Mississippi River, Verchota Landing State Water A*

Verchota Landing is a USFWS-managed access point on the Mississippi River in Winona, providing a concrete plank ramp for kayakers, canoeists, and small boats entering Pool 5A. Located on Prairie Island, the landing is easily accessible via River Road from Winona—visitors can park near the ramp or use parking on the Prairie Island Dike Road with staircase access to the landing. This site serves as a gateway to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a scenic corridor bordered by steep wooded bluffs rising 100–600 feet above the river valley.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with substantial flow (averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second) and moderate current velocity. Paddlers should expect a mix of open water on the main channel and narrower slough paddling, with conditions varying by water level and season. The Verchota Trail offers an 11.3-mile paddling route up the main slough and back, though high water and dense vegetation in late summer can create challenging conditions. Nearby alternatives include Halfmoon Landing and Lower Fountain City Landing, which offers additional amenities like temporary dockage and concrete ramps.