Indian Slough

Located on Highway 25 between Wabasha, Minnesota and Nelson, Wisconsin, Indian Slough is a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service access point offering a paved boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and small boats onto the Mississippi River. This site provides straightforward water access without frills—expect a basic launch facility rather than amenities like fuel or dining options.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow and current. At this reach, paddlers should anticipate swift water conditions typical of the upper Mississippi, with an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and average velocities around 11 feet per second. The river's broad character makes it suitable for various watercraft, though paddlers should be comfortable with main channel currents and be aware of barge traffic. This site is particularly useful for accessing the sloughs and backwater areas that characterize this section of the river, popular for fishing and exploration.