Green Island Wildlife Area

Green Island Wildlife Area offers public boat access to the Mississippi River in Jackson County, Iowa, via a maintained gravel road system. This site is part of the Mississippi River Pools 11-22 recreation area and provides a convenient launching point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats exploring this section of the river. The area features accessible viewing opportunities for wildlife and vegetation along the grounds.

The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow—averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second—and a moderate current velocity of roughly 11 feet per second. Paddlers should be prepared for the river's power and substantial water movement. The ramp itself has a 7.1-foot slope and is located approximately 9-10 miles west of Route 1 at the Farrell turnoff; follow the access road past the main levee crossing. Be sure to obtain any required boating licenses before launching.

Note that channel maintenance projects may affect water conditions periodically. Multiple boat ramp access points exist up and down this section of the Mississippi, providing options for trip planning. Check current conditions before your visit, as a major river of this scale can experience significant water level and flow variations seasonally.

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22