City: Dubuque, IA
County: Dubuque County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.52579475, -90.64242050
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Mississippi River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:**
AY McDonald Park is located at the north end of Kerper Boulevard (at Hawthorne Street and Volunteer Drive) in Dubuque, offering direct access to the Mississippi River. This 8-acre riverfront park serves as Water Trail Access 582 and features a public boat ramp alongside fishing piers, making it a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters.
**River Conditions & Navigation:**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 10) with substantial flow averaging 685,352 cubic feet per second and current velocity around 11 feet per second. The river's relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile) means generally manageable water conditions, though paddlers should always respect the current and check water conditions before launching. This access point sits within the Upper Mississippi River Project corridor, which features multiple pools and campgrounds ideal for multi-day paddling trips.
**Amenities:**
Beyond the boat ramp, AY McDonald Park provides restroom facilities, picnic areas, walking/biking paths, and a playground, making it suitable for families and paddlers planning extended outings. The park's riverside location offers good views and fishing opportunities if you want to combine water activities with land-based recreation.
AY McDonald Park is located at the north end of Kerper Boulevard (at Hawthorne Street and Volunteer Drive) in Dubuque, offering direct access to the Mississippi River. This 8-acre riverfront park serves as Water Trail Access 582 and features a public boat ramp alongside fishing piers, making it a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters.
**River Conditions & Navigation:**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 10) with substantial flow averaging 685,352 cubic feet per second and current velocity around 11 feet per second. The river's relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile) means generally manageable water conditions, though paddlers should always respect the current and check water conditions before launching. This access point sits within the Upper Mississippi River Project corridor, which features multiple pools and campgrounds ideal for multi-day paddling trips.
**Amenities:**
Beyond the boat ramp, AY McDonald Park provides restroom facilities, picnic areas, walking/biking paths, and a playground, making it suitable for families and paddlers planning extended outings. The park's riverside location offers good views and fishing opportunities if you want to combine water activities with land-based recreation.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Located within