quarry is located in America's Heartland, the name starts to make a little more sense. Named in honor of the Turkey Ridge Wildlife Area, and where hiking, bird watching, hunting, and fishing are also available, Turkey Ridge has been open for diving since May of 2010. Let's take a look at what is, ultimately, one of the best dive sites Iowa has to offer.
Turkey Ridge Features and Amenities
Before you visit Turkey Ridge, which is also known as the old Yokum Quarry, you'll need to call for access, since there is a locked gate blocking the entrance to the quarry area. Call (319) 268-4201, and follow the instructions. Before being allowed access, you'll need to provide proof of a c-card, plus you will need to sign an annual liability release. In addition, you will need to register your vehicle with park authorities to prevent rangers from stopping you, and you'll need to get the gate code. It changes every week, and it is up to you to ensure you close and lock the gate behind you. If divers forget to take this simple step, diving privileges are at risk for everyone who uses the site.
Once you're inside the gate, you will need to drive just under a mile to the staging area, where you can unload; then, you've got to park in the designated area and walk back.
When you're finally ready to dive, you'll begin at one of the specially constructed staging areas, which are called Eclipso and Sagitario. Here, there are benches and tank stations, plus, 15 feet below, there are a pair of underwater training platforms.
Maximum depth at Turkey Ridge is 35 feet, and visibility is between 5 and 20 feet, with the best visibility being during the coolest months of the year. Temperatures vary seasonally, too, ranging between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are currently portable restrooms available, although local divers and dive shops are raising funds to add extra amenities including underwater navigational courses and fresh water rinse facilities. In the future, they hope to add permanent restrooms with showers plus an automated gate to make it easier for registered divers to access the site.
Night diving and winter diving are available with permission, but swimming and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The site is home to plenty of freshwater fish, like bluegill, catfish, and crappie.
Getting to the Turkey Ridge Dive Site
To get to Turkey Ridge from the Cedar Falls or Waterloo area, you'll need to drive north on Highway 218 and take the West Cedar Wapsi Road exit; then, drive west for approximately 3 miles, to Union Road. After that, you will need to turn north and drive for a mile to the park's entrance; there are signs pointing the way.
An interesting dive site and a good place to practice your skills, Turkey Ridge is sure to improve over time. The site is open from sunrise to sunset between April and November, and surprisingly, there is no entry fee. Consider making a donation if you dive here; you can probably do that when you get an airfill at one of the Cedar Rapids scuba shops.