The Mississippi welcomes a variety of recreational watercraft; sailboats ply the broader reaches of Lake Pepin; fishing boats angle for walleye below the river wing dams, powerboats of all description ferry sunbathers and picnic lunches to sandbars up and down the river.

If you're trailering a boat to the river, you'll find public launching ramps in every river town. Many towns have several ramps; access to the river is the lifeblood of these friendly communities.

Houseboating Vacations

Imagine captaining your own vessel on the broad Mississippi – anchoring on moonlit sandbars, soaking in the topside hot tub, casting a line for walleye, locking through with other river craft. Outfitters in Alma and La Crosse (use the “Community Contacts” on the back page of this booklet) rent fully equipped houseboats in several sizes. If you're inexperienced, they offer on-the-water training. You're never alone on the river – CB radios keep you in constant touch with their operations office.