The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section is peaceful, studded with islands, and loaded with inviting sandbars and beaches. Bluffs often tower over the shoreline and one unique open area is very beautiful. An annual canoe race covers most of this section in July but the rest of the year you will see far fewer paddlers.

This section of the Menominee River is a short but challenging whitewater run that offers class II to V rapids. The 4-mile run is accessed from a put-in located in Wisconsin and a take-out located in Michigan. Paddlers will put in just below the Quinnesec Falls Dam and float downstream a mile and a half on fast flatwater before approaching the first set of major rapids over Sand Portage Falls, a class II-III drop. After Sand Portage Falls paddlers will have a chance to rest for almost a mile of flatwater before heading into Piers Gorge which is a 0.5 mile run of continuous rapids and drops. There is a dirt trail on the left that can be used for portaging or scouting the river. The first drop is an 8-10 foot fall that is classified as a IV-V with large boulder at the bottom that may not be visible during in high water. The other major rapids on the river include Twin Sisters (class II-III drops) followed Terminal Surfer (Class III ledge drop). The take-out for this run is located at the U.S. Hwy. 8 bridge

This river is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and is one of the original eight rivers to be protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and has consequently been preserved in a wonderfully wild state. This last section is arguably the most enjoyable of all. It has magnificent dells carved by the meltwater of the last glacier, cliff, potholes, stony bluffs, islands and other gorgeous scenery. There are no rapids, only occasional small riffles break up the otherwise quietwater.

This is arguably one of the prettiest and most unspoiled rivers in Wisconsin. You will see little development along the Pike, as well as encountering mixed forest, good current, pleasant flatwater, frequent riffles and rapids, and attractive rock formations. Powerline Rapids (Class II) is a drop through a small canyon about 50 yards long. A long stretch of flatwater with a number of pleasant ruffles lead to Scrounge Canyon (Class II), Horseshoe Falls, a Class II curved ledge, and Yellow Bridge Falls (Class III) which involves two pitches and a sheer 5-foot drop with a couple hundred yards of boulder garden to follow.

The Bois Brule is one of the most famous rivers in the Midwest and is also one of the most popular paddling streams in Wisconsin. The entire river lies within the Brule River State Forest which helps to preserve the wild character of the shoreline. The river is also very diverse in its scenery. This stretch is the most popular day trip on the river and consists of mostly quiet water with easy riffles and rapids, making it an excellent choice for less-experienced paddlers. A one-mile section through Big Lake requires some paddling through dead water and may be difficult if there is a head wind.

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section and the adjacent upstream section comprise the most secluded part of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. There is far less company from other boaters and it is very remote. However, it maintains the same level, or higher, of scenic beauty. Glacial meltwater cut through sandstone and limestone, resulting in many riverside bluffs reaching 300- to 400-feet in height. Big islands and many sandbars add to the scenic beauty.

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section and the next comprise the most secluded part of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. There is far less company from other boaters and it is very remote. However, it maintains the same level, or higher, of scenic beauty. Glacial meltwater cut through sandstone and limestone, resulting in many riverside bluffs reaching 300- to 400-feet in height. Big islands and many sandbars add to the scenic beauty.

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section runs to the end of the Wisconsin River at the confluence with the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River portion of this trip is brief and interesting, highlighted by imposing bluffs on both sides. Wyalusing State Park is also worth the visit either before or after your trip to learn about the history of the area and see the magnificent views from atop the bluffs.

The Bois Brule is one of the most famous rivers in the Midwest and is also one of the most popular paddling streams in Wisconsin. The entire river lies within the Brule River State Forest which helps to preserve the wild character of the shoreline. The river is also very diverse in its scenery. Few canoe trips end as spectacularly as this one. As you paddle down the very calm, final stretch of the Bois Brule with stunning scenery, Lake Superior looms before you with an awe-inspiring view. This stretch of the river provides easy rapids, attractive banks, some quiet water, and the dramatic finish.

The Wisconsin River starts as a small stream near the Michigan border and flows south, then west for 430 miles before joining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. Many other smaller rivers and creeks join it along the way and make it a major American River. With 26 hydropower dams along its course it is called “The hardest working river in America.” This section is peaceful, studded with islands, and loaded with inviting sandbars and beaches. Bluffs often tower over the shoreline and one unique open area is very beautiful. An annual canoe race covers most of this section in July but the rest of the year you will see far fewer paddlers.