Hawthorne Street Boat Ramp

Located at the north end of Kerper Boulevard where Hawthorne Street meets Volunteer Drive, this 8-acre public access site provides convenient launch facilities for the Mississippi River. The ramp accommodates kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, with amenities including restroom facilities, fishing piers, picnic tables, and a walking/biking path along the waterfront.

The Mississippi River at this location (Pool 11 area) is a major waterway with substantial flow—averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for strong currents and significant water volume typical of the upper Mississippi. The river's gentle average gradient (0.8 ft/mile) makes it generally navigable, though current speed of approximately 11 feet per second requires experience and caution. This site is well-positioned for access to the scenic upper Mississippi River corridor, with multiple campgrounds and recreation areas nearby along the river's 1,840-mile length.