Wilcox Landing - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Wilcox Landing provides access to Robinson Lake within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a 261-mile stretch of protected floodplain spanning from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois. This boat ramp is one of 26 maintained landings throughout the refuge and accommodates watercraft of 18 feet or less. The landing offers a convenient starting point for exploring the refuge's diverse habitats, including wooded islands, sloughs, and hardwood forests.

The refuge is an excellent destination for kayakers and canoeists, with calm water conditions ideal for paddling during the peak season from May through September. You'll have opportunities to observe abundant wildlife including migratory waterfowl (canvasback ducks, tundra swans), white-tailed deer, and muskrats. The area supports established canoe trails with varying difficulty levels and multiple takeout points. For camping, permits, and activity reservations, visit Recreation.gov to plan your visit.