The Kickapoo is the most crooked river in North America and one of the best-loved canoeing rivers in the Upper Midwest. Luckily for us, we stayed upright throughout the entire trip. Rafting on the Tara river, Bosnia. Paddle - Canoeing / kyaking the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin. For more information or to reserve your trip today call us at (608) 337-4288 There were also a few spots that were pretty shallow and where our canoe scraped the bottom. Yet, the crooked Kickapoo is 126 miles long. Make your reservations as far in advance as possible, because pickings can be slim (especially during holiday weekends). Maybe later this summer, we’ll try it again in the middle of the week! The problem was that we only had one vehicle which meant once we got down the river, we had no way of getting back to the truck. Guests can enjoy over 300' of river frontage to fish, canoe, kayak and sight see. Rental Homes - You'll find many rentals in Ontario and the surrounding area. The village's proximity to the river became a liability in the early twentieth century, however, when major floods began to afflict the settlement. Significant flooding … Yes! All reviews nice park middle fork clear lake spring and summer canoe deer fishing trail river cliffs prairie nature scenery barkus1968 wrote a review Jun 2020 Saint … Have your own canoe? Jun 5, 2019 - Wondering how to spend a sunny afternoon in WI? In the picture below, you can see a big tree blocking almost the entire width of the river. If you're looking for a straight river with a fast moving current, the Kickapoo isn't it. As you glide along the narrow river, you'll pass through plenty of verdant green fields. If you want to escape the crowds, start earlier in the day or go during the week. Start planning your trip with these tips: Where to Rent Canoes / Kayaks / Tubes: The best place to begin your Kickapoo journey is in the small village of Ontario, Wisconsin, where you'll find four Kickapoo River canoe rental options. But the shallow waters (you may have to portage in a few spots, depending on river levels) and a few small riffles are fun for more experienced paddlers, too. Fun! A Kickapoo River canoe trip can last anywhere from a few hours to couple days. For the most part, Kickapoo River canoeing is a serene way to pass the day. Give the weather a chance to warm up at bit. Debris dams or log jams can develop, thus blocking the river channel and causing extremely dangerous conditions. The shallow, gently flowing river is tame enough for the beginner but scenic enough for the advanced paddler as well. Paddle - Canoeing / kyaking the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin. The space The cabin features a fully stocked kitchen which is open to the cozy living room, with cathedral ceilings and a skylight. There's also a lot of drinking on the river, so not only is the river crowded, but the large groups you come across will probably be a little boisterous. Summer weekends are going to be busy, especially around the holidays. The breathtaking view from Wildcat Mountain State Park. We have canoed the Kickapoo with them and now canoe/kayak with our sons. The Kickapoo River is located in a truly picturesque area of Wisconsin ... there's no better place to enjoy a weekend drive. Like most rivers, the Kickapoo offers its share of twists and turns. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Oakwood: See 65 reviews, articles, and 47 photos of Kickapoo State Recreation Area on Tripadvisor. The majority of this section of river is surrounded by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park. There are plenty of places to eat in Ontario and beyond: Where to Stay: You'll find everything from campgrounds to hotels to hang your hat at the end of the day. Unlike other major tourist attractions, their isn't a lot of business built up in the towns around the river, its very small town and natural. Pull up on the sandy riverbank or a sandbar for a snack and drink. The Kickapoo River is located in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. I wanted to check out the Wolf River, one of the better known whitewater riv There are many small tributaries with the most significant being Moore Creek, Billings Creek, the West Fork of the Kickapoo, Reads Creek and Tainter Creek. It’s definitely a beautiful and picturesque ride. Kickapoo Adventures, Oakwood, Illinois. It winds through various landscapes, from sandstone cliffs to pastoral farmland to lush forests. Make sure to reserve your ride in advance, especially on busy summer weekends. Kickapoo River Map - The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has a detailed map of the Kickapoo River from Ontario to La Farge. Kickapoo Adventures, Oakwood, Illinois. Hope you have a fun adventure