Wildcat Park

Located in Houston County near Brownsville, Wildcat Park offers convenient access to Pool 7 of the Mississippi River via two concrete boat ramps (fee required). The park is situated along the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN, providing excellent opportunities for paddling, boating, and fishing. The site includes a sandy beach, picnic tables, fire rings, and fishing pier, making it a well-rounded destination for day-use visitors.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant current—expect an average flow of 685,000+ cubic feet per second and water velocity around 11 mph. Paddlers should be prepared for strong current conditions and large boat traffic typical of Pool 7. The park also offers seasonal campground facilities (May through September) with both primitive and electrical sites, central shower house, and sanitary station, making it suitable for multi-day trips.

To reach Wildcat Park, follow Highway 16 south of La Crescent to Highway 26 heading toward Brownsville. The site provides a logical jumping-off point for exploring either Pool 7 (upstream toward Dresbach) or Pool 8 (downstream toward Genoa, WI). Nearby alternatives include Nelson Park in La Crosse County and Upper Dike Landing for additional access points in the region.