Mississippi River - Pool 8
RV Guide
Introduction
Mississippi River Pool 8, and Dam and Lock # 8, are a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project located between Dresbach, Minnesota, and Genoa, Wisconsin. The project is part of the Nine Foot Navigation Project along the Mississippi River, which provides deep draft boating navigation along the river. An observation platform at the Dam #8 site provides visitors with the opportunity to observe the operation of the lock. Restrooms are available on the site, open from April to November.
The lock is 110 feet wide and 600 feet long. The dam provides flood control along the waterway located at Mississippi River Mile 679.2. The dam was completed in 1937 and consists of a 934 feet long structure with five roller gates and ten tainter gates, and two submersible spillways that are 938 feet and 1338 feet long, respectively.
The river is designated as an American Heritage River and provides recreational opportunities, including sightseeing and wildlife watching. Several recreation areas are located on Pool 8, including the Goose Island Park Campground, which has a boat ramp, picnic areas, playground, swim beach, and hiking trails. Boat ramps are also located at Lawrence Lake Marina, Lower Dike Landing, Stoddard Park, and Wildcat Park. Stoddard Park and Wildcat Park also have swim beaches, picnic areas, and fishing docks.
More recreational activities and natural areas can be reached by RV travelers at Beaver Creek Valley State Park and Yellow River State Forest. For RV rentals in the area, check out La Crosse, Wisconsin, RV Rentals.
RV Rentals in Mississippi River - Pool 8
Transportation
Driving
The Corps of Engineers project site is located on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River about ¼ mile south of Genoa, Wisconsin. The site has restrooms and an observation platform and is the location of the dam and locks. You can access the site from Wisconsin State Highway 35. You will need to cross a set of railroad tracks which can be hard on RVs and travel trailer contents! Also, the parking lot at the site is fairly small, and RVers may find it more convenient to park their unit at the nearby campground and visit the site in a single-family vehicle.
Goose Island Campground is a county-run park and campground about an 18-minute drive north of the COE site. Take Highway 35 north, then turn west on the campground access highway GI. The highway has bridges crossing waterways, but there are no overhead clearance limitations. The park and campground are large with excellent paved roads, although there are only a few sites that accommodate large RVs over 40 feet, and some of the turns are tight and can be difficult to maneuver with a large tow vehicle or RV unit.
During the winter months, icy road conditions in this area can make travel with trailers and RVs hazardous. When slick road conditions exist, leave plenty of room and time for braking and execute turns cautiously. Winter tires can help mitigate snowy winter conditions.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Mississippi River - Pool 8
Campsites in Mississippi River - Pool 8
Reservations camping
Goose Island County Park and Campground
The Goose Island Campground is one of the largest in the area with 400 campsites. Full hookups are available for RVs, and sites are located right along the river. There are some tight turns and overhanging trees in the campground that may make it difficult to access for larger RV and travel trailers. Amenities at the campground include an RV dump station, showers, bathroom with flush toilets, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. A day use area with group picnic shelters that can be reserved is also located here. Recreational opportunities abound at the campground with canoe rentals, an interpretive multi use/hiking trail, boat launch, fishing dock, swim beach, and a playground. The campground has shade trees, but also open areas, so sites have privacy but there are decent sightlines to keep an eye on children and pets. Dogs are permitted at the campground, but should remain on a leash.
Seasonal activities in Mississippi River - Pool 8
In-Season
Boating
Boating along the Mississippi River at and near Pool 8 is aided by the presence of the locks which allow navigation up and down the river. From watercraft, you can fish, sightsee, or travel to the many small towns that line the river.
There are boat ramps at Goose Island Park, Lower Dike Landing, Stoddard Park and Wildcat Park, and a marina at Lawrence Lake Marina that also has a boat ramp. Some areas of the river have seasonal restrictions for boating to protect migrating waterfowl. Canoe rental can be obtained at Goose Island County Park.
Swim Beach
There are swim beaches located at Goose Island Park, Stoddard Park, and Wildcat Park. Go for a cool dip in hot summer weather in the Mississippi River, or work on your tan on the beaches at these sites. Change room facilities and restrooms are available. Lifeguards are not on duty, so make sure you stay in an area appropriate for your ability level, keep children within arms reach, and utilize life jackets or PFDs if necessary to stay safe.
Picnic
There are great sites for riverside outdoor meals at Goose Island Park, Stoddard Park, and Wildcat Park. Playgrounds are also situated at Goose Island and Wildcat Parks for little ones to enjoy. Group shelters are available to reserve and rent for larger groups and organizations looking to hold an event such as a family reunion or company picnic.
Other area picnic sites are located at Dresbach State Travel Information Center, Nelson Park Landing, Copeland Park, and Green Island Park.
Off-Season
Fishing
Fishing from the shoreline or the river surface on Pool 8 is permitted under state regulations and with a state fishing permit. Common species found to catch on the river include walleye, sauger, bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Fish populations may experience less disturbance during the offseason when less recreational traffic is in the area, and cooler temperatures make fish less sluggish. Check local regulations, however, as during migration season, some areas of the river are closed to boat traffic.
There are fishing docks at Stoddard Park and Wildcat Park on Pool 8, which provide excellent shore fishing as well as numerous boat launches along the river where you can launch a fishing boat to venture out on the water for more varied fishing opportunities.
Hiking
Enjoy the great fall colors and migrating birds while hiking during the off seasons at Mississippi River Pool 8. A .8 mile interpretive hiking trail is located at Goose Island County Park. The interpretive trail provides information on the natural history and features of the area along the river. Take a camera to capture the autumn foliage, local wildlife and spectacular scenery along the Mississippi River. Hiking trails are used for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter months when they are snow covered.
Hunting
The national fish and wildlife refuge nearby is open for deer and waterfowl hunting in accordance with state regulations. This refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway and deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, and waterfowl are plentiful in the region, although waterfowl are the most popular quarry, especially duck hunting.
Make sure you are aware of the rules, hunt only in the regulated season, have valid permits and observe appropriate firearm practices for a safe hunt.
