Mississippi River, Prairie Island Park State Wate*

Prairie Island Park offers a public boat launch and camping facilities along the Mississippi River in Winona. The site features an earth ramp for water access, along with convenient amenities including restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas, and on-site camping concessions. With 106 electrical sites, 69 non-electrical sites, and group camping available, this is a good option for paddlers planning multi-day trips or those combining camping with river recreation.

Located on Pool 5A of the Upper Mississippi River, paddlers should be prepared for a major river system with substantial flow (averaging 685,000 cubic feet per second) and moderate current. The Mississippi in this region has a shallow average gradient of 0.8 ft/mile, making it generally manageable for kayaks and canoes, though typical river caution applies. The Winona area sits within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley and provides access to both upstream and downstream paddling opportunities, with several other landings nearby for alternate trips. Consult current conditions and lock schedules before paddling, especially if planning longer expeditions.