Access Site
WI
Bluegill Bay County Park
Wisconsin River • Big Rib River • Eau Claire River
Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: Wausau, WI
County: Marathon County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.92638445, -89.63998724
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Wisconsin River
7 runs (4 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I-II
Downstream from here (30.6 mi to put-in)
E) Stevens Point: Whiting Dam, Al Tech County Park (PnP, 0.6mi.)
5.4 mi
II-III
Upstream from here (2.1 mi from take-out)
D) Wausau Slalom Course (0.35 mile modified natural channel)
0.3 mi
125 ft/mi
II-III+(IV)
Upstream from here (27.9 mi from take-out)
C) Grandfather Falls (1 mile)
0.9 mi
60 ft/mi
I-II(III)
Upstream from here (42.4 mi from take-out)
B) Camp 10 to Menard Isle (4 miles)
4.5 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Bluegill Bay County Park provides access to Lake Wausau on the Wisconsin River in Wausau, Marathon County. The park's north section is accessed from Oriole Lane and features a double boat launch ramp with courtesy piers, making it suitable for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats of various sizes.
**Facilities & Amenities:** This well-developed park offers comprehensive amenities including flush restrooms, parking, picnic areas with grills and tables, a paved walking path, an open shelter, and a water well. Additional facilities include benches, a playground, volleyball court, and dumpsters. The park is heavily used year-round by boaters and ice fishermen, indicating reliable access and established infrastructure.
**Best For:** Bluegill Bay is an excellent choice for paddlers and boaters seeking convenient access to Lake Wausau with good facilities. The calm, impounded water of the lake (rather than fast-flowing river conditions) makes it ideal for beginners and recreational paddling, while the park's amenities support day trips and family outings.
**Facilities & Amenities:** This well-developed park offers comprehensive amenities including flush restrooms, parking, picnic areas with grills and tables, a paved walking path, an open shelter, and a water well. Additional facilities include benches, a playground, volleyball court, and dumpsters. The park is heavily used year-round by boaters and ice fishermen, indicating reliable access and established infrastructure.
**Best For:** Bluegill Bay is an excellent choice for paddlers and boaters seeking convenient access to Lake Wausau with good facilities. The calm, impounded water of the lake (rather than fast-flowing river conditions) makes it ideal for beginners and recreational paddling, while the park's amenities support day trips and family outings.