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Access Site WI

Blackhawk Park - South

Mississippi River - Green Lake

Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: De Soto, WI
County: Vernon County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.45515808, -91.22373020
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Blackhawk Park offers two boat ramps on the Mississippi River system near De Soto, WI. The south ramp provides access to Green Lake, which connects to the backwaters of the Mississippi River and Pool 9—ideal for kayakers and canoeists seeking calmer water away from the main channel. The facility includes trailer parking, a self-serve fee station (nominal fee for both campers and non-campers), and additional amenities including a bait shop, fishing docks, and picnic areas. The park is located 3 miles north of DeSoto on Highway 35, then left on County Road BI.

The main channel ramp is also available on-site if you're interested in paddling the larger river. Blackhawk Park is the largest public use facility in Pool 9 and sits on a forested bend with 500 feet of river frontage. A dump station and potable water are available in the park. For camping or facility reservations, contact the park at 608-648-3314. Both paddlers and motorboaters use this facility, making it a well-developed access point for a variety of water activities.
Federal Facility Information
608-648-3314 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.Recreation
Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation.

Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout...

Overview
Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.Recreation
Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation.

Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer. Interpretive programs are based on recreation, local history and the environment. Other activities range from guided walks and campfire talks, to natural crafts programs.

Here, one can view majestic bluffs and rich backwater vegetation. Sometimes a river barge or classic paddle-wheeled steamboat can be seen journeying up the river.Facilities
The campground offers 150 campsites, including 73 with electrical hookups. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring provided. Flush toilets and showers are located in the West Camping loop. There are no full-hook up sites but a dump station and potable water are located within the park.

The park also has a beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks.Natural Features
This peaceful park is situated on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch and willow trees forest the site, offering nice shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn.

Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey.
Nearby Attractions
The small river towns of DeSoto, Wisconsin and Lansing, Iowa are nearby. DeSoto is 5 minutes south, Lansing is 15 minutes south with a few restaurants and shops. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is 30 minutes north, with restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers markets.

Effigy Mounds National Monument which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) is located about a 40 minutes south of Blackhawk Park and offers excellent hiking opportunities, and well as picturesque views, and a visitor center, and is free to enter.

The Driftless Area Education And Visitors Center in Lansing Iowa is a short 15 minute drive south, and explores the cultural, recreational, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area.

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Nearby Recreation Areas
Mississippi River - Pool 8 Located within