Winneshiek

The Winneshiek access site provides launch facilities on the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien, positioned within Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. This section of the Mississippi is a major waterway with substantial flow (averaging 685,000+ cubic feet per second) and moderate current velocity of approximately 11 feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for a large river with consistent downstream movement and plan their trips accordingly.

This location offers convenient access to some of the most productive fishing waters in the Upper Mississippi region, with excellent conditions between Lock and Dams #8 and #9. The nearby Lake Winneshiek (over 6,000 acres) and Blackhawk Park—the largest public facility in Pool 9, located just three miles north near De Soto—provide additional recreation options including boat rentals, camping, and supplies. Prairie du Chien is centrally located between LaCrosse and De Soto, making it accessible for regional paddling and boating trips.

For complete details on facilities, fees, and hours of operation, consult the Wisconsin DNR boat access website at dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/boataccess/.