Nelson Park

Nelson Park offers public boat access to Lake Onalaska near La Crosse, Wisconsin, located on French Island. This ramp provides a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to access the scenic Upper Mississippi River system. The facility is well-positioned for exploring the wider lake area and connecting to nearby Mississippi River pools (Pool 6 and Pool 7).

**What to Know Before You Go:** Lake Onalaska is surrounded by dense aquatic vegetation, shallow water, and barrier islands that can make navigation challenging for first-time visitors. However, the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District (LOPRD) maintains buoy-marked "travel corridors" that provide clear pathways from boat landings to the main body of the lake. Paddlers should follow these marked channels to avoid getting stuck in vegetation beds. The area is ideal for wildlife viewing and offers access to a beautiful section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.