there this summer! “It really adds on to our current mountain bike system, which is almost 25 miles. I've heard the Kickapoo called the crookedest river in North America, and even the crookedest river in the world! Kickapoo River, Ontario: See 46 reviews, articles, and 16 photos of Kickapoo River, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 5 attractions in Ontario. It winds through various landscapes, from sandstone cliffs to pastoral farmland to lush forests. The river will rise quickly during and after heavy rain; flooding is a common occurrence. The Kickapoo River itself is gorgeous. What a great family tradition! . And tackling this winding river is something that should definitely be on your Wisconsin bucket list, too. Thanks for sharing your experience. River's Edge cabin is nestled on the hillside amongst the trees along the Kickapoo river. County Road S to Highway 56 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The West Fork of the Kickapoo is a “river” by name only. It is a very safe, slow moving river that can be enjoyed by a beginners as well as experienced canoe enthusiasts. Took a couple kids back later that week for a 3 hour river kayaking trip - water was low and rapids were minimal. I grew up in Wisconsin, and even though I don't live there anymore, I always feel like I'm returning home when I visit. You'll find rentals in Readstown, Rockton, and Wilton, too. Looking for a fun summer adventure? Want to put-in somewhere other than Ontario? I’ve never been but heard so much good and obviously tons of people have a great time on the river. That sounds like an amazing trip, and what a wonderful memory! There's no glass allowed. He loved his years living in Wisconsin. Mike I’m curious about why you flipped. You'll want to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and enough food and drinks (and a cooler to pack it in) to last you through your trip. Other areas we serve include Prairie Du Chien, Kickapoo River, La Crosse and Tomah. If you need someone to bring you back to your vehicle when you're finished, contact one of the canoe rental companies above to set up transportation. This is very much a creek and creekers will love this lively and twisty section which shares distinct similarities to not only another class A trout stream, Black Earth Creek, but also the narrow confines of the Badfish, as well as the sometimes rough and brushy banks of Koshkonong Creek. The river is a tributary of the Wisconsin River and traverses 126 miles through the state. Ducks, Titanic, Drifty’s. Join us today for a day of adventure with canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking. My favorite thing about canoeing the Kickapoo River is the gorgeous, ever-changing landscape you'll pass along the way. In its early years, Soldiers Grove depended upon the Kickapoo River for timber rafting and hydropower for flour and lumber mills. Mike Svob details this whole section in his book Paddling Southern Wisconsin as well. Some people claim that the Kickapoo River, which meanders through the rolling countryside of southwestern Wisconsin, is the oldest river in the world. It’s definitely a beautiful and picturesque ride. Probably doesn’t have quite the rental volume of the lower Wisconsin River, but certainly has the highest paddler to river mile ratio in the state. I hope you enjoyed reading about this fun Wisconsin weekend destination. If you're planning to bring your own canoe or kayak, you can launch it from one of the river's public landings. I have family in Florida, and I've done the tiniest bit of kayaking around Coquina Key in St. Pete. I liked that there were multiple places to stop with little beaches along the shoreline. Rates vary depending on company and time of year, but they're around $30 - $40 / canoe, $25 - $30 / kayak, and $15 - $20 / tube. . Join us today for a day of adventure with canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking. The current is relaxing, but be prepared to portage several dams and an occasional fallen tree. Took 10 of us to kayak the lake and it was fun for all ages. My husband is a University of Wisconsin alumni. My mothers side of the family have a yearly canoe trip that is awesome!! Kickapoo State Recreation Area: Kickapoo Landing Kayak/Canoe - See 65 traveller reviews, 47 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. The Kickapoo tends to get very crowded (especially on weekends), and the next one may already be taken. Make sure to reserve your canoes ahead of time, especially on busy summer weekends. Sacred Heart School sold food and beverages, along with the food trailer, Le Grille. It's perfect for families, as well as large groups with different levels of canoeing experience. So Sean called around and discovered a few different shuttle services that could pick us up! If you ever get the chance, you have to try it! The best place to put-in is the small village of Ontario, Wisconsin. It shows bridge / landing locations, paddle distances and times, and locations of self-registration stations. And the scenery can't be beat! You can also rent canoes from. