A Magical Wisconsin River Trip Takes Paddlers To A Deserted Sandbar So They Can Sleep Under The Stars

One of the most unforgettable adventures you can experience in the Dairy State is a trip down the Wisconsin River. This river was an important paddling route for Native Americans and later, European trappers and explorers. Today it’s a recreational mecca, offering paddlers stunning scenery and gorgeous camping spots. An outfitter called Wisconsin Canoe Co. can help you enjoy one of the most memorable ways to experience the Wisconsin River: a camping trip on a wild and wonderful sandbar.

Grab your paddle and buckle your lifejacket. Here’s what it’s like to experience this incredible trip on the Wisconsin River.

The Wisconsin River has some of the best canoeing in the Midwest. The river is wild and beautiful - more than 90 miles of the lower Wisconsin river are protected from development.

The Wisconsin Canoe Co. is located at E4440 Hwy 14, Spring Green, WI on the north side of the highway near the intersection of Pearl Road. The headquarters is actually a cornfield. But the company’s shuttles depart from Peck’s Landing, where Highway 23 crosses the Wisconsin River. It’s about three miles south of Spring Green.

The outfitter has a large fleet of Old Town Canoes and kayaks. These boats are ideal for trips on the river; they can hold camping gear and they will bounce right off a rock if you happen to hit one in your travels.

You can paddle in comfort – backrests, cupholders, and firewood are available, as well as ski-style lifejackets and outfitter-grade paddles.

The river scenery is incredible. There are day-trip options available, but most paddlers choose an overnight excursion. To camp on a sandbar, you can choose from a 10-mile, 18-mile or 25-mile trip. With the help of the river’s current, you can expect to average three or four miles per hour.

While the river trips are very popular, you can find plenty of privacy and solitude. The river in some places is several hundred yards wide and the sandbars stretch for 25 miles on the river.

If you’re seeking solitude, you’ll find that the river traffic is much lighter on weekdays – you’ll have a better chance of getting a sandbar all to yourself. If you do have to share, there’s usually plenty of room for everyone to find their own quiet spot on the river. The outfitter will make it easy. Once you’ve conquered the Wisconsin River, here are some more waters to explore.