Small Towns, Wisconsin Southwest Region Summer 2014 | Page 22

In the heart of southwest Wisconsin, you’ll find the Wisconsin River nestled amongst the hills and bluffs of a region untouched by glaciers. The Wisconsin River is consistently rated as one of the best canoeing rivers in the midwest due to the abundant sandbar camping options, clean waters, and sandy bottom. The last 92.3 miles have been protected from further development by the creation of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway which now encompasses nearly 80,000 acres of land on both sides of the river, protecting and preserving the wild and scenic nature of the valley. The Lower Wisconsin begins at Prairie Du Sac at the last dam on the river and flows freely through southwest Wisconsin past Mazomanie, Spring Green, Muscoda, and Boscobel where it joins the Mississippi river at Prairie Du Chien and Wyalusing State Park. Because the sandbars of the river are constantly shifting and the average depth is less than five feet, motorboats have trouble navigating the river which makes for a very canoe and kayak friendly experience. In some places, you’re actually more likely to see hovercraft than boats; however, local fishermen do make their way onto the river. (Hint: If you ever ask one of the locals for information, make sure to get at least a second opinion for whatever reason, they find it hilarious to send people in the wrong direction). The river itself is wide open, sometimes nearly a half mile across. The river has a sandy bottom and a significant number of sandbars between Mazomanie and Spring Green that are suitable for camping. The river can get pretty busy on the warmest weekends of summer with over 1,400 people on the first 25 miles so your best bet is to go during the week, if possible, for solitude and the best chance of having your own sandbar. At peak periods, it’s not uncommon to have to share a large sand bar with another group - though there is typically plenty of space to spread out. At worst, you’ll usually see a group a few hundred yards ahead of you and a few hundred yards behind. p.22 Small Towns, Wisconsin | 2014 Southwest Summer Edition | www.smalltownswisconsin.com | e. [email protected]