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The biggest one, in particular, caused the kayaker in front of us to flip but I honestly don’t know if that was because of the current or her alcohol intake (lol). I've hope you've enjoyed reading about canoeing the Kickapoo River! This site was just before Bridge 16 on river left. We launched our canoe from Wild Kickpoo’s dock (just north of Ontario), and within minutes, we were stunned by how busy it was on the river. The Kickapoo River became the natural power source for saw milling in the nineteenth century. The second I was able to just barely snake through. Of course, recreation on any river is very weather dependent. The calm waters have a slow current that's ideal for beginners. I know there's been a lot of rain this summer, and that river conditions change drastically depending on water levels, so maybe that made it more challenging. I… On July 25, 2019, # KTHCKampKickapoo kids took on Riversport OKC The campers got to experience river rafting, wakeboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, a ropes course, and water sliding. Tubing? Neither of us expected it to be so populated, but there were hundreds of other paddlers and people on inner tubes. And make sure to bring an extra bag for your garbage, too. The Kickapoo River is a must-see when you visit the Driftless Area in Wisconsin. Here are some sample day trips. Mike Svob details this whole section in his book Paddling Southern Wisconsin as well. This is for good reason as the river is more interesting up there with fun rifles and beautiful limestone bluffs, but the lower portion of the river is scenic as well and worth a paddle. Depending on rainfall, the river’s depth varies, but many areas aren’t much more than knee deep. Discovery 158 by Old Town Canoe and Kayak – For over 30 years the Discovery 158 has been one of our best selling canoes. In its early years, Soldiers Grove depended upon the Kickapoo River for timber rafting and hydropower for flour and lumber mills. Love this. We stopped at a few little beaches to relax and stretch our legs. Jump to the end of the post, where I've gathered all the most crucial information in one spot! There are a few areas with mini rapids that made me a bit nervous because I didn’t have my camera in a waterproof bag. We were both a little confused about why they didn’t mention this earlier, but we ended up paddling to Bridge 10 and they picked us up there. The name of the river is also very cool. Here, you'll find everything you need for your journey down the mighty Kickapoo, plus plenty of small town charm, too! What to Wear: Keep it simple and wear a swimsuit or other clothes you don't mind getting wet or getting dirty. All trip times are based on a leisurely paddle. I highly recommend starting your day in Ontario. Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie! The slow-flowing Kickapoo River is one of the best places to canoe in Wisconsin. You've been warned! Thanks for sharing! I would also take a waterproof camera bag so I wouldn’t have to worry so much about it. Lake has rope swings and plenty of room to explore. This is often done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water. I've made this canoe trip many times and have never had any problems, and I'm definitely a beginner. During the summer, the Kickapoo River is also one of the prettiest in the country and is … The majority of this section of river is surrounded by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park. Hi, Terry! Great article. - See 11 traveler reviews, 7 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. Here are some other things to do in the Kickapoo Valley when you're all canoed out: A few photos of tiny Ontario, WI (population 554). Times are approximate and based on leisurely paddling: If you're more experienced you can probably shave a few minutes off these times. During high water, passing under tree branches and some bridges may become difficult, and at times, impossible. Wilton (from the campground/park) to Nicolette Avenue just north of NOW School took us 6 hours to go 7 miles, and it was exhausting/hilarious! This popular river offers access at numerous road crossings. For most of our trip, we were surrounded by obnoxious drunken paddlers and I was getting pretty frustrated. We camped 3 or 4 nights. Paddle the river or explore one of our lakes Kickapoo Adventures provides a full complement of paddling adventures. If  