Access Site
WI
Upper Spring Lake
Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago
City: Buffalo City, WI
County: Buffalo County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.21486771, -91.84967628
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
**Location & Facility Details**
Upper Spring Lake Landing is a gravel boat ramp located in Buffalo City, Wisconsin, on South River Road near the intersection with County Road OO. This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility provides public access to Pool 4 of the Mississippi River and is part of the Riecks Lake Park recreation area. The gravel ramp design makes it suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats, though paddlers should be prepared for variable surface conditions.
**River Conditions**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant current and volume. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and velocities around 11 feet per second, paddlers should expect strong current and be experienced with river navigation. The river's 0.8 ft/mile average gradient creates steady flow conditions. This section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley offers scenic paddling within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, though boaters should respect refuge regulations and wildlife protection protocols.
**Nearby Alternatives**
If Upper Spring Lake Landing is unavailable or full, the Lower Spring Lake Landing (concrete ramp, approximately 0.2 miles downstream) and Minneiska Public Access on the Minnesota side offer additional launch options in the area.
Upper Spring Lake Landing is a gravel boat ramp located in Buffalo City, Wisconsin, on South River Road near the intersection with County Road OO. This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility provides public access to Pool 4 of the Mississippi River and is part of the Riecks Lake Park recreation area. The gravel ramp design makes it suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats, though paddlers should be prepared for variable surface conditions.
**River Conditions**
The Mississippi River at this location is a major waterway with significant current and volume. With an average flow of over 685,000 cubic feet per second and velocities around 11 feet per second, paddlers should expect strong current and be experienced with river navigation. The river's 0.8 ft/mile average gradient creates steady flow conditions. This section of the Upper Mississippi River Valley offers scenic paddling within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, though boaters should respect refuge regulations and wildlife protection protocols.
**Nearby Alternatives**
If Upper Spring Lake Landing is unavailable or full, the Lower Spring Lake Landing (concrete ramp, approximately 0.2 miles downstream) and Minneiska Public Access on the Minnesota side offer additional launch options in the area.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access
This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pool 4
Nearby Recreation Areas
Mississippi River - Pool 5A
Located within
Mississippi River - Pool 5
Located within