Erik's Adventures, L.L.C.
Only 3 to 3 1/2 hours from Chicago 4 hours from the Twin Cities, and 2 hours from Milwaukee, the Wisconsin River meanders south through the center of Wisconsin. Thirty miles north of Madison at Sauk City, the river veers more towards the west on it’s way tojoining the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien. South of Sauk City the river is very wide in most places and in the summer is dotted with many islands. The river has many shifting sandbars and shallow spots as well as deep drop-offs. The down river shores on most of the islands contain long sandbars. The sandbars offer nice places to stop and swim on a hot day, picnic, fish, or camp for the evening. The State River System extends 95 miles from Sauk City to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien and encompasses 79,275 acres of Southwestern Wisconsin. In the heart of this area is beautiful Spring Green. The river corridor protects bluffs, bottomland forests, backwaters, and 98 of Wisconsin’s 147 fish species. The Wisconsin River provides a perfect escape that surrounds you with beautiful scenery and the sounds of nature. If you are looking for a weekend getaway that will refresh and reward you, look no further.
Wisconsin River- Canoe and Camping Trips FAQ's and general information
Driving Directions: To Spring Green, Wisconsin
From Chicago take I-90 past Ohare, through Rockford, and up to Madison. Exit at exit 142A on the left onto Hwy. 12. Take Exit 251 off of this Hwy to Spring Green. Turn right after the ramp onto University Avenue, which turns into Hwy 14. Take that 30 miles or so, about 10 minutes past the town of Arena and you will be in Spring Green, WI
From Milwaukee take I-94 to Madison, merge onto I-90, and exit onto the beltline west (Hwy 12), exit 142A. Take Exit 251 off of this to Spring Green. Turn right after the ramp onto University Avenue, which turns into Hwy 14. Take that 30 miles or so, about 10 minutes past the town of Arena and you will be in Spring Green
Please ask for directions from other locations!
From Chicago take I-90 past Ohare, through Rockford, and up to Madison. Exit at exit 142A on the left onto Hwy. 12. Take Exit 251 off of this Hwy to Spring Green. Turn right after the ramp onto University Avenue, which turns into Hwy 14. Take that 30 miles or so, about 10 minutes past the town of Arena and you will be in Spring Green, WI
From Milwaukee take I-94 to Madison, merge onto I-90, and exit onto the beltline west (Hwy 12), exit 142A. Take Exit 251 off of this to Spring Green. Turn right after the ramp onto University Avenue, which turns into Hwy 14. Take that 30 miles or so, about 10 minutes past the town of Arena and you will be in Spring Green
Please ask for directions from other locations!
Call Us at 312-925-0287
Northern Ontario
Wilderness Canoe Trips. Available Summer 2007
Wilderness Canoe Trips. Available Summer 2007
Links to Wisconsin River Canoe Trips and other Adventures
Information for Camp and Canoe Recreation on The Wisconsin River
A typical Summer day Canoeing on the Wisconsin River
Information on Canoeing and Camping on The Wisconsin River (courtesy Wisconsin DNR)
Lower Wisconsin Riverway Description
At Prairie du Sac and Sauk City the hydroelectric dam built in 1914 holds back the natural
flow of the Wisconsin River and creates Lake Wisconsin. Below that point, the river breaks
from man-made barriers and winds its way uninhibited for 93 miles to the Mississippi. The
natural beauty of islands, sandbars, woods, and bluffs gives an impression of unspoiled
nature to the uncritical eye, and for the history-minded calls up thoughts of Marquette and
Joliet. Remarkably free from commercial and residential use, the river attracts an estimated
400,000 people a year who find it a recreational paradise.
Land Recreation
There are over 44,000 acres of state owned land within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
The vast majority of these lands are available for a variety of public uses including wildlife
watching and hunting. Some areas may be closed to public access to protect endangered or
threatened species.