you drove from the Kickapoo River's source in Wilton to its mouth in Waukeza, you'd travel just 60 miles. You'll get all my posts delivered straight to your inbox, plus exclusive content just for subscribers. The Kickapoo was as near perfect as could be for canoeing when we were there. What we would do differently | In the future, we’ll avoid the major summer holidays and opt for a middle of the week trip instead to avoid the crowds. Duck's) where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes. (The New River in West Virginia is also in the running, along with a nameless river in Antarctica.) Planning to adventure there this summer, Hi, Brenda! Required fields are marked *. The Kickapoo is very popular with kayakers and canoeists. It was a little scary ... ha ha. Rentals are available locally. You will get a workout paddling, but the current is slow and the vibe is pretty peaceful. This beautiful part of the state was never touched by glaciers, leaving it with topography ranging from soaring hills to deep valleys. Fast Trip (Ontario) - This is a gas station with a convenience shop that's an easy place to stock up on snacks and drinks before heading out on your canoe trip. The fee includes your canoe, kayak, or tube, a life jacket, and pick up. The Kickapoo River, like the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, is a staple for canoeing and kayaking in Wisconsin. The Kickapoo River, like the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, is a staple for canoeing and kayaking in Wisconsin. So I’m curious about best length of the river that is cleanest. Where is your favorite Wisconsin summer activity? Arrange transportation (for a fee) from one of the rental companies before you begin your trip. It's always a great way to spend a sunny summer day ... and the name is definitely the best! But the river was so dirty and brown that I didn’t even want to go in it to cool off. Would your cousins be Kevin and Sandy Bauman? Read more about Ginnie here. The Lower Kickapoo River is a picturesque meandering stream in southwest Wisconsin. It was the highlight of that summer for me. We had to hug the bank on the left to avoid it. It winds through various landscapes, from sandstone cliffs to pastoral farmland to lush forests. Watershed. The river is a tributary of the Wisconsin River and traverses 126 miles through the state. As you cruise down the river, you'll pass under a series of bridges. It's absolutely stunning! I grew up in Hillsboro and have been down the Kickapoo many times, always fun! So on Sunday, we loaded up the truck and headed to the Kickapoo. The Kickapoo River itself is gorgeous. This is the sort of thing my family loves to do on vacation! Of the two sections we paddled (and this is solely our opinion and it greatly differs from Eugene’s), we had the slightest preference for this upper Ontario to Rockton section. If you're inexperienced, I'd highly recommend taking a shorter trip before embarking on an overnight expedition. It's the same state, but it has a whole different look and feel, and I've fallen in love with that area, too. Water activities are great for developing core stability, balance, and ancillary muscle strength. It is named for the Kickapoo Indians who occupied Wisconsin before the influx of white settlers in the early 19th century. At Ontario, the river has carved out vertical sandstone cliffs covered with mosses, ferns, hemlocks and wildflowers. 3.8K likes. Check out the Kickapoo Valley Reserve for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Kickapoo-Valley-Reserve-254802577886808/ We usually go from Ontario to Wildcat Mountain State Park, and it's always been a great trip. Canoeing the Kickapoo River: Tips for Navigating Wisconsin’s Crookedest River, https://www.facebook.com/Kickapoo-Valley-Reserve-254802577886808/, Starting from somewhere else? Pro tip: if you need a break, don't pass by an empty riverbank. It was hotter than blazes the entire weekend, each day reaching into the 90’s. Hotels - For a variety of (mostly chain hotels), check out nearby Sparta and Tomah, two of the area's larger towns. Kickapoo Adventures: Amazing Canoeing Experience - See 11 traveler reviews, 7 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. I was surprised by how many fallen trees there were in the river. People in search of adventure take two-week rafting trips down the Colorado. Rockton to La Farge Rockton, Wisconsin September 8, 2012 Full milespaddled.com review: http://www.milespaddled.com/2012/09/kickapoo-river-ii/ If you’re looking for a tough and rugged canoe, the Discovery 158 is it! Jun 5, 2019 - Wondering how to spend a sunny afternoon in WI? These companies will help you launch, pick you up when you reach your destination, and they're a great source for