3 minute read
Water Ways
Andrea Zani
Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Explore Wisconsin’s scenic water trails
A trail doesn’t have to be terra firma — not in Wisconsin, anyway. There are plenty of beautiful water trails to explore statewide.
Such trails are found along rivers, lakes and other waterways and are designed for small boats such as canoes and kayaks, rowboats or single sailboats. They are easily accessible via established launch points and often feature nearby amenities and points of interest.
Here are several Wisconsin water trails to enjoy.
LAKE MICHIGAN STATE WATER TRAIL
Wisconsin’s first designated state water trail, this 523-mile stretch is part of the overall 1,638-mile Lake Michigan Water Trail tracing the coastline of four states. You can find developed access sites in 11 Wisconsin lakeside counties, with carry-in points and camping opportunities also along the route.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2601.
LAKE SUPERIOR WATER TRAIL
The Wisconsin segment of this northern Great Lakes trail extends more than 400 miles from Superior to the Michigan border. Ongoing efforts will extend the trail 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Ontario, Canada, promoting low-impact recreation and stewardship. Wisconsin highlights include wild estuaries, sandstone formations and the stunning cliffs and sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2606.
LOWER WISCONSIN STATE RIVERWAY
Created in 1989, the riverway extends 92 miles from Prairie du Sac to the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, one of the longest areas of free-flowing river remaining in the Midwest. It’s perfect for smaller boats, paddlers and anglers, with larger watercraft limited because of the shallow and often-changing nature of the river.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2611.
FABULOUS FOX WATER TRAIL
This water trail became part of the National Water Trails System last June, recognized for its high caliber and ability to bring recreational opportunities to urban areas. Stretching 158 miles from Waukesha County to Ottawa, Illinois, the Fabulous Fox has more than 70 access points, making it easy to explore.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2641.
MILWAUKEE URBAN WATER TRAIL
Stretches of the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers are mapped for canoes, kayaks and small nonmotorized boats to create this city water trail. It passes the Milwaukee River Walk, historic Pabst Theater, Harley-Davidson Museum, Urban Ecology and Riveredge nature centers, American Family Field and more in Milwaukee and surrounding communities.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2616.
ROCK RIVER NATIONAL WATER TRAIL
Wisconsin and Illinois host the 320 miles of this trail, from Horicon Marsh to the Mississippi River at Illinois-Iowa’s Quad Cities. The trail is important for its diverse landscape, recreation, history and ease of accessibility. Of the 155 access sites along the way, 50 are accessible for those with disabilities.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2626.
WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, designed to protect the ruggedness of special waterways, includes Wisconsin’s Wolf and St. Croix rivers plus the Namekagon, a St. Croix tributary. These 276 miles of river represent some of the most untouched and beautiful natural areas encountered in the state.
More info at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2631.
LEARN MORE
Wisconsin has thousands of miles of water trails courtesy of numerous public-private partnerships and the DNR. Opportunities range from easy recreation to challenging outings for skilled paddlers with the right equipment. For information and links to dozens of water trails statewide, check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2596.
