River Mile: 91.4 KENDALLVILLE PADDLER’S GUIDE KENDALLVILLE … · 2018. 4. 11. · French Creek...
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DECORAH FREEPORT R i v e r R d . P u l p i t R o c k R d . M a d i s o n R d . P o l e L i n e R d . C o l l e g e D r . W W a t e r S t . M o n t g o m e r y S t . S h o r t S t . D i v i s i o n S t . M i d d l e C a l m a r R d . T r o u t R u n R d . T r o u t R u n R d . S t o n e H i l l R d . O l d S t a g e R d . L o c u s t R d . R i v e r R d . P u l p i t R o c k R d . M e c h a n i c S t . I c e C a v e R d . I c e C a v e R d . T w i n S p r i n g s R d . W h i t e t a i l R d . R i d g e R d . V a l l e y V i e w D r . 5 t h A v e C l a y H i l l R d . C l a y H i l l R d . S a n d R o c k R d . Q u a r y H i l l R d . H i g h l a n d D r . B i r c h H o l l o w R d . E R i d g e R d . S h a g b a r k R d . M o e l l e r s D r . S i e w e r S p r i n g s R d . Q u a r r y H i l l R d . 9 9 9 9 / 52 / 52 / 52 Trout Run WMA Trout Run WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Palisades Park Van Peenan Dunning Spring Park Ice Cave State Preserve & Park Will Baker Park 59 59 57 57 56 56 55 55 54 54 53 53 51 51 WILL BAKER PARK ACCESS River Mile: 57.7 CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS River Mile: 58.9 PALISADES PARK ACCESS River Mile: 55.3 TROUT RUN PARK ACCESS River Mile: 53.8 FREEPORT ACCESS River Mile: 52.1 TWIN SPRINGS 57.5 53.8 OFF THE DRIFTLESS 57.7 56.3 PULPIT ROCK 57.6 TROUT RUN DUNNING SPRINGS SIEWERS SPRING / DECORAH FISH HATCHERY DECORAH RIVER TUBES 55.3 58.7 58.0 56.6 55.4 52.0 Upper Iowa Access WMA Souhrada Forest Dieken Wildlife Area 2 5 t h S t . 2 0 t h S t . Q u a i l A v e Q u a i l A v e o b l e l A v e M a y A v e 2 0 t h S t . 2 0 t h S t . M a y A v e M a j o r R d . M i l l R d . 2 5 t h S t . 2 5 t h S t . L i n c o l n A v e S t a t e L i n e R d . K e y A v e 3 0 t h S t . 4 0 t h S t . 4 0 t h S t . O a k A v e A v e 3 5 t h S t . 3 5 t h S t . N M i l l e r S t . J a m e s A v e R i v e r S t . O r a n g e R d . P i n e A v e W M e r r i l l S t . LIME SPRINGS / 63 / 63 / 63 CHESTER ACCESS River Mile: 126.5 LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUT River Mile: 119.5 LIDTKE MILL ACCESS River Mile: 119.4 LIDTKE MILL 119.5 LIDTKE MILL 119.5 124.8 124.8 122.5 122.5 121.4 121.4 115.2 115.2 126 126 125 125 124 124 123 123 122 122 121 121 120 120 119 119 118 118 117 117 116 116 115 115 DANGER: DAM Coldwater Creek WMA Coldwater Springs State Preserve Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve Upper Iowa River WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Black Oak Hollow Upper Iowa River WMA Upper Iowa River WMA 3 1 0 t h S t . 3 1 0 t h S t . 3 1 8 t h A v e 3 1 8 t h A v e 3 7 0 t h A v e 3 2 5 t h S t . 3 2 0 t h S t . C a t t l e C r e e k R d . 2 8 8 t h A v e W o o d l a n d R d . B l u ff t o n R d . B l u ff t o n R d . P i n e C r e e k R d . P i n e C r e e k R d . 2 4 8 t h A v e L o s t M i l e R d . D r y C r e e k R d . 2 7 8 t h A v e 2 8 8 t h A v e O a k R i d g e R d . C a t t l e C r e e k R d . 2 9 0 t h A v e C o l d w a t e r C r e e k R d . C o l d w a t e r C r e e k R d . 3 1 3 t h A v e 3 3 5 t h S t . 3 6 0 t h 2 5 3 r d A v e 3 4 0 t h S t . C h i m n e y R o c k R d . V i l l a g e R d . B l u ff t o n R d . B l u ff t o n R d . 3 1 8 t h A v e 3 0 3 r d A v e B l u ff t o n R d . 2 4 4 t h A v e W R a v i n e R d . C h i m n e y R o c k R d . Bluffton Hill Rd. W R a v i n e R d 139 139 A18 A18 W14 W14 W20 W20 W20 W14 A18 KENDALLVILLE BLUFFTON KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESS River Mile: 91.4 PLYMOUTH ROCK ACCESS River Mile: 87.4 CHIMNEY ROCK PARK ACCESS River Mile: 78.7 BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS River Mile: 73.4 BLUFFTON BLUFF ACCESS River Mile: 74.9 72.9 72.9 73.5 73.5 83.2 83.2 87.2 87.2 88.2 88.2 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 86 87 87 88 88 89 89 90 90 91 91 92 92 93 93 KENDALLVILLE PARK 91.4 77.9 73.4 79.9 PLYMOUTH ROCK 87.3 CHIMNEY ROCK 79.4 BLUFFTON BLUFFS 75.4 BLUFFTON FIR STAND 74.1 HARVEST FARM LIVERY 91.2 HRUSKA’S LIVERY CHIMNEY ROCK LIVERY 74.8 HRUSKA’S BLUFFTON LIVERY 74.7 RANDY’S BLUFFTON STORE PINE CREEK COLDWATER CREEK South Pine Creek WMA Pine Creek WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Waterloo Creek WMA Creek English Bench WMA French Creek WMA Creek WMA WMA INHF Heritage Valley S p r i n g C r e e k R d . P a i n t C r e e k R d . E c h o V a l l e y R d . O l d B r i d g e R d . l d . 1 1 0 t h A v e M c L a u g h l i n D r . I v e r s o n B r i d g e R d . I v e r s o n B r i d g e R d . V a l l e y V i e w D r . R e d B u d D r . F e r r i s M i l l R d . O r c h i d D r . H a n o v e r D r . E b n e r D r . F r e n c h C r e e k R d . F r e n c h C r e e k D r . M a u s s D r . L o n g H o l l o w R d . R W h i t e B r i d g e R d . W D D r F a B a l s a m R d . O r c h i d D r . R i v e r s i d e D r . S a t t r e R i d g e R d . F e r r i s M i l l R d . I v e r s o n B r i d g e R d . E n g l i s h B e n c h R d . P l e a s a n t V i e w R d . B i g C a n o e R d . B a l s a m R d . B e a r C r e e k D r . S a t t r e R i d g e R d . B e a r C r e e k D r . E l l i n g s o n B r i d g e D r . L y c u r g u s R d . L y c u r g u s R d . L y c u r g u s R d . I o w a R i v e r D r . I o w a R i v e r D r . I o w a R i v e r D r . R i v e r R d . E l l i n g s o n B r i d g e D r . B i g C a n o e R d . R i v e r R d . 76 76 76 76 X6A X6A W60 A26 A26 A26 A26 W60 HIGHLANDVILLE 36 36 35 35 34 34 33 33 32 32 31 31 30 30 29 29 28 28 27 27 26 26 25 25 24 24 23 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 36.9 36.9 31.4 31.4 18.4 18.4 CANOE CREEK ACCESS River Mile: 35.8 IVERSON BOTTOMS ACCESS River Mile: 26.1 KUMPF ACCESS River Mile: 15.1 WILD LANDING River Mile: 11.2 IVERSON BRIDGE ACCESS River Mile: 24.5 UPPER IOWA RESORT & RENTAL 18.7 35.7 25.6 17.9 11.8 10.8 ELEPHANT ROCK 15.2 SLINDE MOUNDS STATE PRESERVE 35.3 CANOE CREEK PINE CREEK BEAR CREEK SOUTH BEAR CREEK WATERLOO CREEK CLEAR CREEK FRENCH CREEK 2 5 3 r d A v e Falcon Springs WMA Malanaphy Springs State Preserve Upper Iowa River WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Upper Iowa River WMA Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve 2 6 5 t h S t . W a l n u t C r e e k R d . 2 9 0 t h A v e 2 3 5 t h A v e H a p p y H o l l o w R d . W o o d l a n d R d . W e s t R a v i n e R d . S c e n i c R i v e r R d . S c e n i c R i v e r R d . S c e n i c R i v e r R d . 3 1 1 t h S t . W a g o n R d . W a g o n R d . 2 4 4 t h S t . H i t c h i n g P o s t R d . 2 2 3 r d A v e 2 1 8 t h A v e M e a d o w l a r k R d . 3 2 0 t h S t . 3 1 0 t h S t . 2 1 1 t h A v e V i l l a g e R d . F o x H o l l o w R d . S c e n i c R i v e r R d . 2 4 4 t h S t . W R a v i n e R d . Bluffton Hill Rd. P o l e L i n e R d . B l u ff t o n R d . B l u ff t o n R d . C o l l e g e D r . N W i n n R d . B l u ff t o n R d . M a d i s o n R d . M a d i s o n R d . P o l e L i n e R d . P o l e L i n e R d . B l u ff t o n R d . W20 W34 W34 A34 A34 A34 W20 / 52 / 52 / 52 / 52 BLUFFTON DECORAH BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS River Mile: 73.4 BLUFFTON BLUFF ACCESS River Mile: 74.9 MALANAPHY SPRINGS ACCESS River Mile: 65.0 LOWELL’S BRIDGE ACCESS River Mile: 62.8 CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS River Mile: 58.9 74 74 75 75 76 76 77 77 72 72 71 71 70 70 69 69 68 68 66 66 64 64 63 63 62 62 61 61 60 60 59 59 72.9 72.9 73.5 73.5 67.2 67.2 61.3 61.3 58.7 58.7 67 64.3 65.9 MALANAPHY SPRINGS 67.1 HUTCHINSONS FAMILY FARM TEN MILE CREEK CASEY SPRINGS CHESTER ACCESS TO LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUT KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESS TO BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS CANOE CREEK ACCESS TO WILD LANDING ACCESS CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS TO TROUT RUN PARK ACCESS BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS TO CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS SEGMENT ONE SEGMENT TWO SEGMENT FIVE SEGMENT FOUR SEGMENT THREE SEGMENT ONE: CHESTER ACCESS TO LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUT This peaceful, 7-mile stretch of the Upper Iowa River from Chester to Lime Springs is one to enjoy early in the paddling season following spring rains, as low water levels during summer and fall make passage difficult. Fallen trees or “snags” may block the entire river and require portage. The riparian zone in this segment alternates between prairie, wetland, and basswood-maple bottomland forest. One of the most well-known remnant native prairies in Iowa, Hayden Prairie, is five miles from the Chester Access and worth a day trip! The Lidtke Mill pond was created in 1860, when Lidtke Mill and dam were constructed to power the grist mill and generate electricity for historic Lime Springs. Paddlers must take out before the dam. Lidtke Mill still houses its original equipment and is one of the most intact historic grist mills in the nation. SEGMENT TWO: KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESS TO BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS The natural beauty and geologic majesty of this part of the river make it a favorite for many. The river is flanked by wooded bluffs with native white pine, red cedar, maple, cottonwood, and a variety of hardwoods including oak, walnut, and cherry. If you are quiet, you may encounter wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, western painted turtles, great horned owls, northern leopard frogs, smallmouth and rock bass, walleye, and trout. The float takes paddlers through lazy S-turns that meander back and forth across the narrow valley, past towering limestone bluffs, pillars, and palisades including Plymouth Rock, Chimney Rock, and the famous Bluffton Palisades. The limestone that makes up these majestic features is over 450 million years old and was deposited during the Ordovician Age. The Bluffton Palisades rise 280 feet and extend 1/2 mile in length, making up the entire view in some sections. Located just upstream of the Bluffton Bluff Access, they are so frequently photographed that this bend in the river is referred to locally as “Calendar Corner”. Just downstream from Bluffton is the Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve, a 94-acre preserve