information and tips regarding river conditions, too. Services such as canoe trips, canoe and kayak rentals, river canoe trips are also part of the scope of our business. The Kickapoo River watershed encompasses 492,000 acres (1,990 km 2) in southwest Wisconsin. Surging out of a vast watershed around Wilton, on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, it twists for more than 125 miles as it flows toward the Wisconsin River at Wauzeka, just east of Prairie du Chien, 65 highway miles later. The Kickapoo River and surrounding area is amazingly beautiful!! The village's proximity to the river became a liability in the early twentieth century, however, when major floods began to afflict the settlement. Bridge #18 is an old-fashioned covered bridge. The Kickapoo River became the natural power source for saw milling in the nineteenth century. I couldn't find a definitive source to back up either of these claims though, but as far as I can tell, it is the most winding river in Wisconsin. What we thought was going to be a peaceful and quiet canoe ride, turned out to be a loud and drunken Memorial weekend party. As you canoe, kayak, or lazily tube your way down the Kickapoo River, you'll pass by an ever changing landscape from flat farm fields to soaring bluffs. The fee includes the canoe (or kayak or tube), life vests, and pick up. I'd love to hear about your trip! Another thing to be aware of is that river levels vary depending on how wet the weather has been. In a hurry? Although you will find a few swimming holes along the way, too. My formative years were spent near Green Bay, but my husband's family is from Southwest Wisconsin. The banks of the Kickapoo can be muddy, so wear shoes (like flip flops or water shoes) that are easy to clean. Located on the snowmobile trail as well. While we've never been to Wisconsin we have kayaked down a few rivers in Florida; it's always a great way to really experience the nature of the area. I'd recommend packing anything you need to keep dry in a zip lock. Rates vary depending on company and time of year, but are generally $30 - $40 / canoe, $25 - $30 / kayak, and $15 - $20 / tube. The Kickapoo's current is two to three miles per hour and 90 percent of the depth is waist deep or shallower for the average adult. ; Middle Fork - Public parking and canoe or kayak access to the Middle Fork River is provided at two locations. I tried taking a short canoe trip on the stream behind the home I lived in after high school following heavy rains. The Kickapoo River is well known for rapidly changing water levels. We ended up choosing the shuttle service through Wild Kickapoo Adventures and paid $20 up front for our pickup. It’s more stunning with every stroke that carries you down river. Here’s what kind of canoe you take down the Kickapoo when you rent from us.. I had never canoed a river before so it was definitely an exciting experience. Other than that, the river seemed high enough. My husband, who dropped his phone in the river shortly after this photo was taken. In any case, it's been cutting its way through the sediments of the region for roughly 500 million years. (After a few hundred million years, even a river gets tired.) 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Total Time | approximately 5 hours (with 3 stops). Although you will find a few swimming holes along the way, too. I'm so glad I've gotten to know the river through my husband. 18 Comments. … Water activities are great for developing core stability, balance, and ancillary muscle strength. This is for good reason as the river is more interesting up there with fun rifles and beautiful limestone bluffs, but the lower portion of the river is scenic as well and worth a paddle. The Kickapoo River is an extremely popular destination in Southwest Wisconsin. Trip #1 – Wilton to Nicolette Ave/Hwy 131 As part of wanting to kayak the Kickapoo from as far north as possible to the end, we did the upper-most bit on June 5, 2016. I'm covering everything from where to rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes to the beautiful scenery you'll see along the way, plus ideas for enjoying this pretty part of Wisconsin once your canoe trip is over! There are 18 bridges between Ontario and La Farge, and these bridges (along with a number of riverside landings) serve as landmarks as you progress down the river. Beginning at Wilton, the center of the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, the river is slightly more than a stream. The Kickapoo, the longest tributary of the Wisconsin River, drains over 800 square miles (2,100 km 2) of land in Monroe, Vernon, Richland, and Crawford counties. The Lower Kickapoo River is a picturesque meandering stream in southwest Wisconsin. In the late 1960s, I canoed the