Access Site
WI
Petenwell Powerhouse
City: Necedah, WI
County: Juneau County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.05509512, -90.02180515
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Wisconsin River
7 runs (2 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(III)
Downstream from here (30.4 mi to put-in)
F) Wisconsin Dells - Narrows (Blackhawk Island) (PnP)
6.2 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (42.6 mi from take-out)
E) Stevens Point: Whiting Dam, Al Tech County Park (PnP, 0.6mi.)
5.4 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II
55 mi away
G) Prairie du Sac (PnP)
0.3 mi
II-III
68 mi away
D) Wausau Slalom Course (0.35 mile modified natural channel)
0.3 mi
125 ft/mi
II-III+(IV)
87 mi away
C) Grandfather Falls (1 mile)
0.9 mi
60 ft/mi
I-II(III)
107 mi away
B) Camp 10 to Menard Isle (4 miles)
4.5 mi
II-III
117 mi away
A) Rhinelander (0.3 mile modified natural channel)
0.3 mi
86 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Petenwell Powerhouse provides public boat access to the Wisconsin River in the Necedah area, with a public ramp available off Indiana Avenue. This location serves as a convenient takeout point for paddlers and boaters navigating this section of the river. The site offers direct access to the Wisconsin River's lower reach, which flows through a scenic region influenced by the Petenwell and Castle Rock hydroelectric projects.
Paddlers should note that dam portages are a consideration in this area—the popular Dells Dam to Indian Trails Landing route spans 6.2 miles. For those seeking additional nearby access points, the State Highway 21 Wayside features a paved parking area and concrete boat ramps with two launch lanes, providing an alternative entry point on the short river section between Castle Rock and Lake Petenwell. The nearby Necedah National Wildlife Refuge offers additional recreational opportunities for those exploring the region.
For current information on facilities, accessibility, and any specific requirements, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-936-7463.
Paddlers should note that dam portages are a consideration in this area—the popular Dells Dam to Indian Trails Landing route spans 6.2 miles. For those seeking additional nearby access points, the State Highway 21 Wayside features a paved parking area and concrete boat ramps with two launch lanes, providing an alternative entry point on the short river section between Castle Rock and Lake Petenwell. The nearby Necedah National Wildlife Refuge offers additional recreational opportunities for those exploring the region.
For current information on facilities, accessibility, and any specific requirements, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-936-7463.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Located within