that features a 140-foot limestone bluff and one of the largest populations of balsam fir in Iowa, a “boreal” tree species typically found in more northern climates. Over 340 native plants have been recorded in this preserve. Welcome to the Upper Iowa River, the most widely-recognized river in Iowa and one of the first in the nation to be nominated as a national Wild and Scenic River in the 1960s. Thanks largely to private landowners and organizations that own and care for it, the river corridor has retained its scenic and natural character and become a premier recreational river. You will share this river with local families, anglers, bird enthusiasts, campers, hikers and the wildlife that call this diverse corridor home. The river originates in LeRoy, Minnesota before meandering 136 miles to the Mississippi River near New Albin, Iowa. The river and corridor change along its length, going from a narrow and winding savanna river to a wider and more dynamic river flanked by dramatic vertical limestone palisades and forested bluffs. SEGMENT FOUR: CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS TO TROUT RUN PARK ACCESS Located in the heart of the Upper Iowa Watershed, Decorah, (pop. 8,127), is the watershed’s largest community. The river segment through Decorah takes paddlers past or within walking distance of several natural features, including Pulpit Rock, Twin Springs, Decorah Community Prairie & Butterfly Garden, Phelps Park Bluffs, Dunning Springs, Ice Cave State Preserve, and the Decorah Palisades. Dunning Springs Park is home to a 200-foot waterfall. Just 1/2 mile from Dunning Springs, Ice Cave State Preserve is recognized as one of the largest known “glacières” (caves containing ice) in the Midwest. As the name suggests, this cave is known for its unusual deposits of ice that coat the inside of the cave well into summer. Decorah has many visitor amenities, including numerous retail shops, historic sites, dining opportunities, camping and lodging sites, over 500 acres of city parks, Luther College, and more than 30 miles of off-road and paved walking and bike trails. The Trout Run Trail is a paved trail that hugs the Upper Iowa River before weaving its way through 11 miles of the Driftless Area in and around Decorah. Even though the river carries paddlers through the center of the city, the river abounds in wildlife, including great blue herons, belted kingfishers, mink, and white-tailed deer. Numerous songbirds inhabit the Decorah Prairie and the surrounding bluffs. The historic downtown is most easily accessed from the Will Baker Park or Palisades Park Access via the Trout Run Trail. Museums, including Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum and the Porter House Museum, offer fascinating cultural side trips. SEGMENT THREE: BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS TO CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS The opportunity to paddle past a waterfall and observe birds and wildlife along the way make exploring this segment of the river an excellent choice. The river flows past wooded bluffs that rise more than 300 feet from the river and provides paddlers with open views of the Upper Iowa River Valley. With attentive eyes and some luck, paddlers can spy a black-billed cuckoo, Acadian flycatcher, rose-breasted grosbeak, mink, soft-shelled turtle, or an otter. The springs at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve cascade directly into the river and create one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iowa. The rocks at the base of the falls make it easy to pull over and enjoy nature’s artistry - but don’t be fooled, this is not the access. The Malanaphy Springs Access is 0.9 miles downstream from the waterfall. For those who prefer to view the waterfall from dry ground, a mile-long hiking trail through the state preserve begins at the access point. The trail leads through a steep mesic forest on west facing slopes, with numerous rock outcroppings and more than 300 native plants. Hikers are asked to please stay on the trail to protect these sensitive plants and ecosystems, and to please observe all posted rules in this and other nearby State Preserves, which prohibit camping, fire, or removal of or damage to plants, animals, and other natural materials. SEGMENT FIVE: CANOE CREEK ACCESS TO WILD LANDING ACCESS Leaving the river towns behind, this remote section of the Upper Iowa River provides users with limited services but an abundance of wild landscapes and wildlife. The river valley steadily widens and increases in size on its way toward the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. It is lined with spectacular views of both grand, tree-covered bluffs as well as treeless goat prairies now carefully looked after for the unique habitat this once common ecosystem provides. This segment of the Upper Iowa River corridor provides explorers with a way to observe the vast array of plant, insect, mushroom, and bird species of Northeast Iowa. Anglers will find the fishing in this section to be particularly rewarding, as no dams impede fish wishing to migrate upriver from the Mississippi. Known historically as the Oneota River, the Upper Iowa River Corridor, especially in this area, was popular with early Native Americans, who built thriving villages adjacent to and overlooking the river. A detailed exploration of the history of the “Upper Iowa River & Its People” can be found in Oneota Flow, a popular book authored by David S. Faldet in 2009. RESPECT THE RIVER Rules and Regulations: Below are guidelines that will be helpful when you paddle the Upper Iowa River. However, it is not a complete list of all paddling regulations and always be sure laws haven’t changed. For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov or contact the DNR Central Office in Des Moines at 515-725-8200. Life Jackets Save Lives : Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket. This message brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council. Dams are Dangerous: Dams come in many sizes but ALL dams are drowning machines no matter how small they look. Paddlers should portage around all dams and NEVER attempt to go over them. Respect Private Property: Understanding the difference between meandering vs non-meandering streams is the responsibility of all river users. River mile 6 to the headwaters is considered a non- meandered river meaning river users only have the right to float on the water surface. The stream bed and banks are private property. Plan Ahead: Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, & emergencies. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Visit in small groups (4-6) and only camp at designated campsites on public land. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Leave What You Find: Leave rocks & plants where you found them. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Be sure to put out fires completely and only light a fire when they are permitted. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance, do not approach. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect residents and other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Boat Registration: Required if canoes/kayaks are over 13 feet. IOWA UPPER IOWA RIVER SEGMENT MAP LEGEND Upper Iowa Welcome to the PADDLER’S GUIDE RIVER UPPER IOWA DANGER: DAM 122.5 122.5 DANGER: DAM Canoe Access Campground Coldwater Trout Stream Livery/Outfitter Cultural Heritage Decorah’s 11 mile Trout Run Trail Paddle Time: Based on 2-3 mph *Effort was made to assure the accuracy of information in this publication. Northeast Iowa RC&D and its partners assume no responsibility in its use. Geologic Feature Waterfall or Spring WARNING: Dam Upper Iowa River Bridge with Upper Iowa River Mile Public Land/WMA Community Boundary Upper Iowa River Mile 121 121 Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME 58.9 Chattahoochie Park Access 58.7 Bridge on Hwy 52 58.0 Bridge on 5th Ave 57.7 Will Baker Park Access 20-35 min 57.7 Off the Driftless 57.6 Pulpit Rock Campground 57.5 Twin Springs 56.6 Bridge on College Dr. 56.3 Dunning Springs 55.4 Bridge on 5th St. 55.3 Palisades Park Access 45-65 min 55.3 Decorah River Tubes 53.8 Trout Run Park Access 30-45 min 53.8 Trout Run Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME 126.5 Chester Access 124.8 Bridge on 25th St. 122.5 Bridge on Mill Rd. 121.4 Bridge on Mill Rd. 119.5 Lidtke Mill Take Out 2-31/2 hrs 119.5 Lidtke Mill DAM DANGEROUS LOWHEAD DAM 119.4 Lidtke Mill Access 115.2 Bridge on Quail Ave DANGER: DAM Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME 74.9 Bluffton Bluff Access 73.5 Bridge on Bluffton Rd. 73.4 Bluffton Fir Stand Access 30-45 min 72.9 Bridge on 244th Ave 67.2 Bridge on Scenic River Rd. 67.1 Hutchinson Family Farm 67.0 Casey Springs 65.9 Malanaphy Springs 65.0 Malanaphy Springs Access 3-4 hrs 64.3 Ten Mile Creek 62.8 Lowell’s Bridge Access 45-60 min 61.3 Bridge on Pole Line Rd. 58.9 Chattahoochie Park Access 1-2 hrs 58.7 Bridge on Hwy 52 Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME 91.4 Kendallville Park Access 91.4 Kendallville Park 91.2 Hruska’s Livery 88.2 Bridge on W14 87.3 Plymouth Rock 87.4 Plymouth Rock Access 1-2 hrs 83.2 Bridge on Cattle Creek Rd. 79.9 Coldwater Creek 79.4 Chimney Rock 78.7 Chimney Rock Park Access 3-4 hrs 77.9 Chimney Rock Livery 75.4 Bluffton Bluffs 74.9 Bluffton Bluff Access 1-2 hrs 74.8 Hruska’s Bluffton Livery 74.7 Randy’s Bluffton Store 74.1 Bluffton Fir Stand 73.5 Bridge on Bluffton Rd. 73.4 Pine Creek 73.4 Bluffton Fir Stand Access 30-45 min 72.9 Bridge on 244th Ave. Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME 35.8 Canoe Creek Access 35.7 Canoe Creek 35.3 Slinde Mounds State Preserve 31.4 Bridge on Ellingson Bridge Dr. 26.1 Iverson Bottoms Access 3-5 hrs 25.6 Pine Creek 24.5 Iverson Bridge Access 30-45 min 18.7 Upper Iowa Resort & Rental 18.4 Bridge on Hwy 18 17.9 Bear Creek 15.2 Elephant Rock 15.1 Kumpf Access 3-41/2 hrs 11.8 Clear Creek 11.2 Wild Landing Access 1-2 hrs 10.8 French Creek Photos courtesy of Larry Reis Bald eagle catching a brown trout Painted lady & honey bee Whitetail Deer Gastropod fossil Blazing star Walleye River otters Bluffton Bluffs White-lined sphinx moth Belted kingfisher Kayaking river trips
Transcript of River Mile: 91.4 KENDALLVILLE PADDLER’S GUIDE KENDALLVILLE … · 2018. 4. 11. · French Creek...
