Lower Spring Lake

**Overview & Access**
Located in Cochrane, Wisconsin, Lower Spring Lake Landing is a public boat ramp operated by the Wisconsin DNR and Buffalo City. The facility features a concrete slab ramp suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. This access point serves Pool 4 of the Mississippi River, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

**Water Conditions & Navigation**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with an average flow of 685,000 cubic feet per second and average velocity of 11.24 feet per second. With a modest gradient of 0.8 feet per mile in this region, paddlers can expect moderate current conditions. The river corridor is characterized by scenic wooded bluffs rising 100-600 feet above the floodplain, offering beautiful paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities. This section of the river supports diverse recreational opportunities, including fishing and wildlife observation within the refuge.

**Nearby Alternatives**
Paddlers have additional public access options in the immediate area, including Minneiska Public Access on the Minnesota side (741.8R), which offers a concrete plank ramp suitable for smaller boats. Pool 5A is accessible upstream, with scattered public facilities throughout that pool.

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4