City: Nelson, WI
County: Buffalo County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.39530873, -92.02424800
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Mississippi River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:**
Pontoon Slough is a WDNR-managed boat ramp located on Highway 25 between Wabasha, Minnesota and Nelson, Wisconsin, providing access to the Mississippi River's Pool 12. The site features a paved ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. Payment for day-use access is required and can be arranged through Recreation.gov or by displaying a valid USACE Day Use Annual Pass or qualifying senior/access pass.
**River Conditions:**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow (averaging 685,000+ cubic feet per second) and moderate current. Paddlers should expect moving water with an average velocity of 11.24 feet per second and be prepared for quickly changing river conditions. The slough access point is ideal for avoiding main channel currents while still connecting to the larger river system. This stretch is popular for camping trips, with several nearby campgrounds available on islands and along sloughs.
**Planning Your Visit:**
Before launching, check current water conditions and river levels, as the Mississippi's character changes seasonally and with weather. The slough provides a calmer entry point than the main channel, making it suitable for various skill levels. Ensure your vessel and safety equipment are appropriate for river paddling, and consider your experience level with larger water bodies before venturing into the main channel.
Pontoon Slough is a WDNR-managed boat ramp located on Highway 25 between Wabasha, Minnesota and Nelson, Wisconsin, providing access to the Mississippi River's Pool 12. The site features a paved ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. Payment for day-use access is required and can be arranged through Recreation.gov or by displaying a valid USACE Day Use Annual Pass or qualifying senior/access pass.
**River Conditions:**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow (averaging 685,000+ cubic feet per second) and moderate current. Paddlers should expect moving water with an average velocity of 11.24 feet per second and be prepared for quickly changing river conditions. The slough access point is ideal for avoiding main channel currents while still connecting to the larger river system. This stretch is popular for camping trips, with several nearby campgrounds available on islands and along sloughs.
**Planning Your Visit:**
Before launching, check current water conditions and river levels, as the Mississippi's character changes seasonally and with weather. The slough provides a calmer entry point than the main channel, making it suitable for various skill levels. Ensure your vessel and safety equipment are appropriate for river paddling, and consider your experience level with larger water bodies before venturing into the main channel.