DECORAH
FREEPORT
R
iver
Rd.
Pulp
it Ro
ck R
d.
Madison Rd.
Pole Line Rd. College Dr.
W Water St.
Montgom
ery St.
Short S
t.
Divi
sion
St.
M
iddl
e Ca
lmar
Rd.
Trout Run Rd.
Trout Run Rd.
Stone Hill
Rd.
Old Stage Rd.
L
ocus
t Rd.
R
iver
Rd.
Pulp
it Ro
ck R
d.
Mec
hani
c St
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Ice Cave Rd.
Ice Cave Rd.
T
win Sprin
gs Rd.
Whitetail Rd.
Ridge Rd. Valley View Dr.
5th Ave
C
lay
Hill R
d.
Clay Hill Rd. Sa
nd R
ock
Rd.
Quary Hill Rd.
Highland Dr.
Birch Holl ow R
d.
E Ridge Rd.
Shagbark Rd .
Moellers Dr.
Siewer Springs Rd.
Quarry
Hill R
d.
9
9
9
9
/52
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Trout Run WMA
Trout Run WMA
Upper IowaRiver WMA
Palisades Park
Van Peenan
Dunning SpringPark
Ice Cave State Preserve & Park
Will Baker Park
5959
5757
5656
5555
5454
5353
5151
WILL BAKER PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 57.7
CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 58.9
PALISADES PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 55.3
TROUT RUN PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 53.8
FREEPORT ACCESSRiver Mile: 52.1
TWIN SPRINGS
57.5
53.8
OFF THE DRIFTLESS
57.7
56.3
PULPIT ROCK
57.6
TROUT RUN
DUNNING SPRINGS
SIEWERS SPRING / DECORAH FISH HATCHERY
DECORAH RIVER TUBES55.3
58.7
58.0 56.6
55.4
52.0
Upper IowaAccess WMA
SouhradaForest
Dieken Wildlife
Area
55th St.
25th St.
20th St.
Quail Ave Quail Ave
Noblel Ave
May Ave
20th St. 20th St.
May Ave
Major Rd.
Mill Rd.
25th St.25th St.
Lincoln Ave
State Line Rd. State Line Rd.
Key Ave
30th St.
40th St. 40th St.
Oak Ave Oak Ave
35th St. 35th St.
N M
iller St.
James Ave
River St.
O
range Rd.
Pine Ave
W Merrill St.
LIME SPRINGS
CHESTER
/63
/63
/63
CHESTER ACCESSRiver Mile: 126.5
LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUTRiver Mile: 119.5
LIDTKE MILL ACCESSRiver Mile: 119.4
LIDTKE MILL
119.5
LIDTKE MILL
119.5
124.8124.8
122.5122.5121.4121.4
115.2115.2126126
125125
124124
123123
122122
121121120120
119119
118118
117117116116
115115
DANGER: DAM
Coldwater Creek WMA
Coldwater Springs State
Preserve
Bluffton Fir Stand State
Preserve
Upper Iowa River WMA
Upper Iowa
River WMA
Upper Iowa River WMA
Black Oak Hollow
Upper Iowa River
WMA
Upper Iowa River WMA
310th St. 310th St.
318th Ave 318th Ave
370t
h Av
e
325th St.
320th St.
Cattle Creek Rd.
288th Ave
Woodland Rd.
B
lufft
on R
d.
B
lufft
on R
d.
Pine Creek Rd.
Pine Creek Rd.
248th Ave
Lost
Mile
Rd.
Dry
Cre
ek R
d.
278th Ave
288th Ave
Oak Ridge Rd.
Cattle Creek Rd.
290th Ave
Coldwat er Creek Rd.
Coldwater Creek Rd.
313th Ave
335th St.
36
0th
St.
360th St.
253rd Ave
340th St.
Chi
mney Rock Rd.
Villa
ge Rd.
Bluffton Rd.
Bluffton Rd.
318
th A
ve
303r
d Av
e
Bluffton Rd. 244th Ave
W
Ra vine Rd.
Chimney Rock Rd.
Bluffton Hill Rd.
W R
avin
e Rd
139
139
A18 A18
W14
W14
W20
W20
W20
W14
A18
KENDALLVILLE
BLUFFTON
KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 91.4
PLYMOUTH ROCK ACCESSRiver Mile: 87.4
CHIMNEY ROCK PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 78.7
BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESSRiver Mile: 73.4
BLUFFTON BLUFF ACCESSRiver Mile: 74.9
72.972.9
73.573.5
83.283.2
87.287.2
88.288.2
94.194.1
7373
7474
7575
76767777
7878
79798080
8181
8282
8383
8484
8585
86868787
8888
8989
9090
9191
9292
9393
KENDALLVILLE PARK91.4
77.9
73.4
79.9
PLYMOUTH ROCK
87.3
CHIMNEY ROCK79.4
BLUFFTON BLUFFS
75.4
BLUFFTON FIR STAND74.1
HARVEST FARM LIVERY
91.2 HRUSKA’S LIVERY
CHIMNEY ROCK LIVERY
74.8
HRUSKA’S BLUFFTON LIVERY
74.7
RANDY’S BLUFFTON STORE
PINE CREEK
COLDWATER CREEK
South Pine
Creek WMA
Pine Creek WMA
Upper IowaRiver WMA
Waterloo Creek WMA
ClearCreek WMA
English Bench WMA
FrenchCreek WMA
North Bear Creek WMA
South Bear Creek
WMA
INHFHeritage
Valley
Spring Cree k Rd.
Paint Creek Rd.
Echo Valley Rd.
Old Bridge
Rd.
Highlandville Rd.
110th Ave
McL aughlin Dr.
Iverson Bridge Rd.
Iverson Bridge Rd.
Valley View Dr.
Red Bud Dr.
Ferris M ill
Rd.
Orchid Dr.
H anover Dr.
Ebner Dr.
Fren
ch C
reek
Rd.
French Creek Dr.
Mauss Dr.
Long Hollo
w R
d.
Church Rd.
Wh ite Brid ge Rd.
Will
ow D
r.
Wil low Dr.
W ilder Dr. F a rm Dr.
Balsam Rd.
Orchid
Dr.
Rive
rside Dr.
Sattre Ridge Rd.
Ferris Mill Rd.
Iverso n Bridge Rd.
E
nglis
h Benc h
Rd.
Pleasant View Rd.
Big Canoe Rd.
Balsam
Rd.
Bear Creek Dr.
Sattre Ridge Rd.
Bear Creek Dr.
Ellingso n Bridge Dr.
Lycu
rgus
Rd.
Lycurgus R
d.
Lycurgus Rd.
Iowa River Dr. Iowa River Dr.
Iowa River Dr.
Rive
r Rd.
Ellingson Bridge Dr.
Big Canoe Rd.
Ri v
er R
d.
