How-to: Canoeing the Wisconsin River

Mornin' to everyone ordering a Wiscampsin coffee mug for Dad's birthday (this is why you're the favorite). Welcome to the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

News on Wisconsin's good views:

• Canoe camping the Wisconsin River 🛶 

• Giant muskie caught in da Northwoods 🐟

• Sugar River State Trail celebrates 50 years 🍁 

How to Canoe the Wisconsin River (and Peep the Fall Colors)

It was a sight to behold: Forrest of the mighty Wiscampsin team, self-proclaimed adventure extraordinaire, biking along the highway on a child's bicycle in the hot sun. To add insult to injury, the fixed-gear bike had a flat tire and streamers flapping from the handlebars.

Why was he biking (read: crawling) along this busy stretch of road in the middle of scenic Wisconsin? No, he didn't have too many Old Fashioned's at Sheryl's; he needed to get back to his car, parked 18 miles away along the Wisconsin River.

Ya see, Forrest and his buddy wanted to experience all the Wisconsin River had to offer - the changing leaves, pristine, slow-moving waters, views of the Driftless area, and even bald eagles! - on a multi-night canoe/camping trip.

But like most 18 year-old 'Sconnies, he was more focused on the beers, not on the logistics. Which left him retrieving the car after the trip via a Goodwill kids bike. Not exactly a postcard-worthy trip.

So, if you want to experience one of the coolest rivers in the midwest in a more enjoyble fashion, keep reading on a quick 'n' witty how-to on canoe camping the Wisconsin River. No biking necessary.

The Wisconsin River

• At 430 miles long, it's Wisconsin's loooooongest river

• Used for transporting logs between sawmills in the 1800s

• The lower portion has the longest free-flowing stretch of river anywhere in the Midwest

Quick backstory

A tributary of the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin River starts up nort' in Wisconsin near the Wisconsin/Michigan border at the Lac Vieux Desert, a lake in Gogebic County (what is this, Star Wars?).

It shoots south through the Baraboo Hills, then takes a right turn to the western part of the state, ending at the Mississippi River in Prairie Du Chien.

It's geologic formation is pretty interesting, the evidence of which clearly seen as the river winds its way through the Driftless Area. About 15,000 years ago, a great ice dam at a lake in the middle of the state burst, releasing millions of gallons of water that would carve out the Wisconsin Dells.

And like your dad and uncle who made up at last year's Thanksgiving (Packers and Vikings fans, respectively), the upper reaches and lower river valley of the Wisconsin River were finally connected.

Like most natural resources in the state, our predecessors figured out how to put the river to economical use, creating dams and logging routes along the river. Making that cheddar.

Two distinct sections

The northern section of the Wisconsin River is aptly hailed as the hardest-working river in the nation. With 26 hydroelectric dams and 21 storage reservoirs (more than any stretch of river in the US), it produces one billion kilowatt hours of renewable electricity per year - enough to power 300,000 residences without any pollution.

But it's the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway that get's our juices flowing (get it, the current...). While the upper stretch is hard at work powering our electric grid, the lower section is like your buddy who always seems to be playing outside instead of working.

Starting from the dam at Prairie Du Sac to its mouth at the Mississippi River, you'll find roughly 93 miles of uninterrupted, free-flowing river. It's the longest stretch of unimpeded river in the midwest, creating a mecca for outdoor recreation.

Along this section you'll find 'Sconnies fishing, canoeing, kayaking, nature viewing and camping. But they aren't alone; critters that call this place home are the white-tailed deer, otters, beavers, turtles, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, hawks, and a variety of fish species.

How to do it

Sure, you could just strap a canoe down to the roof of your car and wing it (ahem, Forrest), but if you want to make it less "cripes, gonna need a beer after this!" then follow these tips 'n' tricks:

Best time to go?: Now! The Fall Colors await, and there's no better view of the leaves than from the water. Check our Fall Colors edition of the Wiscampsin Weekly to see when the peak will be in your area. Of course, you could wait for warmer weather come spring.

Where to go?: Remember that lower section we talked about, the longest free-flowing section of river anywhere in the Midwest? That's the best place to do it, as you'll have unfettered paddling for days. It starts at Sauk Prairie and stretches all the way to the Mississippi River (~93 miles across central/southwestern Wisconsin).

Where to sleep?: The cool thing about the Wisconsin River is that it's constantly evolving, so the hundred-plus sand beaches change from year to year. Just pick one, pull off, and start setting up camp! A majority of overnight trips happen between Sauk City and Spring Green (and the 18-mile stretch between Mazomanie and Spring Green is prime for single-night trips). See more on camping here.

Gear? How about Beer?: The latter is up to your discretion (just remember - no glass!) but the former will take some planning. Check out this helpful list on everything you need for an overnight canoe trip and consider renting a canoe through an outfitter. Most are closed for the season, but give Wild Wisco Waters a call - they rent until Oct. 31st! They can shuttle you after your trip ends.

Difficulty, conditions and "Can I bring Grandma Jean": Lower section of the Wisconsin River is prime for paddlers of all abilities. There are no dams, no rapids, and slow moving currents. That being said - weather can always change on you, so be sure to bring life jackets and tell someone where you're headed.

For more on where to go, river conditions/hazards, and maps, check out this article.

Now get out 'der!

NEW: Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🐟 Set the hook!: Jeepers cripes, that's a nice fish! A 50-inch muskie was caught in the Wisconsin Northwoods by a couple of buddies (from the article it sounds like they may be FIBs, but we won't ask questions), and it's got us itching to cast a line. Nice work fellas!

🎉 Happy Birthday Sugar River State Trail: The 24-mile trail stretching from New Glarus to Brodhead is turning 50, and you're invited to the party (don't worry, no need to bring a gift). Taking place Friday at the trailhead at the New Glarus Depot, there will be a short bike ride followed by ~refreshments~. See ya there!

🍁 Send Leaf Pics: Check out these fall colors pics that some 'Scons took while out 'der in Wisconsin. Depending on where ya live, the leaves have/are peaking, so read up on the schedule and where to go in our fall colors edition of the Wiscampsin Weekly.

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... Cripes we're flattered! But please, call Mom soon <3