Pool 7 of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, is located between Lock and Dam # 7 near Dresbach, Minnesota and stretches upstream to Lock and Dam #6, near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The city of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, is located just south of Lock and Dam #7 on the east bank of the river, and visitors to the area will find many services and amenities available in this urban center. The lock and dams that create Pool 7 are part of the Corps of Engineers Nine Foot Navigation Project on the Upper Mississippi River Basin. It allows commercial, deep draft, and towboats as well as shallow draft, recreational watercraft to navigate the pools above and below the dams, which prevent flooding and provide municipal water supplies. State Parks around the project create an excellent habitat for wildlife and spotting the local fauna. Bird watching while cruising the river or from local recreational areas is an activity enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Waterfowl, unique migrating populations like Tundra Swans, and bald eagles are amongst the many bird species that attract wildlife enthusiasts to the Upper Mississippi River Basin Pools. Boat ramps provide access to Pool 7 and surrounding water bodies at several locations including, the Brice Prairie Shoreline, Fisherman’s Road Landing, Long Lake Landing, Nelson Park, Round Lake Landing, Trempealeau Landing, and Upper Dike Landing. Fishing in the region is considered to be excellent, whether from the water or from recreation areas with fishing docks and fishing piers, such as Brice Prairie Shoreline, Long Lake Landing, and Nelson Park. Nelson Park also has a picnic area with group shelters and a playground. Nearby state parks with overnight camping are situated on Pool 7 at Perrot State Park and Great River Bluffs State Park. Visitors looking for RV rentals to visit recreational sites at Pool 7 on the Mississippi River region can find them at RV Rentals Wisconsin and RV Rentals Minnesota.
Mississippi River Lock and Dam #7 is located on the west side of the river, on the Minnesota side, two miles north of La Crescent, Minnesota, and across the river from the City of LaCrosse Wisconsin. The lock and dam site can be reached from westbound lane of the I-90 just after crossing the river from Wisconsin. A large paved parking lot at the site can accommodate multiple vehicles and larger RVs and tow vehicles.
Overnight camping is available at Perrot State Park and Great River Bluffs State Park.
Perrot State Park is about a 30-minute drive from Lock and Dam # 7. Cross to the east side of the river using the I-90 bridge and take Highway 53 north, and then Highway 35 west to the state park.
Great River Bluffs State Park can be reached by taking the I-90 north from Lock and Dam # 7. Exit at route 12 and then take route 3 east to the park. Access roads to the park are paved; however, the park roads are gravel and can be dusty in dry weather.
The Pool 7 region in Wisconsin and Minnesota is subject to winter driving conditions in the off-season, when icy conditions can occur. When traveling with a tow vehicle or RV, leave yourself extra stopping distance on slippery roads, brake and execute turns cautiously. Winter tires or chains are an asset when driving during winter conditions in the region.
RV campers can stay in the Pool 7 region at Great River Bluffs State Park’s heavily forested campground. Thirty-one back-in spots accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings and are well shaded and private. Campsites have no electric or water hookups. However, drinking water is available at the campground. There are 2 ADA accessible sites. Amenities include a shower house with flush toilets and vault toilets. The campground takes reservations and is open from May until October.
RV Campers will enjoy abundant wildlife, oak-hickory, pine, and maple basswood forests with open areas, and goat prairies, providing excellent habitat for wildlife including many avian and mammal species. There are two scientific and natural areas in the park with hiking trails. The campground is situated on the Mississippi River, and views of the river from atop bluffs in the campground make this a beautiful camping spot for nature lovers.
Located on the east side of Pool 7, the Perrot Campground has treed areas providing shade and privacy to campsites. The state park occupies 1243 acres and is located on 500-foot bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers with amazing views of the waterways. There are 102 campsites, and four group campsites, at Perrot State Park Campground.
You will find RV campsites that accommodate units up to 45 feet in length and 38 RV sites with electric hookups. Cell phone reception is available in the park. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, vault toilets, a shower house, dump station, and a recycling station. There are canoe and kayak rentals for visitors looking to get out on the water and do some paddling. Pets are permitted on a leash. The campground is open all year. However, some amenities, including water, may not be available during the winter months. Ice and firewood can be purchased in the park.
The La Crosse Sailing Club is located on Pool 7 and accommodates 90 boats. Visitors to the area with sailing vessels can arrange for space at the marina as there is some transient space available. The club is located beside Nelson Park, and colorful sailing vessels are frequent sights at the pool in the region. Sail powered vessels are a unique and specialized way to enjoy the river. Boat launches available at a recreation area along Pool 7, and the lock and dam system allows recreational watercraft to travel across the dam sites to upper and lower pools. Perrot state park has canoes and kayaks available for rent. Riverboat cruise companies at Winona, Minnesota, provide guided tours along the local waterways so you can discover the region from the mighty Mississippi.
Enjoy the renowned fishing along the Upper Mississippi River from sites along Pool 7. If you don't have a fishing boat, you can fish from the fishing docks and piers at Brice Prairie Shoreline, Long Lake Landing, or Nelson Park. Fish species in the river include walleye, bass, crappie, and catfish.
Backwater areas also provide excellent sites for sports fishing enthusiasts, and multiple boat launches at recreation areas allow fishing boats to access the river, tributaries, and ponds in the region. Be sure to have a valid state fishing license for the region you are conducting fishing activities in.
State Parks and wilderness reserves have informal and maintained hiking trails to take in the natural areas. If you are staying at Perrot State Park there are several trails of varying length suitable for different ability levels with views of the Mississippi Valley to take in. Pack water to ensure you stay hydrated on longer hikes, and have bug spray to fend off pesky insects while hiking near the river where mosquitoes can be thick.
Pool 7 is located on what is referred to as the Mississippi River Flyway, a corridor for migrating birds traveling from summer nesting sites in Canada and Alaska to winter sites in the south. The Tundra Swan migration is a special attraction with hundreds of these magnificent birds stopping in the area during their migration.
Around 200 species of birds, including hawks, bald eagles, warblers, waterfowl species, grouse, wild turkey, and vireos can be spotted frequently in the region. Have a journal and camera ready to capture your avian discoveries.
Hiking trails in the state parks along Pool 7 become cross country ski trails in the winter months. Perot Park features nine miles of groomed trails for cross country skiers to glide through the wilderness areas near Pool 7. Skiers over 16 must have a state trail pass which can be purchased at the park office prior to skiing.
Pack your own water, as water supplies in the park are turned off during winter months to prevent pipes freezing, and wear layers. Even though it is cold, cross country skiers can work up a sweat and will need to shed layers with activity and rehydrate regularly.
The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, public lands around the project, and state parks allow hunting during the appropriate season. Hunting with a firearm or bow is permitted. Deer, waterfowl, wild turkey, grouse, squirrels and rabbits are commonly pursued game in the region.
Accessible hunts are available in the region. Check with local outfitters for more information. Ensure you have the required hunting licenses and permits, and follow all rules and regulations carefully to ensure a safe and legal hunt.
