Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard WI

Woolen Mill Dam

Cedar Creek - *2025.09.09 Wood Update* Cedarburg Mill to CTH.T (2.3 miles) (WI)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Cedar Creek near Cedarburg, WI Upstream Primary
Runnable: 100.0 – 1,200.0 CFS

E.L.F.(Extreme Low Flow) beginner/novice: Open boats (canoes or recreational kayaks without skirts), kayaks, rafts; minimal whitewater play.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Woolen Mill Dam
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

This dam (the first of four within Cedarburg on Cedar Creek) has been identified as having unacceptable risk for failure in flood conditions, which could produce catastrophic consequences in downtown Cedarburg. For this reason, discussions are being held (2025) regarding renovation or removal.

As is often the case, there are two very vocal factions. Those wishing to keep/renovate the dam claim all the dams are important to the history of the town and city and feel the need to preserve that part of their history. Those pushing for removal counter that the dam which actually powered the mill no longer exists. The current dam was built decades after the mill ceased operation, and was built solely to create a pond for swimming and ice skating, thus does not qualify as a "historic" structure.

We'll have to see how that all plays out, and how long it takes before any decision is reached and action (removal or renovation) actually takes place.

Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class N/A
Mile Marker
-0.4 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
*2025.09.09 Wood Update* Cedarburg Mill to CTH.T (2.3 miles)
Cedar Creek
II-III 2.3 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater