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.

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 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 is an extremely quiet part of the river featuring a series of huge, wooded islands. DNR wildlife areas run along the left shore all the way, and beautiful, rounded bluffs hover over the water much of the time. The trip begins and ends in charming, historic cities. Muscoda was once a fur-trading post and then an important supply center after the railroad came through and Boscobel began as a logging town, but also owed its growth to the coming of the railroad.