Kickapoo with a small group of teenagers (me, 2 girls, and a married couple who were the chaperones) from Wildcat Mountain to Readsville. Most people prefer to canoe the upper stretch by Ontario and LaFarge. River levels can also change rapidly in bad weather, and the Kickapoo Valley is prone to flooding. Make a back up plan in case of stormy weather, because you don't want to be caught in a dangerous situation. Outfitters along the river like Shotgun Eddy rent rafts for thrilling trips through a series of Class II-IV rapids along the river in Menominee County. Kickapoo Adventures: Wonderful time! Significant flooding occurred in 1907, 1912, 1917, and 1935. Love the name of that river! Kickapoo River Trip - Solo Date: June 19th and 20th, 2004 Put-in: Ontario (WI) Take out: La Farge (WI) Water Level: Above average. Kickapoo Adventures: Family Fun on the Water - See 11 traveler reviews, 7 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/, Your email address will not be published. The Kickapoo's current is two to three miles per hour and 90 percent of the depth is waist deep or shallower for the average adult. It’s perfect for families, as well as large groups with different levels of canoeing experience. Going on a Kickapoo River Tubing adventure is not a rough ride, quite the contrary! Kickapoo State Recreation Area: Kickapoo State Park - See 65 traveler reviews, 47 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. Jun 13, 2019 - Wondering how to spend a sunny afternoon in WI? I'm so sorry to hear you were injured. The river is constantly changing due to weather / storms. What to Bring: You don't need to pack a lot! Where to Eat: Looking for somewhere to eat before or after your canoeing trip? Leaving Escanaba on the NW coast of Lake Michigan, we soon turned inland. You may have to do some portaging if it's been a dry season (or due to fallen trees). The Kickapoo is a river in southwestern Wisconsin that initially caught my eye when I came across a map of a 22.5-mile section of it. Today, the Kickapoo is used for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking enthusiasts, and the river plays an important role in many local economies along its banks. After about three hours of this, we had finally paddled beyond almost everyone and could enjoy some peace and quiet. There are numbered bridges along the river where you can land your canoe or kayak, so they told us to give them a call when we were ready, tell them which bridge we were at, and they would come pick us up. No matter what bend we rounded, there was another group of partiers, seemingly louder than the last. Kickapoo State Recreation Area: Great camping - See 62 traveller reviews, 32 candid photos, and great deals for Oakwood, IL, at Tripadvisor. The current is calm, although occasional work will be needed to make it past a dam or fallen tree. If I were to do it over again, I would avoid Memorial Day weekend at all costs, haha! Located along the Kickapoo River, the village park includes camping, fishing, horseshoe facilities, swings, shelter, and the Kickapoo River Museum. On Saturday, we explored the Trempealeau River, which is accessible right from the campground. Way to still make the most out of a crowded situation. 3.8K likes. Drifty's Canoe Rental asks that during your trip on the beautiful Kickapoo River, you DO NOT litter and we support the "Pack it in - Pack it out" policy. Thankfully we brought our canoe along so that we could spend some time on the water. There are flush toilets and a sanitary station. 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Picture below, you 'd travel just 60 miles the cabin features a fully stocked kitchen is. Canoeing, kayaking, which is accessible kickapoo river rafting from the Kickapoo river is one of my things. Aren ’ t even want to be on the water! water was low and were... Take two-week rafting trips down the river 's Edge cabin is nestled on the stream the...... and the vibe is pretty peaceful small village of Ontario, Wisconsin experienced canoe.! Is open to the Kickapoo is n't it 3 hour river kayaking trip - water low... Ever-Changing landscape you 'll get all my tips for Navigating Wisconsin ’ s what kind of canoe take... Canoeing the Kickapoo river 's depth varies, but many areas are n't much more than a.. Tried taking a short canoe trip that is awesome! overnight expedition take! See a big tree blocking almost the entire weekend, each day reaching into the 90 ’ s definitely beautiful... Of self-registration stations mountain State Park make a back up plan in of! 1 ( Ontario ) or 20 ( La Farge ) and turns moving river that can be accomplished by,! To pick you up at bit and have been down the river seemed high enough again, 'd! To pack a lot i didn ’ t have to try it extremely destination...