General
Description & Characteristics -- The Wisconsin is the
longest river in the state that was named for it, flowing 430 miles from the lakes region
of northern Wisconsin to its mouth on the Mississippi River between Prairie du Chien and
Wyalusing. The upper Wisconsin offers some good sections for canoeing, but it is dammed up
at many locations, so only the lower Wisconsin offers the opportunity for a long canoe
camping excursion. This section of the Wisconsin is constantly braiding itself into
multiple channels around large wooded islands. At times it is hard to know whether
you are passing an island or the main bank, as there are so many of the former.
The lower Wisconsin is of great is of great historical significance, as
it was through this waterway that Pere Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet began their
journey of discovery down the Mississippi in 1673. They came up the Fox River from
Green Bay and portaged across land to reach the Wisconsin River.
Location
& Canoeable Mileage -- The last dam on the Wisconsin is at
Prairie du Sac. You can launch at a public landing on the south bank at the highway 12
bridge in Sauk City. This is only a couple of miles downstream from the dam. It is
about 92 miles from Sauk City to the mouth of the Wisconsin. This entire section is
designated as the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. If you canoe all the way to the
mouth, you must continue about three miles down the Mississippi to take out at the village
of Wyalusing where there is a recreational boat ramp at a nice beach with adequate
parking. Stay close to the left (east) bank to avoid wakes of speeding motorboats,
particularly on summer weekend afternoons
If you prefer a shorter trip, there are good access points at or near
most bridges, so you can tailor the length of the trip to suit your needs.
Depending on the flow of the Wisconsin, you may have to drag your feet a
bit to stretch this into a week long trip, but you will surely enjoy the scenery and great
camping.
Interesting Features -- The scenic bluffs, islands and great sand bar
campsites make this an extremely popular float stream with no rapids or serious hazards.
There is some danger created by irregular currents and the shifting sandy bottom --
swimmers and waders beware of strong current and possible drop-offs! Be sure to tie your
boat up well above the generating level of the upstream dams.
Vegetation along the river remains, for the most part, very natural with
woods of cottonwood, maple, ash and willow along the river; on the bluffs and hills, oak,
maple and some evergreens prevail. Highways run near the river on both sides,
sometimes right along the banks, but otherwise this is a very natural setting. Most
island campsites are well away from the roads.
Bald eagles and sandhill cranes can be seen along the river, as well as
Canada geese, and many other species of birds.
The section from Sauk City to Spring Green is the most popular section
for canoeists, and summer week ends are the busy season. A distance of 25 miles, this is a
good two day trip. At Spring Green (in addition to a nice public landing near the bridge)
there is access at Tower Hill State Park (see below), which can also be visited on foot by
canoeists. The park has trails, water, and a historic tower used to manufacture lead
shot for ammunition.
Spring Green to Boscobel is about the same distance and also popular,
but less so than the upper section. Below Boscobel, canoeing is not so popular, though not
because it is less attractive. The river is slower as it approaches the Mississippi, but
we think more scenic than the upper sections. Huge bluffs greet you as you approach
and enter the Mississippi.
If you take out at Wyalusing, be sure to check out the view from
Wyalusing State Park, overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers from 500 feet
above.
Camping
-- Sand bars on the many large islands make great campsites.
Unless posted otherwise, you can assume the islands are state owned. Below
Boscobel, there are fewer high sandbars, but campsites can be found (though small ones)
down to the Mississippi. Glass containers are prohibited on the river to help ensure
safe camping, boating and swimming for all river users, and this rule is strictly
enforced. Much of the land along the river is privately owned, as are some of the timbered
islands, so be sure to comply with trespassing laws.
If the Wisconsin River is flowing significantly above normal, most of
the sandbars will be underwater, and camping will be more difficult.
Additional Information:
