Mississippi River, Izaak Walton Park State Water *

Izaak Walton Park offers a four-lane public boat launch located on the southeast section of the lake along the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids. The launch is situated off Maiden Avenue on the south side, providing convenient water access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The facility includes a marina with boat rentals, making it an accessible entry point for various paddling and boating activities.

This section of the Mississippi River is a major waterway with significant flow (averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second) and moderate current (approximately 11 feet per second). Paddlers should be prepared for a powerful river environment with a gentle average gradient of 0.8 feet per mile. The site provides excellent access to the Mississippi River Headwaters area and Pokegama Lake, offering diverse paddling opportunities.

The park is well-developed with amenities including a nearby campground (Pokegama Dam Campground), bait and tackle shop, restaurant, convenience store, and lodging options. RV hookups are available for those planning extended stays. This makes Izaak Walton Park an ideal basecamp for multi-day paddling trips on the upper Mississippi River system.