Access Site
IL
Ben Butterworth Boat Ramp
Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: East Moline, IL
County: Rock Island County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.51840854, -90.46115171
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
Ben Butterworth Boat Ramp, located in East Moline along the Mississippi River, provides public access to one of North America's major waterways. This ramp serves as a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore this section of the river. The site is situated near the scenic Ben Butterworth Parkway, offering good access to both upstream and downstream paddling opportunities.
As a major river system (USGS Stream Order 10), the Mississippi presents significant water conditions that paddlers should respect. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and velocities around 11 feet per second, this is a powerful river requiring appropriate skills and caution. The area offers several established paddling routes, including a 6-mile trip to Eagles Landing (approximately 3 hours paddle time) and access to backwater sloughs and islands for exploration. Strong currents are common, particularly if crossing the main channel.
Before launching, paddlers should check current water conditions, wear appropriate personal flotation devices, and be prepared for substantial river traffic and commercial barge activity. The ramp's proximity to the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers means water levels and conditions may be monitored and managed—contact the Corps for real-time information on flow rates and safety advisories before your trip.
As a major river system (USGS Stream Order 10), the Mississippi presents significant water conditions that paddlers should respect. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and velocities around 11 feet per second, this is a powerful river requiring appropriate skills and caution. The area offers several established paddling routes, including a 6-mile trip to Eagles Landing (approximately 3 hours paddle time) and access to backwater sloughs and islands for exploration. Strong currents are common, particularly if crossing the main channel.
Before launching, paddlers should check current water conditions, wear appropriate personal flotation devices, and be prepared for substantial river traffic and commercial barge activity. The ramp's proximity to the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers means water levels and conditions may be monitored and managed—contact the Corps for real-time information on flow rates and safety advisories before your trip.