Water Recreation
The 92 miles of the Wisconsin River from the dam at Prairie du Sac to the confluence with
the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien represents one of the longest stretches of free
flowing river remaining in the Midwest. The river is a Mecca for canoeists and anglers who
enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley as well as the challenge of paddling or sport of angling.
Canoeing and safety
Thousands of people visit the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway each year for the expressed
purpose of canoeing. The river is broad and relatively shallow with numerous sand bars and
islands available for breaks from paddling. The sand bars also are used as overnight camp
sites. Also, camping on private lands without the permission of the landowner is trespassing
and is not tolerated.
Despite its placid appearance, the river may be dangerous if proper safety precautions are
not exercised. Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when canoeing, boating or
wading on the river. The river may drop off from a few inches to several feet within one step.
When wading on a sand bar, always walk upstream and walk in pairs. Avoid flows through
hazards such as snags or overhanging branches. If you capsize or step into deep water, do
not fight the current. The river is relatively shallow and, by drifting downstream with the
current, you should find a spot where you can stand up. IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO
SWIM IT, DO NOT CANOE IT OR WADE IT AND ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE PRESERVER!
The sun can be devastating to your skin when you’re on the river for any length of time. Use
sunscreen, wear a hat and bring extra clothing.
Poison ivy is abundant along the river. Avoid contact with the plant and be sure you can
recognize the three leaves which signify poison ivy. Mosquitoes are frequently a problem so
remember to bring repellent in case you need it.
Water levels on the river change daily, especially if there has been rain anywhere within the
vast watershed of the river. When choosing a sand bar camp site, always make sure you
have high ground in case of a rise in the river level overnight. Always secure you canoe and
equipment well so you don’t find yourself in a predicament when you wake up in the morning.
There are recreational use restrictions in the Riverway which are strictly enforced. Glass
containers are prohibited on the river and all state owned lands. Each canoe or boat must have
a waterproof refuse container for garbage. This may be a plastic garbage bag, cooler or other
similar device. All garbage carried in must be carried out.
REMEMBER THE RIVER ETHICS:
HAVE A GOOD TIME
DON’T BOTHER OTHERS
PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF
Popular Canoe Routes on the Wisconsin River
Sauk City to Arena (about 15 miles) 5-7 hours of paddling
Sauk City to Spring Green (about 25 miles) 10-12 hours paddling
Spring Green to Lone Rock (about 8 miles) 3 hours of paddling
Arena to Lone Rock (about 20 miles) 8-10 hours of paddling
Arena to Muscoda (about 32 miles) 2 day trip.
These times are actual paddle times, in my experience many people like to stop for swimming,
to hike ferry bluff, fish, or relax with a picnic. If this is the case for you plan on adding on more
time to the above times. Overnight trips for the above routes are also a great idea.
Wildlife on The Wisconsin River
Animals- great blue heron, bald and golden eagles, sand hill cranes, deer, and an abundance
of small river mammals including otter and beaver. There are also numerous turtles which are
usually sitting on logs sticking out of the water catching some sun.
Plants- The forest in the River Valley is largely a deciduous type, with occasional pine trees
dotting some of the bluffs. Islands can have grasses, shrubs and woodland plant growth. Sandbars
are normally largely clear of any significant growth.
THE MAJORITY OF THE WISCONSIN RIVER IS SAND BOTTOM!!
At Prairie du Sac and Sauk City the hydroelectric dam built in 1914 holds back the natural
flow of the Wisconsin River and creates Lake Wisconsin. Below that point, the river breaks
from man-made barriers and winds its way uninhibited for 93 miles to the Mississippi. The
natural beauty of islands, sandbars, woods, and bluffs gives an impression of unspoiled
nature to the uncritical eye, and for the history-minded calls up thoughts of Marquette and
Joliet. Remarkably free from commercial and residential use, the river attracts an estimated
400,000 people a year who find it a recreational paradise.
