Soldiers Grove

The Soldiers Grove boat ramp provides access to the lower Kickapoo River in Crawford County, a popular paddling destination for kayakers and canoeists. This is a solid take-out point for multi-mile paddling trips, with reasonable access to the water. A bathroom facility is available in the park, though it requires a short walk from the ramp area.

The stretch of river near Soldiers Grove offers moderate current and scenic surroundings, though paddlers should be aware that water conditions vary depending on recent rainfall. The section from Readstown to Soldiers Grove (6.9 miles) features slower current and muddier banks compared to upstream sections, but remains paddleable. Tree debris and occasional logjams are present on the Kickapoo, so paddlers should be prepared to navigate around obstacles. For shorter trips, the Highway 61 Bridge lies approximately 3.8 miles upstream and can serve as an alternate access point, though landing conditions there are less developed.

Paddlers planning shuttle trips should note that bike shuttles between Soldiers Grove and Readstown are feasible at roughly 4.8 miles. Standard livery shuttle services may be limited this far downstream, so plan accordingly.