Mississippi River, Mississippi Co Park) State Wat*

Mississippi County Park provides boat access to the Mississippi River in central Minnesota near Rice, Stearns County. Established in 1973, this access point serves kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore this major waterway. The park is located at river mile 772 and offers a convenient launch for paddlers and recreational boaters.

The Mississippi River at this location is a substantial waterway with an average flow of approximately 685,000 cubic feet per second and average velocity of 11.2 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for a large, powerful river with a modest gradient (0.8 ft/mile average). This section is ideal for intermediate to experienced paddlers comfortable with stronger currents and larger water bodies. The nearby Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge offers additional paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities in the region.

For trip planning, consult the *Mississippi River Companion*, which provides detailed maps, trail information, and location details for this and other access points along the river. Additional access sites in the area include Roschen Park and Deer Island near Pepin for multi-day paddling itineraries.