Land Recreation
There are over 44,000 acres of state owned land within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
The vast majority of these lands are available for a variety of public uses including wildlife
watching and hunting. Some areas may be closed to public access to protect endangered or
threatened species.
Water Recreation
The 92 miles of the Wisconsin River from the dam at Prairie du Sac to the confluence with
the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien represents one of the longest stretches of free
flowing river remaining in the Midwest. The river is a Mecca for canoeists and anglers who
enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley as well as the challenge of paddling or sport of angling.
Canoeing and safety
Thousands of people visit the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway each year for the expressed
purpose of canoeing. The river is broad and relatively shallow with numerous sand bars and
islands available for breaks from paddling. The sand bars also are used as overnight camp
sites. Also, camping on private lands without the permission of the landowner is trespassing
and is not tolerated.
Despite its placid appearance, the river may be dangerous if proper safety precautions are
not exercised. Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when canoeing, boating or
wading on the river. The river may drop off from a few inches to several feet within one step.
When wading on a sand bar, always walk upstream and walk in pairs. Avoid flows through
hazards such as snags or overhanging branches. If you capsize or step into deep water, do
not fight the current. The river is relatively shallow and, by drifting downstream with the
current, you should find a spot where you can stand up. IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO
SWIM IT, DO NOT CANOE IT OR WADE IT AND ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE PRESERVER!
The sun can be devastating to your skin when you’re on the river for any length of time. Use
sunscreen, wear a hat and bring extra clothing.
Poison ivy is abundant along the river. Avoid contact with the plant and be sure you can
recognize the three leaves which signify poison ivy. Mosquitoes are frequently a problem so
remember to bring repellent in case you need it.
Water levels on the river change daily, especially if there has been rain anywhere within the
vast watershed of the river. When choosing a sand bar camp site, always make sure you
have high ground in case of a rise in the river level overnight. Always secure you canoe and
equipment well so you don’t find yourself in a predicament when you wake up in the morning.
There are recreational use restrictions in the Riverway which are strictly enforced. Glass
containers are prohibited on the river and all state owned lands. Each canoe or boat must have
a waterproof refuse container for garbage. This may be a plastic garbage bag, cooler or other
similar device. All garbage carried in must be carried out.
REMEMBER THE RIVER ETHICS:
HAVE A GOOD TIME
DON’T BOTHER OTHERS
PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF
Popular Canoe Routes on the Wisconsin River
Sauk City to Arena (about 15 miles) 5-7 hours of paddling
Sauk City to Spring Green (about 25 miles) 10-12 hours paddling
Spring Green to Lone Rock (about 8 miles) 3 hours of paddling
Arena to Lone Rock (about 20 miles) 8-10 hours of paddling
Arena to Muscoda (about 32 miles) 2 day trip.
These times are actual paddle times, in my experience many people like to stop for swimming,
to hike ferry bluff, fish, or relax with a picnic. If this is the case for you plan on adding on more
time to the above times. Overnight trips for the above routes are also a great idea.
Wildlife on The Wisconsin River
Animals- great blue heron, bald and golden eagles, sand hill cranes, deer, and an abundance
of small river mammals including otter and beaver. There are also numerous turtles which are
usually sitting on logs sticking out of the water catching some sun.
Plants- The forest in the River Valley is largely a deciduous type, with occasional pine trees
dotting some of the bluffs. Islands can have grasses, shrubs and woodland plant growth. Sandbars
are normally largely clear of any significant growth.
THE MAJORITY OF THE WISCONSIN RIVER IS SAND BOTTOM!!
For more information on planning a trip or to get up to date
current conditions on the river such as water level, mosquito
conditions, and tips in general- email me at erik@eriksadventures!!
current conditions on the river such as water level, mosquito
conditions, and tips in general- email me at erik@eriksadventures!!
The Wisconsin River provides a perfect escape that surrounds you with beautiful scenery and the sounds of nature. If you are looking for a weekend getaway that will refresh and reward you, look no further.
Call Us at 312-925-0287
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
