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“The Mississippi is the perfect canoe and kayaking place,” said Cichanowski, owner of Wenonah Canoe Co.
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Hugh Severson of Centerville, Wis., and his wife, Rebecca (not pictured), participated in the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge’s Curious Canoeist program Saturday on the backwaters of the Mississippi River. The Seversons have been canoeing for over 40-years together and at least once-a-week this summer. (Photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News) |
And people don’t have to be experts to try paddling their own canoe. Each weekend, novices and pros alike flock to the area waters for a chance to explore. The area offers trips from a few hours to a week with opportunities for solo or family adventures. Rentals are available in many spots.
In addition to the easy workout, the serenity of quietly boating along the river and the simplicity for beginners, canoeing offers a chance to interact with nature in a different way.
“It’s a different environment on land,” Cichanowski said. “The river is a different group of critters; it’s like participating in a living zoo.”
Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an expert, the Daily News has a guide to dipping a paddle in the drink this summer.
Winona Area/Mississippi River
There are a number of access points for canoes along the Mississippi River. People who canoe on the river — particularly those new to the activity — should try to avoid the main channel, said Mary Stefansky of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
Red Tail Outfitters, (507) 474-1430, 501 Center St., Winona. Canoes are $15 a day for students and $25 a day for the general public. Kayaks are $23 a day for students and $27 a day for the general public. You also can do three-day or weeklong rentals. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. People should have a vehicle to transport canoe to landings.
Prairie Island, (507) 452-4501, www.prairieisland camp.com/, 1120 Prairie Island Road, Winona; $5 an hour, $10 half day, $15 a day; opens at 8 a.m. every day.
Some of the landings to check out in the Winona area:
Verchota Landing, McNally Landing, Mertes’ Slough Landing, Latsch Island and Long Lake Landing. For detailed maps of the landings, go to www.fws.gov/ midwest/UpperMississippiRiver and click on “CCP.”
Lanesboro
For a more structured trip, head to Lanesboro, Minn. There are a number of companies that provide a shuttle to a starting point on the Root River so canoeists can finish the trip at their cars.
Root River Outfitters, (507) 467-3400, www.rootriveroutfitters.com, 109 Parkway Ave. S.,
$30 for 21/2-hour trip, $40 for five-hour trip. Group rates available. The 2.5-hour trip leaves at 10 a.m., noon and on the hour from 1 to 3 p.m. The five-hour trip leaves at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Canoeists should be back by 8 p.m. Longer trips with camping available.
Reservations recommended on the weekends.
Little River General Store, (507) 467-2943, www.lrgeneralstore.com, 105 Coffee St. $25 for one to 11/2 hours, $30 for 2 to 21/2 hours and $30 for up to 51/2 hours. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Reservations are recommended.
Trempealeau
For a more solo adventure, try Trempealeau’s backwaters, which offer a peaceful area teeming with wildlife.
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge: (608) 539-2311, www.fws.gov/midwest/Trempealeau, W28488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau, Wis. Use is free, but no rentals are available. Hours are sunrise to sunset. Canoeists should be aware and try to avoid disturbing birds and other animals nesting along the waterways. The heavy vegetation in the water this time of year can make it tough for novice canoeists.
If You Go
WHAT TO BRING: Sunscreen, bug spray, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, plenty of drinking water, a snack or lunch, camera, binoculars and a waterproof bag for valuables.
WHEN TO GO: Early morning or evening to beat the afternoon heat and crowds. Boaters will also have the best chance to catch a glimpse of critters.
WHAT TO AVOID: Windy days can make it tough to maneuver a canoe. Also avoid canoeing after heavy rains, which can change the water conditions.
Emily Kaiser can be reached at (507) 453-3541 or ekaiser@winonadailynews.com.
