Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - Kiep's Island

Kiep's Island offers a convenient launching point for exploring Pool 5A and Pool 6 of the Mississippi River within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley. This access point serves the 6,808-acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, which sits along the Mississippi Flyway—making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing by boat. The refuge pools are open to boat fishing with electric motors only, and the hard-packed ramp supports kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. The site is located on the Great River Scenic Byway and is open year-round.

Paddlers should be prepared for the Mississippi's significant flow and current. At this section, the river maintains an average velocity of 11.24 feet/second with substantial water volume (average flow of 685,352 cubic feet/second). The moderate gradient of 0.8 ft/mile means relatively steady downstream travel. From Kiep's Island, an easy 0.7-mile one-way dike trail provides a land-based option to explore the refuge through forested terrain with water views on both sides. The refuge's easy 2-mile trail along the east border also offers opportunities to observe water birds and reach views of Trempealeau Mountain.