Boating and Boat Tours
To truly experience the Wisconsin Great River Road, you need to get out on the river. A number of boat launches, boat tours and other on-the-water experiences are available in many of the river towns.
La Crossse Queen
The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. Cruising out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion.
Lake Pepin
More than 25,000 acres of open water awaits you on Lake Pepin. This natural lake was formed by a natural sandbar created where the Chippewa River spills into the Mississippi. The result is one of the best places on earth for sailing and boating. Waterskiing was invented on this big body of water. Numerous marinas and boat launches can be found along its shores.
Lake Onalaska
At 7,700 acres, Lake Onalaska offers boaters lots of room to explore. The lake is famous not only as a boating and paddling destination – it’s also known as the “Sunfish Capital of the World.” Backwater areas and quiet sloughs are perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
Lake Winneshiek
This wild and undeveloped stretch near Lynxville and Ferryville offers thousands of acres of open water just waiting to be explored with a canoe or kayak. At the northern and southern ends of the pool, the river splits into numerous channels. Boat launches are located along the eastern shore, allowing easy access to this pristine section of the Mississippi River. Numerous stumps and islands make this a challenging stretch for motorboats
Cassville Car Ferry
The charming river town of Cassville is home to one of the few operating car ferries on the Upper Mississippi River. The first ferry operating out of Cassville dates back to 1833, making the Cassville ferry the oldest operating ferry service in Wisconsin. Kids will love the trip across the Mississippi River to Turkey River in Iowa.
The ferry runs seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During May, September and October, it runs from Friday to Sunday only.
Fun in the Sun Houseboats
Enjoy a houseboat vacation on the Mississippi River with Fun ’N the Sun houseboats! As the captain of your own houseboat, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring the Mississippi River at your own pace.
Great River Houseboats
Enjoy spectacular bluffs, secluded sand beaches and boating on the largest pool on the Upper Mississippi River which includes beautiful Lake Pepin. Quaint river towns offer a variety of services and food.
