St. Francis Sunken Lands State Wildlife Management Area - Lock and Dam

The St. Francis Sunken Lands State Wildlife Management Area offers boaters and paddlers access to the St. Francis River via the Lock and Dam boat ramp. This ramp is located about 1.3 miles down Oak Donnick Lane, which is a levee road. The St. Francis River in this area is a wide, slow-moving waterway that flows through extensive bottomland hardwood forests.

The Sunken Lands were created by the New Madrid earthquakes in 1811-12, which caused the ground to drop 6-8 feet, flooding the area. As a result, this wildlife management area now provides important habitat for a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. While much of the land is often inaccessible due to frequent flooding, there are several boat ramps that provide access, including this Lock and Dam site as well as the Oak Donnick, Stephens Landing, and Iron Bridge access points.

Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for potentially high water levels and slow current speeds in this region of the St. Francis River. The ramp provides a convenient put-in for exploring the Sunken Lands and observing the abundant birdlife. Launch with caution as the ramp and surrounding area may be flooded during high water events.