76
76
76
76
X6A
X6A
W60
A26
A26A26
A26
W60
HIGHLANDVILLE
3636
3535
3434
3333
3232
3131
3030
2929
2828
2727
26262525
24242323
22222121
2020
19191818 1717
1616
1515
1414
1313
1212
1111
1010
99
36.936.9
31.431.4
18.418.4
CANOE CREEK ACCESSRiver Mile: 35.8
IVERSON BOTTOMS ACCESSRiver Mile: 26.1
KUMPF ACCESSRiver Mile: 15.1
WILD LANDINGRiver Mile: 11.2
IVERSON BRIDGE ACCESSRiver Mile: 24.5
UPPER IOWA RESORT & RENTAL
18.7
35.7
25.6
17.9
11.8
10.8
ELEPHANT ROCK
15.2
SLINDE MOUNDS STATE PRESERVE
35.3
CANOE CREEK
PINE CREEK
BEAR CREEK
SOUTH BEAR CREEK
WATERLOO CREEKCLEAR CREEK
FRENCH CREEK
253rd Ave
Falcon Springs
WMA
Malanaphy Springs
State Preserve
Upper Iowa River WMA
Upper Iowa River WMA
Upper Iowa River WMA
Bluffton Fir Stand
State Preserve
265th St.
Walnut Creek Rd.
290th Ave
235t
h Av
e
Happy Hollow Rd.
Woodland Rd.
West Ravine Rd.
Scenic River R d .
S
ceni
c Ri
ver R
d.
Sce
nic R
iver Rd.
31
1th St.
Wagon Rd.
Wag
on
Rd.
244th St.
Hitching Post Rd.
223rd Ave
218th Ave
Meadowlark Rd.
320th St.
310th St.
211th Ave
Village Rd.
Fox Hollow Rd.
Scenic River Rd.
244th S
t.
W R
avine
Rd.Bluffton Hill Rd.
Pole Line Rd.
Blu
ffton Rd.
Bluffton Rd.
College Dr.
N Winn Rd.
Blu ffton Rd.
Madison Rd. Madison Rd.
Pole Line Rd.
Pole Line Rd.
Bluffton Rd.
W20
W34
W34
A34
A34
A34
W20
/52
/52
/52
/52
BLUFFTON
DECORAH
BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESSRiver Mile: 73.4
BLUFFTON BLUFF ACCESSRiver Mile: 74.9
MALANAPHY SPRINGS ACCESSRiver Mile: 65.0
LOWELL’S BRIDGE ACCESSRiver Mile: 62.8
CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 58.9
7474
7575
76767777
7272
7171
7070
6969
6868
6666
64646363
6262
6161
6060
5959
72.972.9
73.573.5
67.267.2
61.361.3
58.758.7
67
64.3
65.9MALANAPHY SPRINGS
67.1
HUTCHINSONS FAMILY FARM
TEN MILE CREEK
CASEY SPRINGS
CHESTER ACCESS TO LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUT KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESS TO BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS
CANOE CREEK ACCESS TO WILD LANDING ACCESS
CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS TO TROUT RUN PARK ACCESS
BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS TO CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS
SEGMENT ONE SEGMENT TWO
SEGMENT FIVE
SEGMENT FOUR
SEGMENT THREE
SEGMENT ONE: CHESTER ACCESS TO LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUT This peaceful, 7-mile stretch of the Upper Iowa River from Chester to Lime Springs is one to enjoy early in the paddling season following spring rains, as low water levels during summer and fall make passage difficult. Fallen trees or “snags” may block the entire river and require portage. The riparian zone in this segment alternates between prairie, wetland, and basswood-maple bottomland forest. One of the most well-known remnant native prairies in Iowa, Hayden Prairie, is five miles from the Chester Access and worth a day trip! The Lidtke Mill pond was created in 1860, when Lidtke Mill and dam were constructed to power the grist mill and generate electricity for historic Lime Springs. Paddlers must take out before the dam. Lidtke Mill still houses its original equipment and is one of the most intact historic grist mills in the nation.
SEGMENT TWO: KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESS TO BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS The natural beauty and geologic majesty of this part of the river make it a favorite for many. The river is flanked by wooded bluffs with native white pine, red cedar, maple, cottonwood, and a variety of hardwoods including oak, walnut, and cherry. If you are quiet, you may encounter wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, western painted turtles, great horned owls, northern leopard frogs, smallmouth and rock bass, walleye, and trout. The float takes paddlers through lazy S-turns that meander back and forth across the narrow valley, past towering limestone bluffs, pillars, and palisades including Plymouth Rock, Chimney Rock, and the famous Bluffton Palisades. The limestone that makes up these majestic features is over 450 million years old and was deposited during the Ordovician Age. The Bluffton Palisades rise 280 feet and extend 1/2 mile in length, making up the entire view in some sections. Located just upstream of the Bluffton Bluff Access, they are so frequently photographed that this bend in the river is referred to locally as “Calendar Corner”. Just downstream from Bluffton is the Bluffton Fir Stand State Preserve, a 94-acre preserve that features a 140-foot limestone bluff and one of the largest populations of balsam fir in Iowa, a “boreal” tree species typically found in more northern climates. Over 340 native plants have been recorded in this preserve.
Welcome to the Upper Iowa River, the most widely-recognized river in Iowa and one of the first in the nation to be nominated as a national Wild and Scenic River in the 1960s. Thanks largely to private landowners and organizations that own and care for it, the river corridor has retained its scenic and natural character and become a premier recreational river. You will share this river with local families, anglers, bird enthusiasts, campers, hikers and the wildlife that call this diverse corridor home. The river originates in LeRoy, Minnesota before meandering 136 miles to the Mississippi River near New Albin, Iowa. The river and corridor change along its length, going from a narrow and winding savanna river to a wider and more dynamic river flanked by dramatic vertical limestone palisades and forested bluffs.
SEGMENT FOUR: CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS TO TROUT RUN PARK ACCESS Located in the heart of the Upper Iowa Watershed, Decorah, (pop. 8,127), is the watershed’s largest community. The river segment through Decorah takes paddlers past or within walking distance of several natural features, including Pulpit Rock, Twin Springs, Decorah Community Prairie & Butterfly Garden, Phelps Park Bluffs, Dunning Springs, Ice Cave State Preserve, and the Decorah Palisades. Dunning Springs Park is home to a 200-foot waterfall. Just 1/2 mile from Dunning Springs, Ice Cave State Preserve is recognized as one of the largest known “glacières” (caves containing ice) in the Midwest. As the name suggests, this cave is known for its unusual deposits of ice that coat the inside of the cave well into summer. Decorah has many visitor amenities, including numerous retail shops, historic sites, dining opportunities, camping and lodging sites, over 500 acres of city parks, Luther College, and more than 30 miles of off-road and paved walking and bike trails. The Trout Run Trail is a paved trail that hugs the Upper Iowa River before weaving its way through 11 miles of the Driftless Area in and around Decorah. Even though the river carries paddlers through the center of the city, the river abounds in wildlife, including great blue herons, belted kingfishers, mink, and white-tailed deer. Numerous songbirds inhabit the Decorah Prairie and the surrounding bluffs. The historic downtown is most easily accessed from the Will Baker Park or Palisades Park Access via the Trout Run Trail. Museums, including Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum and the Porter House Museum, offer fascinating cultural side trips.
SEGMENT THREE: BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS TO CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESS The opportunity to paddle past a waterfall and observe birds and wildlife along the way make exploring this segment of the river an excellent choice. The river flows past wooded bluffs that rise more than 300 feet from the river and provides paddlers with open views of the Upper Iowa River Valley. With attentive eyes and some luck, paddlers can spy a black-billed cuckoo, Acadian flycatcher, rose-breasted grosbeak, mink, soft-shelled turtle, or an otter. The springs at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve cascade directly into the river and create one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iowa. The rocks at the base of the falls make it easy to pull over and enjoy nature’s artistry - but don’t be fooled, this is not the access. The Malanaphy Springs Access is 0.9 miles downstream from the waterfall. For those who prefer to view the waterfall from dry ground, a mile-long hiking trail through the state preserve begins at the access point. The trail leads through a steep mesic forest on west facing slopes, with numerous rock outcroppings and more than 300 native plants. Hikers are asked to please stay on the trail to protect these sensitive plants and ecosystems, and to please observe all posted rules in this and other nearby State Preserves, which prohibit camping, fire, or removal of or damage to plants, animals, and other natural materials.
SEGMENT FIVE: CANOE CREEK ACCESS TO WILD LANDING ACCESS Leaving the river towns behind, this remote section of the Upper Iowa River provides users with limited services but an abundance of wild landscapes and wildlife. The river valley steadily widens and increases in size on its way toward the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. It is lined with spectacular views of both grand, tree-covered bluffs as well as treeless goat prairies now carefully looked after for the unique habitat this once common ecosystem provides. This segment of the Upper Iowa River corridor provides explorers with a way to observe the vast array of plant, insect, mushroom, and bird species of Northeast Iowa. Anglers will find the fishing in this section to be particularly rewarding, as no dams impede fish wishing to migrate upriver from the Mississippi. Known historically as the Oneota River, the Upper Iowa River Corridor, especially in this area, was popular with early Native Americans, who built thriving villages adjacent to and overlooking the river. A detailed exploration of the history of the “Upper Iowa River & Its People” can be found in Oneota Flow, a popular book authored by David S. Faldet in 2009.
