Mississippi R(Hwy Rest)

Babcock Memorial Park, located in Elk River at the intersection of U.S. Highway 10 and Route 169, offers convenient public boat access to the Mississippi River. This highway wayside includes a boat landing, parking for vehicles and trailers, picnic facilities, and a park shelter, making it a practical stop for paddlers and boaters. The site's proximity to major highways provides easy access for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with substantial flow and current. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and an average velocity of 11.24 feet per second, paddlers should be prepared for moderate to strong currents. The river's relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile average) means generally manageable conditions, though conditions can vary seasonally. This is an ideal launch point for exploring the upper Mississippi, whether you're planning a day paddle or a longer river journey downstream toward the river's mouth over 2,300 miles away.