Winneshiek Slough

Winneshiek Slough in De Soto, Crawford County offers public boat access to Pool 9 of the Mississippi River, a major waterway between Genoa and Lynxville, Wisconsin. This launch provides convenient access to the Upper Mississippi River Valley's scenic backwaters and sloughs. The site has been recommended as an alternative access point during construction periods on other sections of the river.

The Mississippi River at this location is a powerful major waterway with an average flow of approximately 685,000 cubic feet per second and average current velocity of 11.24 feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for significant current and a busy shipping channel. The river's gradient averages 0.8 feet per mile in this region. This access point is well-suited for motorboaters, kayakers, and canoeists seeking to explore the abundant backwater areas, sandbars, and sloughs characteristic of Pool 9.

For additional information about facilities, fees, and hours of operation at this site, contact the Wisconsin DNR or visit their comprehensive boat access database at dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/boataccess/. Nearby alternatives include Belvidere Slough (paved ramp) and Great River Harbor (private facility with full amenities).