RESPECT THE RIVERRules and Regulations: Below are guidelines that will be helpful when you paddle the Upper Iowa River. However, it is not a complete list of all paddling regulations and always be sure laws haven’t changed. For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov or contact the DNR Central Office in Des Moines at 515-725-8200.
Life Jackets Save Lives : Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket. This message brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council.
Dams are Dangerous: Dams come in many sizes but ALL dams are drowning machines no matter how small they look. Paddlers should portage around all dams and NEVER attempt to go over them.
Respect Private Property: Understanding the difference between meandering vs non-meandering streams is the responsibility of all river users. River mile 6 to the headwaters is considered a non-meandered river meaning river users only have the right to float on the water surface. The stream bed and banks are private property.Plan Ahead: Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, & emergencies. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Visit in small groups (4-6) and only camp at designated campsites on public land. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out.Leave What You Find: Leave rocks & plants where you found them. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Be sure to put out fires completely and only light a fire when they are permitted. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance, do not approach. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect residents and other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Boat Registration: Required if canoes/kayaks are over 13 feet.
IOWA
UPPER IOWA RIVER SEGMENT MAP LEGEND
Upper Iowa
Welcome to the
PA D DLER ’S GUI DE
RIVER
UPPER IOWA
DANGER: DAM
122.5122.5
DANGER: DAMCanoe Access Campground Coldwater Trout Stream
Livery/Outfitter Cultural HeritageDecorah’s 11 mile Trout Run Trail
Paddle Time: Based on 2-3 mph*Effort was made to assure the accuracy of information in this publication. Northeast Iowa RC&D and its partners assume no responsibility in its use.
Geologic FeatureWaterfall or Spring
WARNING: DamUpper Iowa River Bridge with Upper Iowa
River MilePublic Land/WMACommunity Boundary Upper Iowa River Mile121121
Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME58.9 Chattahoochie Park Access
58.7 Bridge on Hwy 52
58.0 Bridge on 5th Ave
57.7 Will Baker Park Access 20-35 min
57.7 Off the Driftless
57.6 Pulpit Rock Campground
57.5 Twin Springs
56.6 Bridge on College Dr.
56.3 Dunning Springs
55.4 Bridge on 5th St.
55.3 Palisades Park Access 45-65 min
55.3 Decorah River Tubes
53.8 Trout Run Park Access 30-45 min
53.8 Trout Run
Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME126.5 Chester Access
124.8 Bridge on 25th St.
122.5 Bridge on Mill Rd.
121.4 Bridge on Mill Rd.
119.5 Lidtke Mill Take Out 2-31/2 hrs
119.5 Lidtke Mill
DAM DANGEROUS LOWHEAD DAM
119.4 Lidtke Mill Access
115.2 Bridge on Quail Ave
DANGER: DAM
Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME74.9 Bluffton Bluff Access
73.5 Bridge on Bluffton Rd.
73.4 Bluffton Fir Stand Access 30-45 min
72.9 Bridge on 244th Ave
67.2 Bridge on Scenic River Rd.
67.1 Hutchinson Family Farm
67.0 Casey Springs
65.9 Malanaphy Springs
65.0 Malanaphy Springs Access 3-4 hrs
64.3 Ten Mile Creek
62.8 Lowell’s Bridge Access 45-60 min
61.3 Bridge on Pole Line Rd.
58.9 Chattahoochie Park Access 1-2 hrs
58.7 Bridge on Hwy 52
Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME91.4 Kendallville Park Access
91.4 Kendallville Park
91.2 Hruska’s Livery
88.2 Bridge on W14
87.3 Plymouth Rock
87.4 Plymouth Rock Access 1-2 hrs
83.2 Bridge on Cattle Creek Rd.
79.9 Coldwater Creek
79.4 Chimney Rock
78.7 Chimney Rock Park Access 3-4 hrs
77.9 Chimney Rock Livery
75.4 Bluffton Bluffs
74.9 Bluffton Bluff Access 1-2 hrs
74.8 Hruska’s Bluffton Livery
74.7 Randy’s Bluffton Store
74.1 Bluffton Fir Stand
73.5 Bridge on Bluffton Rd.
73.4 Pine Creek
73.4 Bluffton Fir Stand Access 30-45 min
72.9 Bridge on 244th Ave.
Mile LANDMARK PADDLE TIME35.8 Canoe Creek Access
35.7 Canoe Creek
35.3 Slinde Mounds State Preserve
31.4 Bridge on Ellingson Bridge Dr.
26.1 Iverson Bottoms Access 3-5 hrs
25.6 Pine Creek
24.5 Iverson Bridge Access 30-45 min
18.7 Upper Iowa Resort & Rental
18.4 Bridge on Hwy 18
17.9 Bear Creek
15.2 Elephant Rock
15.1 Kumpf Access 3-41/2 hrs
11.8 Clear Creek
11.2 Wild Landing Access 1-2 hrs
10.8 French Creek
Photos courtesy of Larry Reis
Bald eagle catching a brown trout
Painted lady & honey bee Whitetail Deer Gastropod fossil
Blazing star
Walleye
River otters Bluffton Bluffs
White-lined sphinx moth
Belted kingfisher
Kayaking river trips
BIGALK CREEK
Turkey river
Coldwater Cre ek
W
est
cano
e cre
ek
Ea
st
pine c
reek
CAsey Springs
ten mile cre ek
tw in springs
tro
ut run
Tro
ut R
iver
Coon Cree k
PAtterson Creek
South Pine Creek
CANOE Cr eek
Pine C reek
Bear Creek
North Be ar Creek
Wat erloo Creek
Clear Creek
F
renc
h Cr
eek
Lansing Clear Cr eek
Village Creek
No
rth Cano
e C
reek
South Bear Cre ek
Beaver Creek
W60
A6W
A6W
B
C
E
5
30
3030
30
21 28
84
A16
27
22
A11
A26
A26
A26
A26
W60
W38
W40
W34
A14A14A14
A18A18
A23
A23
W14
A34
A46
W14
W14
W42
A52
A52
A52
A52A52
X26
X32
X42
X52
X52
X52
X42
A44
W60
W60A38
W20
W20
W38
A16
X20
X6A
30
15
324
313
56
9 9 9
9
9 9 9
9
9
9
9
76
76
44
44
76
76
76
9
9
26
26
26
51
139
139
139
35
35
82
82
82
35
82
/
/63
/63
/52
/52
/52
/52
/52
/63
/63
Trout R
un Rd.
Madison Rd .
M
iddl
e C
almar
Rd
. D
ivisi
on
St.
1
33rd
Ave
G
lenv
ille
Rd.
G
lenv
ille
Rd.
T
rout
Riv
er R
d.
225th St
Nor
ske
Rd.
Oil W
ell R
d.
Po ntoppidan Rd.
143r
d A
ve
250th St.
W Ridge Dr.
Win
nmak
e Rd
.
Coon Creek Rd.
Ferris Mill Rd.
River R
d.
Whitetail Rd
Clay H
ill R
d.
Clay Hill Rd.
Lannon
Hill R d.
Canoe Ridge Rd.
Beaver Dam Rd.
Ferr i s Mills R d.
Sattre Ridge Rd.
Sattre Ridge Rd.
Echo Valley
Rd.
Spring Cree
k Rd
.
Old
Mill
Rd.
Manawa Trail Rd .
15
5th
Ave
Meadowlark Rd
Mid
dle H
esp er R
d.
Mid
dle
Hes
per R
d.
223
Ave
.
2
18th
Ave
201S
t. Av
e
181s
t Ave
Nob
le A
ve
Key
Ave
Lila
c Av
e
Kent
Ave
Kent
Ave
Kent
Ave
Jade
Ave
Jade
Ave
Key
Ave
Linc
oln
Ave
Lila
c Av
eLi
lac
Ave
Klin
e Av
e
Mar
ch A
veM
arch
Ave
Mar
ch A
ve
Pine
Ave
Oak
Ave
Robi
n Av
e
Quai
l Ave
Valle
y Av
eVa
lley
Ave
Tim
ber A
ve
Pine
Ave
Quai
l Ave
Sain
t Ave
Tim
ber A
ve
Uni
ty A
veU
nity
Ave
Valle
y Av
eVa
lley
Ave
Upl
and
Ave
Uni
ty A
veU
nity
Ave
Tim
ber A
ve
Sain
t Ave
St A
veSt
Ave
Quai
l Ave
Plea
sant
Ave
Ivy
Ave Ja
mes
Ave
Jade
Ave
M
ay A
ve
Linc
oln
Ave
N W
inn
Rd.
L
ocust
Rd.
Bea
r Cre
ek R
d.
White Brid ge Rd.
Hig
hlan
dvill
e Rd
.
Quandahl Rd.
360th St. 360th St. 360th St.
N Bear Rd.
113
th A
ve.
380th St. 128t
h Av
e.
370th St.
173r
d Av
e.
198t
h Av
e19
8th
Ave
345th St.
345th St.
Fox Hollow Rd.
320th S t. Fox Hollow R d.
Canoe Valley Rd.
350th St.
23
6th
Ave
365th St.
2
28th
St.
Silent Brook Rd.
21
8th
St.
365th St.
285
th S
t.
B
lufft
on R
d.
355th St.
248
th A
ve.
348th S
t. Pine Creek Rd.
Pine C reek Rd.
340th St.
Hitching Post Rd.
320th St. Sceni c R
iver Rd.
Scenic River Rd.
Wagon Rd.
Meadowlark Rd.
W
agon
R
d.
Pole Line Rd .
Pole Line Rd.
Bluffton Rd.
279
th A
ve
370th St.
2
88th
Ave
303r
d Av
e
313t
h St
.
