South St. Paul Boat Launch

The South St. Paul DNR Boat Launch is a well-developed 15-acre facility offering excellent access to the Mississippi River just south of the I-494 bridge on the river's west shore. The ramp features dual concrete launching lanes, a floating dock, and ample trailer parking, making it suitable for kayaks, canoes, and larger motorboats. The facility is ADA-accessible and can be reached by exiting I-494 at Concord Street, following signs to Hardman Avenue, then turning east on Villaume Avenue toward the river.

Paddlers and boaters should be aware that the Mississippi at this location (river mile 844.8L) is a major river system with substantial flow—averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second—and currents moving at approximately 11 feet per second. This is Pool 1 of the Upper Mississippi River Valley between Minneapolis and St. Paul, characterized by deeper navigation channels maintained by the Corps of Engineers. The ramp charges launch fees and is operated through a private marina lease. The facility's developed infrastructure and strategic location make it a solid choice for accessing this section of the river, though paddlers should respect the significant current and volume of traffic typical of this major waterway.