City: Nelson, WI
County: Buffalo County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.40342764, -92.01871345
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Mississippi River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Beef Slough is a boat ramp access point located on Highway 25 between Wabasha, Minnesota and Nelson, Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. This major river access serves paddlers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the Mississippi's extensive sloughs and backwaters in this region. Day use parking and boat launch facilities are available at this location.
As a major river system (USGS Stream Order 10), the Mississippi here carries substantial flow averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second with average velocities around 11 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for swift current conditions and be aware that river conditions can change quickly, particularly during high water periods. The relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile average) means the water moves steadily rather than steeply, but the sheer volume of water demands respect and proper safety preparation.
Access to Beef Slough requires either a USACE Day Use Annual Pass, ATB Senior Pass, or Access Pass for authorization. Payment can also be arranged through the Recreation.gov mobile app by scanning the QR code at the site's bulletin board. Check current conditions before launching and come prepared with appropriate safety equipment for paddling on a major river system.
As a major river system (USGS Stream Order 10), the Mississippi here carries substantial flow averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second with average velocities around 11 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for swift current conditions and be aware that river conditions can change quickly, particularly during high water periods. The relatively gentle gradient (0.8 ft/mile average) means the water moves steadily rather than steeply, but the sheer volume of water demands respect and proper safety preparation.
Access to Beef Slough requires either a USACE Day Use Annual Pass, ATB Senior Pass, or Access Pass for authorization. Payment can also be arranged through the Recreation.gov mobile app by scanning the QR code at the site's bulletin board. Check current conditions before launching and come prepared with appropriate safety equipment for paddling on a major river system.