360th St. 360th St.40th St.
20th St.
25th St.25th St.25th St.
20th St.
25th St.
50th St.50th St.
30th St.
40th St.
70th St.
80th St.
90th St.
115th St.
185th St. 185th St.
115th St. 115th St.
110th St. 110th St.
130th St. 130th St.
125th St.
135th St.
170th St.170th St.
190th St. 190th St.
160th St.
165th St.
175th St.
180th St. 180th St.180th St.
190th St.190th St.
135th St.
140th St. 140th St.
125th St.
135th St.
175th St.
160th St.
135th St.
70th St.
20th St.
78th St.
70th St.
30th St.
35th St. 35th St.
45th St.
55th St.
65th St.
60th St.
80th St.
90th St.
70th St.70th St.
85th St.
80th St.80th St.
45th St.
50th St.
318
th A
ve
370th St.
333r
d Av
e
345t
h Av
e34
5th
Ave
345t
h Av
e34
5th
Ave
333r
d Av
e
318
th A
ve
Oak
Ridg
e Rd
2
88th
Ave 278th Ave
320th St.
2
90th
Ave
310th St. 310th St.
Vill age R
d
335th St.335th St.
325th St.
328
th A
ve
318
th A
ve
Pole Line Rd. 2
88th
Ave
2
53rd
Ave
2
88th
Ave
Scenic R iver Rd.
235t
h Av
e
Wal
nut C
reek
Rd.
265th Ave
27t
h Av
e
Madison Rd.Madison Rd.
270th St.
280th St.
290th St. 290th St.328t
h Av
e
333r
d Av
e
310t
h Av
e
275th St.
285th St.
Madison Rd.
335t
h St
.
335t
h St
.
240th St. 240th St. 160th St.
220th St.
225th St.
210th St. 210th St.
230th St.
150th St.
135th St.
30
7th
Ave
30
5th
Ave
32
0th
Ave
33
5th
Ave
250th St.
2
70th
Ave
2
65th
Ave
2
55th
Ave
2
35th
Ave
2
45th
Ave
285t
h Av
e
270t
h Av
e 265t
h Av
e
240t
h Av
e
245t
h Av
e
Town Line Rd. Town Line Rd.
Dry Run Rd.
Conover Rd. Conover
Ston
e H
ill R
d.
Haugen Hill Rd.
Valdres Rd.
Middle Ossian
Rd.
Centennial Rd.
Frankville Rd.
205th St.
200th St. Picnic Woods Dr. Picnic Woods Dr.
W Ridge Dr.
Prairie Dr. Prairie Dr.
Pole
Lin
e Rd
.
Hex
om R
d.
Cattle Creek R d.
M i ddl
e Sa
ttre
Rd.
Cattle Creek Rd.
Rive
r Rd.
370th St.
D
rake
Hill
Rd.
Dorchester Rd.
Division Ave
4 Corners Dr.
T-6
T-3
T-6 T-7
T-19
Sylling R d.
Newhouse Dr.
T-1
411t
h St
.
45
5th
Ave
State Line Rd. State Line Rd. State Line Rd.
380th St.
351st St.
341st St.
295th Ave
185th Ave
275th Ave
120th St. 120th St. 120th St.
110th St.
State Line Rd.
120th St. 120th St. Journey Rd.
W
illow
Ave
V
icto
ry A
ve
W
illow
Ave
Will
ow A
ve
50th St.
Y
anke
e Av
e.
Yan
kee
Ave.
Y
anke
e Av
e.
Yan
kee
Ave.
Kin
gs R
d.
Kings Rd.
Well Rd.
W
innma
kee
Rd.
250th St.
W
illow Dr.
Tille
r aas
Rd.
Ellingson Bridge Dr. P
att erso n Creek Dr.
Ba
lsam
Rd.
B
alsa
m R
d.
Ellingson Bridg e Dr.
Br
eezy
Cor
ners
L
udlo
w R
d.
N Line Dr. N Line Dr.
Old
Sta
ge R
d.
M
t O
livet R
d.
9th
St N
W
Bl
uebi
rd R
d.
9
th S
t NW
Park Rd.
4
Cor
ners
Rd.
4 C
orne
rs R
d.
Dundee Dr. Jefferson Rd.
S
herman Ridge Rd.
Sherman Ridge Rd.
Sand
Hill
Car
dina
l Rd.
Wi n
t e rgreen Rd. Mau
d Rd
.
Linton Dr.
Chi
mne
y Ro
ck R
d.
Pa i nt Creek Dr.
Nes
s Ri
dge
Rd.
Je
glu
m R
d.
Wate rv
ille
Rd.
Rol
ler C
oast
er R
d.
Ros
es R
d.
Ch
estn
ut R
d.
Lans ing Harpers Rd.
Whippoorwill H ollow
Rya n Hi
ll R
d.
Great River Rd.
Collins Ridge Rd.
Lans
ing
Harper
s Rd
.
Dry Ridge Dr.
Halverson
Valley St. S Rd Dr.
S Rd Dr.
Sc
h affer Hollow Rd.
Fae
gre
Prai
rie R
d.
Hartong Dr.
Sand
y Rd
.
Vi
llage
Cre
ek R
d.
Schweinfurth Rd.
Clonkitty Rd.
Parsley Dr.
Iron Mine Dr.
Dug Rd. V
illage Creek Dr.
Village Creek Dr.
Village Cree k D
r.
Iron Mine Dr. Van Buren Dr.
Patterson Cr eek D
r.
Mullberry Dr.
Ive rson Bridge Rd.
9
th S
t NW
Green Valle y Rd.
Silver Creek Rd.
Pionee r Dr.
Gra
nd V
iew
Rd.
Larkin Dr.
Sunfl o we
r Dr.
Hanov
e r Dr. Han over Dr.
Valley
View Dr.
Iv erson Bridge Rd.
W
ashi
ng
ton Rd .
St einback Rd.
N Vie w
Rd.
Bee
Rd.
Ho
mew
ood
Hill
Rd.
Lin dy Hill Rd.
Waterloo Cre
ek Rd .
R
anzen
berg
er Rd.
B
lu
ff Rd
.
Dog wood Dr.
Juniper Dr.
Far m Dr.
W Ridge
Rd.
Red
Oak
Rd.
Re d Oad Rd.
W
e xfor d Ho
llow Dr.
R
iver
Vie
w R
d.
Mul
larkey
Hill Dr.
Heytman Dr.
Lafayette Ridge Dr.
Great River Rd.
Whalen Hill R
d
.
Lansing Harpers R d.
Dalby Hollow Rd.
D
rake Rd.
Trou t Rd.
Ba
kkum Rd.Sc
enic
Va l
l ey
Rd.
Fan
Rd.
F
an R d.
Burke
Hollo
w Makee Dr.
Dug Rd.
Round Prairie Dr.
D ead Hor se Hollow
Eng
lish
Ben
c h R
d.
Union Dr.
Church Rd.
L
ong Hollow
Rd.
Howard Sc hool Rd.
Ebner Dr.
Bolder Dr.
French Creek Dr.
Lycurgus R
d.
M ays Prairie Rd.
Har
t ley
Dr.
Morgan Bridge Rd.
Bla
c k H
a wk
Rd.
Pin
e Tree
Dr.
Sand Cove Rd.
Desert Dr.
Cedar Hill Rd.
Moo
re H
ill R
d.
Cedar Hill R
d.
Spring Valley Dr.
Whitet a il Dr.
C
olum
bu
s R
d.
Golden Ridge Rd.
S
lee py H
ollo
w Dr.
Elm Dr.
Fox
Far
m R
d.
Burr Oak R
d.
Whe
atl
a nd
Rd.
Sleepy Hollow D r.
Wa ters Rd.
Orio
le Dr.
Hemlock Dr .
Irish Hollow Rd.
Pool Hi ll Dr.
Ce
met
ery
Rd.
Duck C
re ek Dr.
W
inne
bago
Ave
E Main St. Poo l Hill Dr.
Cty Rd. 23 Cty Rd. 31
Cty Rd. 5
Mays Prairie Rd.
A
rmy Rd.
Great River Rd.
Great River Rd.
Great R
iver Rd.
Coun
t y Road
Kettle Ho llow
Quarry Rd.
Rutter Hill Rd.
Rush Creek Rd. Mule Hill Rd.
Marigaard Rd.
Paulson R d.
Mellem Rd.
Holt Rd.
Taylor Rd.
Hayden Rd.
Bohla nd Hol lo
w Rd .
Davenport R d.
Co
ulee Creek Rd.
Bish
op Ridge Rd.
Gilman Rd .
Will Kumlin Rd.
Battle Hollow Rd.
C
ounty Rd Uu
C
oun ty Rd N
Ge esa Rd .
Pro
k sch
Ln
Miss el Rd.
Orlando Rd.
Mis
sel R
d.
Wor
man
Rd .
S Bad Axe R d.
Mud sack Rd.
Lock
ingt
on R
d.
Bro
wn
Rd.
Eve
rson
Rd.
T
ewalt Rd.
Ch
ase
Rd.
S Bad Axe Rd.
Utle
y Rd
. Anderson Rdige Rd.
F
ortn
er R
d.
Fort
ner R
d.
County Rd N
Black Hawk Brid
ge
Bluffton Rd.
M
ulbe
rry R
d.
River Rd.
May
Ave
Mill Rd.
Major Rd.
Crane Creek Rd.
N Branch Rd.
Rob
in A
ve
Va
le Rd.
R
obin
Ave
Val
ley
Ave
150th St. 150th St. 150th St. 150th St.
