7th Street

The 7th Street Boat Launch (2300 South 7th Street) provides public access to the Mississippi River in La Crosse, positioned in Pool 7 of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. This is a major river system—the Mississippi averages over 685,000 cubic feet of water per second with an average current velocity of 11.24 feet per second, making it suitable for experienced paddlers and motorboaters. The river's gentle average gradient of 0.8 feet per mile creates relatively manageable conditions in this section, though paddlers should respect the volume and power of this major waterway.

This La Crosse location sits between the scenic recreation areas of Pool 7 (bordered by Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN) and Pool 8 (between Dresbach, MN and Genoa, WI), offering access to an expansive stretch of river. The area is also home to other public boat launches nearby, including Veterans Freedom Park and East Copeland launches, providing options depending on your specific needs. Before launching, paddlers should check current water conditions, respect the strong currents typical of the Mississippi, and wear appropriate safety equipment for this major river system.