Paddlers at Mirror Lake State Park

Wisconsin is simply a paddler’s paradise with more rivers and lakes than you could possibly explore in a life time, not to mention miles of coastline along the shores of two Great Lakes. Right here in the Wisconsin Dells area there are plenty of options for the avid paddler. Mirror Lake State Park offers sandstone cliffs and lots of wildlife, the Wisconsin River’s famous Dells are worth getting through the busy summer traffic and that’s just the beginning. Below you’ll find a few more details to help you get out and play on the water in the Wisconsin Dells Area.

Mirror Lake State Park – Mirror Lake’s no wake restrictions help to make this a fun family paddling destination. From the public boat launch you have plenty of options and can put in about 8 miles of round trip paddling depending on your route. Expect to see beautiful pine forests, Sandstone cliffs, and lots of wildlife including Sandhill Cranes, Heron, Canada Geese and more. For more information visit www.mirrorlakewisconsin.com

Upper Wisconsin Dells on the Wisconsin River – The upper Wisconsin River is what made Wisconsin Dells famous. Paddle past high cliffs and amazing formations. Watch out for heavy boat traffic in the summer. Check out “Where we go” for more information about paddling the Upper Dells.

Lower Wisconsin Dells on the Wisconsin River – The lower Wisconsin River (below the dam) offers more sandstone cliffs, islands and the like.  The lower Dells tends to get less attention but for canoeing & kayaking there are a variety of little nooks to discover that make the day enjoyable.

Devil’s Lake State park – Only 3 miles in circumference, Devil’s Lake is small lake by paddler’s standards but it is set in an amazing gorge and encircled by 500 foot bluffs. The fact that power boats are not allowed makes this one of the most paddler friendly destinations in the area. Boat rentals including Canoes & recreational kayaks is available from the concessions.  For more information: www.DevilsLakeWisconsin.com.

The Baraboo River – The Baraboo River winds for miles from north of Wisconsin Dells south and east finally draining in the Wisconsin River near Portage, Wisconsin. The Baraboo offers hours of lazy drifting as well as some small but still enjoyable rapids through the city of Baraboo. Check out “Where We Go” for more information about paddling the Baraboo River.

Lake Wisconsin

Lake Wisconsin was created by a dam on the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac.  The lake now covers 9500 acres and offers nearly 60 miles of coastline.  Lake Wisconsin is a popular spot for fishing and power boaters. The lake is large enough to get up some good chop in poor weather so paddlers must use caution and be aware of weather forecasts. The shoreline is quite built up in some areas. One unique offering is the chance to watch the Merrimac Ferry from the water. Be sure to wave at the passengers….The most easily reached landing is on Hwy 78 just west of Merrimac. (See our map below)

Our Google Map

One good way to learn more about paddling in the area is simply by browsing our Google map. Use the yellow markers on the map below to find landings, points of interest to paddlers and more.  We are adding new locations and information all the time.

View BarabooNow.com Guide in a larger map