Robi
n Av
e
Hap
py Hollow Rd.
Oak
Ave
Oak
Ave
Oak
Ave
Siew ers Sp
ring
Rd.
Twin Spr i ngs Rd.
2
58th St.
N Buck Creek R d.
Orchid Dr. Ch
imne
y Ro
ck Rd.
Coldwater Creek Rd.
Scenic Riv
er R
d.
Oneill R
idge Dr.
L iddiard Bottoms Rd.
Loc
ust R
d.
R
iver R
d.
Ahlstrom Hollow
Cty Rd 5
Hig
hlan
dvill
e Rd
.
244th Ave
D
ry Cre
ek R
d.
F
renc
h Cr
eek
Rd.
Whe
atl a
nd R
d.
W R
idge
Rd.
B
alsa
m R
d.
Gre
en L
ea
f R d.
Pleasant View Rd.
Cl
over
Rd.
Ic e Cave Rd.
Ranch Rd
.
Gruber R idge Rd
253r
d A
ve
River St.
303r
d Av
e
Wes
t Rav
ine
St.
W
oodland Rd.
L ower Dam Rd.
Lu ndy B ridge Rd. Lundy Bridge R d
Ferris Mill Rd.
Iowa River Dr.
Iowa River Dr.
Io
wa
Rive
r Dr.
Locu
st R
d.
Ridgeway
Decorah
Mabel
Canton
Lansing
Waukon
De Soto
Ferryville
New Albin
Cresco
SCHLEY
BONAIR
VERNON SPRINGS
LIME SPRINGS
CHESTER
Freeport
Sattre
Locust
Hesper
Bluffton
Kendallville
GRANGER
FLORENCEVILLE
Burr Oak
Highlandville
Dorchester
Churchtown
Victory
Eitzen
Lynxville
Bluffton Fir StandState Preserve WMA
Trout River WMA
TroutRun WMA
HoudekWMA
Cardinal Marsh WMA
Bohr WMA
Cold WaterCreekWMA
ChimneyRockWMA
MikeshWMA
BlufftonBluffs
Chimney Rock
McCabe WMA
PlymouthRock
Nicola WMA
Falcon Springs
WMA
TNC Engbertson
WMA
CleghornWMA
Turkey RiverArea
MartinekWMA
Thomson Marsh WMA
MurrayWMA
Mitz PitWMA
BigalkWMA
Evan-HughesForest WMA
SouhradaForest WMA
Upper IowaAccess WMA
DiekenWMA
Turkey River WMA
Hayden St WMA
Turkey Bend WMA
Lowell’sBridge WMA Sollien
WMA
MalanaphySprings
Odessa Spring
Lidtke Mill North BearCreek WMA
South BearCreek WMA
Black HawkPoint WMA
New Albin Roadside Park
Kolsrud Park
County Home Park
Pool SloughWMA
Clear Creek WMA
English BenchWMA
WaterlooCreekWMA
WaterlooCreekWMA
WaterlooCreek WMA
LansingWMA
Clear Creek Park
Fish Farm Mounds
WMA
Heytman’s Boat Landing
Army RoadBoat
Landing
French Creek WMA
Pine Creek WMA
Iverson Bottoms WMA
Coon Creek WMABolson Bridge
WMA
Loras WMAMalliWMA
SeegmillerWMA
Moe Park
Upper DamWMA
South PineWMA
Canoe Creek WMA
Black Oak
Hollow
SiewersSprings
Dunning Springs
The Cut
Ice Cave
Elephant Rock
INHFHeritage
Valley
Slinde Mounds
State Preserve
Pulpit Rock
Winneshiek County
Houston County
Allamakee County
Crawford County
Vernon County
Howard County
Fillmore County
Lock & Dam No. 9
CHESTER ACCESSRiver Mile: 126.5
LIDTKE MILL ACCESSRiver Mile: 119.5
KENDALLVILLE PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 91.4
BLUFFTON BLUFF ACCESSRiver Mile: 74.9
CHIMNEY ROCK PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 78.7 BLUFFTON FIR STAND ACCESS
River Mile: 73.4
MALANAPHY SPRINGS ACCESSRiver Mile: 65.0
CHATTAHOOCHIE PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 58.9
WILL BAKER PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 57.7
TROUT RUN PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 53.8
PALISADES PARK ACCESSRiver Mile: 55.4
FREEPORT ACCESSRiver Mile: 52.1
LOWELL’S BRIDGE ACCESSRiver Mile: 62.8
UPPER DAM ACCESSRiver Mile: 45.1
UPPER DAM TAKE OUTRiver Mile: 45.1
LOWER DAM TAKE OUTRiver Mile: 40.4
LOWER DAM ACCESSRiver Mile: 40.3
LUNDY BRIDGE ACCESSRiver Mile: 38.7
CANOE CREEK ACCESSRiver Mile: 35.8
IVERSON BOTTOMS ACCESSRiver Mile: 26.1
WILD LANDING ACCESSRiver Mile: 11.2
RAY’S LANDING ACCESSRiver Mile: 5.5
BLACK HAWK POINT ACCESSRiver Mile: 3.3
MISSISSIPPI RIVERRiver Mile: 0.0
KUMPF ACCESSRiver Mile: 15.1
IVERSON BRIDGE ACCESSRiver Mile: 24.5
SEEGMILLER ACCESSRiver Mile: 48.0
PLYMOUTH ROCK ACCESSRiver Mile: 87.4
LIDTKE MILL TAKE OUTRiver Mile: 119.5
22
2
6 7
33
36
28
29
38
38
38
3737
37
37
37 37
37
37
37
37
37
37
37
2526
35
3419
18
20
21
3231
30
17
23
24
9
10
11
13
16
14
15
1
4
32
5
8
27 12
SEGMENT ONE SEGMENT TWO
SEGMENT FIVE
SEGMENT FOUR
SEGMENT THREE
59
91
106
8682
84
82
84
92
91
92
104
DANGER: DAM
DANGER: DAM
DANGER: DAM
Lidtke Mill Park & Campground: 30 site campground with fishing, canoeing, and playground. 563-547-3634. 3425 Oak Ave
Howard County Conservation: Information about recreation and natural resources. 563-547-3634. 11562 Valley Ave
Kendallville Campground: 28 site campground with canoeing and fishing access. 563-534-7145. 3480 K Park Rd
Allamakee County Tourism: Information about events, lodging, and restaurants. 563-568-2624. 101 W Main St
Pulpit Rock Campground: 136 site campground next to the river with opportunities to canoe. 563-382-9551. 505 Pulpit Rock Rd
Allamakee County Courthouse: Location where canoe registrations may be purchased. 563-568-2204. 110 Allamakee St NW
Lake Meyer Campground: 160-acre campground, park, and nature center next to Lake Meyer. 563-534-7145. 2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Winneshiek County Conservation: Information about recreation and natural resources. 563-534-7145. 2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Sampson Springs Campground: 50 AMP RV campsites in walking distance from Trout River. 563-382-4849. 2271 133rd Ave
Main Street Lansing: Visitor center to help answer questions about where to eat, stay, and shop. 563-538-9229. 391 Main St
Big Joe’s Little Campground: 15 campsites & 3 cabins located near North & South Bear Creek. 563-497-3500. 351 Willow Dr
Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center: Visitor center with interpretive displays. 563-538-0400. 1944 Columbus Rd
The Upper Iowa River supports cold and warm water fish species but three dams restrict fish movement and species prevalence. Smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and non-game fish are abundant throughout the river. Trout are especially prevalent near the mouth of coldwater streams, and more than 30 of these streams make their way into the Upper Iowa River. Below the dams, sauger, sturgeon, northern pike, flathead and channel catfish, yellow perch, and white bass migrate up from the Mississippi River. Smallmouth bass and walleye prefer rocky or sandy substrate, especially in the deepest pools. Dead trees, boulders, and root balls provide fish habitat, but beware, they also create dangerous under currents. Local trout fishing maps and guides can be picked up locally or downloaded from northeastiowarcd.org. The iowadnr.gov fishing website provides information on fishing regulations, licenses, and weekly fishing reports. Connections with other local anglers can be made through the Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, or the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association.
Rising more than 250 feet from the river along several stretches, towering limestone bluffs, chimney rocks, rock outcroppings, cliffs, and entrenched meanders add interest to Upper Iowa River excursions. Watch for the most well-known landmarks: Plymouth Rock, Chimney Rock, Bluffton Palisades, Pulpit Rock, Phelps Park Bluffs, Decorah Palisades, Elephant Head Bluff, and Blackhawk Bluff. Many consider these majestic features to be the river’s hallmark. Fossils are often identified within the limestone bedrock or in rocks lining the bottom of the river. Together, the sights above and below create a sense of isolation, a deep sense of history, and confirm that the river is in the Driftless Area, an ancient and unique Midwest landform bypassed by the last continental glacier. In the words of canoekayak.com, “Tucked away in an isolated corner of northeast Iowa is a cliff-lined gorge that the glaciers forgot to flatten: the Upper Iowa River valley.” For more information about the geology of the Upper Iowa River Watershed, visit www.iihr.uiowa.edu/igs/publications/uploads/TIS-54.pdf
The woodlands, bluffs, habitat diversity, remoteness, and other natural characteristics of the river corridor make it a bird haven. It is part of the Mississippi River Flyway, near a Globally Important Birding Area, and connected to large, remote tracts of private and public forests, wetlands and prairies, wildlife management areas (WMAs), and other natural areas. Hundreds of species migrate through in the spring and many additional species nest along the river. A 2014 survey identified eight eagle nests visible from the river during full foliage. More would be visible if the leaves weren’t blocking the view! During winter months, open sections of the river help birds and other wildlife find food to survive and thrive. The number of bird species reported in Iowa’s Breeding Bird Atlas for areas near the river is noted on the map. Check out bba.iowabirds.org, iowadnr.gov and iowaaudubon.org to learn more about local birding opportunities or get in touch with the local Iowa Ornithologist Union, which offers information by county as well as GPS coordinates.
