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Access Site MN

Mississippi River, Wilson Park State Water Access*

Mississippi River

Source: minnesota_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: St. Cloud, MN
County: Benton County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 45.56990702, -94.16094693
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Mississippi River
1 run
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Wilson Park offers a convenient free boat launch on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, accessible to both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. The ramp and dock are located at the far end of the parking lot, with ample parking available. The site is ADA-accessible and well-suited for kayakers, canoeists, and recreational boaters looking to access this major river corridor.

The Mississippi River at this location is a large, powerful waterway—the 10th-order major river with an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and a velocity of approximately 11 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for swift current conditions and plan accordingly. The river's modest gradient of 0.8 feet per mile means this section is generally navigable, though awareness of the considerable flow and width is essential for safe paddling.

For trip planning, the Minnesota DNR's *Mississippi River Guide* is a valuable resource, providing detailed maps, information on other boat launches, and trail access throughout the region. Wilson Park serves as a solid access point for exploring this section of one of North America's most iconic rivers.
Amenities
restrooms