Upper Spring Lake

**Location & Facility Details**
Upper Spring Lake Landing is a gravel boat ramp located in Buffalo City, Wisconsin, on South River Road near the intersection with County Road OO. This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility provides public access to Pool 4 of the Mississippi River and is part of the Riecks Lake Park recreation area. The gravel ramp design makes it suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats, though paddlers should be prepared for variable surface conditions.

**River Conditions**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant current and volume. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and velocities around 11 feet per second, paddlers should expect strong current and be experienced with river navigation. The river's 0.8 ft/mile average gradient creates steady flow conditions. This section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley offers scenic paddling within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, though boaters should respect refuge regulations and wildlife protection protocols.

**Nearby Alternatives**
If Upper Spring Lake Landing is unavailable or full, the Lower Spring Lake Landing (concrete ramp, approximately 0.2 miles downstream) and Minneiska Public Access on the Minnesota side offer additional launch options in the area.

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4