The Upper Iowa River Watershed boasts hundreds of springs and dozens of beautiful waterfalls, including the largest spring in Minnesota, Odessa Spring. Odessa and Malanaphy Springs are accessible from the river. Dunning Springs, Twin Springs and the second largest spring in Iowa, Siewers Spring are all nearby. Siewers Spring provides water for the fish hatchery in Decorah as well as one of the nation’s most universally accessible trout streams, Trout Run. There are four man-made dams that create waterfalls of their own which although pretty, are extremely dangerous. Do not paddle over them or near them, from either above or below. Their undercurrents are drowning machines. All of the coldwater streams that flow into the river are fed by springs. Coldwater Creek, which emerges from the base of a 100-foot tall bluff is publicly accessible in the Coldwater Spring State Preserve one mile north of the river at the only natural entrance to Coldwater Cave, a National Landmark, and Iowa’s longest cave.
Cultural, archaeological and historic sites and museums in the communities along the Upper Iowa River provide unique experiences for visitors before and after their float. Lidtke Mill and Dam Site at Lime Springs has one of the most extensive historic mill collections in Iowa. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center in Decorah boasts a real ship that made the trip from Norway and a Norwegian log home, among other treasures. Native Americans built, lived in, and traded from large villages and settlements along the Upper Iowa River. Although very little physical evidence remains along the river, artifacts and remnants of these cultures are still studied today. For more information on cultural attractions and local history, visit vesterheim.org, www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/effigy-mounds-national-monument, archaeology.uiowa.edu/upper-iowa-river-0/, or www.visitiowa.org. Related books include A Guide to the Upper Iowa River by G.E Knudson (1971) and Oneota Flow by David Faldet (2009).
Bear Creek Cabins & Campgrounds: 20 campsites & 8 cabins along South Bear Creek. 563-546-7722. 3497 Highlandville Rd
Country Inn and Suites: 50 room hotel near the Upper Iowa River in Decorah. 563-382-9646. 1202 Iowa 9
Red Barn Resort & Campground: 125 RV campsites, trout stream and restaurant. 563-538-4956. 2609 Main St. Hwy. 9
Harvest Farm Campground: Facility with 60 campsites that rents canoes, kayaks, and tubes. 563-883-8562. 3690 318th Ave
Fairfield Inn & Suites: Hotel near the Upper Iowa River in Decorah. 563-382-8800. 2041 Iowa State Hwy 9
R&S Fuel: Convenience store and gas station located in downtown Chester. 563-565-2631. 304 Main St
Hruska’s Canoe Livery & Campground: Offer canoe, kayak, and tube rental on Upper Iowa River. 563-547-4566. 3233 347th St
Quality Inn & Suites: 58 room hotel near the Upper Iowa River in Decorah. 563-382-2269. 705 Commerce Dr
Seed Savers Exchange: Visitor center, heirloom seed bank, and 8 miles of hiking trail. 563-382-5990. 3094 North Winn Rd
Randy’s Bluffton Store and Campground: Camping with canoe and kayak rentals. 563-735-5738. 2619 W Ravine Rd
Super 8 Motel: 60 room hotel near the Upper Iowa River in Decorah. 563-382-8771. 810 Iowa 9
Winneshiek County Visitors Center: Information about events, lodging, and restaurants. 563-382-2023. 507 W Water St
Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground: Offer canoe, kayak, and tube rental. 877-787-2267. 3312 Chimney Rock Rd
Hotel Winneshiek: Turn-of-the-century historic 34 room hotel and restaurant. 800-998-4164. 104 E Water St
Winneshiek County Recorder’s Office: Location where canoe registrations may be purchased. 563-382-3486. 201 W Main St
Hutchinson Family Farm Campground: Offer canoe, kayak, and cabin rental. 563-382-3054. 2299 Scenic River Rd
Stoney Creek Inn: 39 room hotel with stone fireplace themed suites. 800-659-2220. 407 Rossville Rd
Decorah Fish Hatchery: Trout rearing station and home of the “Decorah Eagles.” FLA. 563-382-8324. 2321 Siewers Spring Rd
Off the Driftless : Tube, canoe, and kayak rental. Open Thur-Sun 10am-4pm/M-W by appt. 563-382-4641. 212 Pulpit Rock Rd
Sportsmen Motel: Motel with 8 campsites located within a 1/2 mile of Waterloo Creek. 563-497-3615. 2753 Hwy 76
Howard County Courthouse: Location where canoe registrations may be purchased. 563-547-9211. 137 N Elm St
Decorah River Tubes: High quality inner-tubes (includes shuttle). 563-379-8823. 701 Winneshiek Ave
Driftless Area Scenic Byway: 138-mile scenic driving route known for its natural & scenic attractions.
Howard County Welcome Center: Information about events, lodging, and restaurants. 563-547-3434. 101 2nd Ave SW
Upper Iowa Resort & Rental: Offering swimming, canoeing, cabin rentals, and fishing. 563-568-3263. 578 Lonning Dr
Great River Road: collection roads that follow the course of the Mississippi River through Iowa and 9 other states.
OUTFITTERS & LIVERIES PARTNERSHIPS CAMPGROUNDS, VISITOR INFORMATION & LODGING FACILITIES UPPER IOWA RIVER PADDLING TRIPS AND ITINERARIES
This Upper Iowa Canoe Guide was developed through the Upper Iowa River Alliance and designed by Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) with input from the Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau, Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau, local landowners, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, local livery owners, Decorah Park and Recreation and river users. This guide was made possible through generous contributions and grants from The Depot Outlet, Winneshiek County Community Foundation, Winneshiek County Conservation Board, Allamakee County Community Foundation, Howard County Community Foundation, Howard County Conservation Board, Winneshiek County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism, Iowa
RIVERUpper Iowa
Map
1
2
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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33
34
35
36
37
38
3
4
5
6
7
8
The Upper Iowa River Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, whose mission is to “Promote, protect, and enhance the Upper Iowa River.” Donations to the Upper Iowa River Alliance can be sent to PO Box 346, Decorah, IA 52101 or made at www.upperiowariver.org.
Northeast Iowa RC&D is a 501(c)(3) non-profit who works with partners from throughout the region. Their mission is to “recognize opportunities and provide leadership to make Northeast Iowa a vibrant, place-based model for the nation!”
RIVERUpper Iowa
ALLIANCE
River Mile
Name of Canoe Access
Miles to Next Canoe Access
Approach Road to Canoe Access
Canoe Access On-Site Amenities
126.5 Chester Access 7.0 River Street
119.5 Lidtke Mill Take Out 0.1 Oak Avenue / V36
119.5 Lidtke Mill Access 28.0 Oak Avenue / V36
91.4 Kendallville Park Access 4.1 Iowa 139
87.4 Plymouth Rock Access 8.7 303rd Avenue
78.7 Chimney Rock Park Access 3.7 Chimney Rock Road
74.9 Bluffton Bluff Access 1.6 West Ravine Street
73.4 Bluffton Fir Stand Access 8.4 244th Avenue
65.0 Malanaphy Springs Access 2.2 Bluffton Road / W20
62.8 Lowell’s Bridge Access 3.9 Pole Line Road / A34
58.9 Chattahoochie Park Access 1.2 Highway 52
57.7 Will Baker Park Access 2.3 Pulpit Rock Road
55.4 Palisades Park Access 1.6 Ice Cave Road
53.8 Trout Run Park Access 1.7 Highway 9
52.1 Freeport Access 4.0 Clay Hill Road
48.0 Seegmiller Access 2.9 River Road / A6W
45.1 Upper Dam Take Out 0.1 River Road / A6W
45.1 Upper Dam Access 4.7 River Road / A6W
40.4 Lower Dam Take Out 0.1 Lower Dam Road
40.3 Lower Dam Access 1.6 Lower Dam Road
38.7 Lundy Bridge Access 3.0 Lundy Bridge Road
35.8 Canoe Creek Access 9.7 Ferris Mill Road
26.1 Iverson Bottoms Access 1.6 Iverson Bridge Road
24.5 Iverson Bridge Access 9.4 Iverson Bridge Road
15.1 Kumpf Access 3.9 Iowa River Drive / A26
11.2 Wild Landing Access 5.7 Iowa River Drive / A26
5.5 Ray’s Landing Access 2.2 Morgan Bridge Road
3.3 Black Hawk Point Access 3.3 Black Hawk Road
0 Mississippi River N/A N/A
DANGER: DAM
DANGER: DAM
DANGER: DAM
Department of Transportation (DOT) - Iowa Byways Sustainability Project / Driftless Area Scenic Byway and through the Iowa Tourism office.
RC&DNortheast Iowa CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURSB WATERFALL WAYFINDINGD BIRDWATCHINGC GEOLOGIC JOURNEYSE FISHING ADVENTURESA
MAP LEGENDCanoe Access
River Canoe Trail
Outfitter/Livery
Campground
Visitor Information
Hotel/Motel
Public Land/WMAs
City Boundaries
DamDANGER: DAM
Rainbow trout
Photo: Hilary Layne
Lidtke mill Cedar waxwing Malanaphy springs Chimney Rock
