Mississippi River, Wildcat Park State Water Acces*

Wildcat Park offers a convenient public access point to the Mississippi River in Houston County, featuring two concrete boat ramps suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The facility includes a sandy beach, picnic areas, fire rings, and a fishing pier. Located in scenic Pool 7 of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, the park operates seasonally (May through September) and provides both primitive and electrical camping sites for those wanting to extend their visit. The park is accessible via Highway 26 south of La Crescent.

At this location on the Mississippi River, expect a major waterway with significant current—the river averages 11.24 feet per second with considerable volume. Paddlers should be prepared for the river's power and plan accordingly, especially if heading upstream. The relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile average) makes this section more manageable than upper reaches, though strong current remains a constant factor. This is an ideal launch point for exploring Pools 7 and 8 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a scenic area renowned for wildlife viewing and recreational boating.