The Mississippi River is one of the mightiest rivers in the world and a huge part of the history of the central United States. Colonists used the fertile plains around this almost 2400 mile long river that rises in Minnesota and runs all the way south, ultimately flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The river acted as an artery connecting states in the north to the south and became one of the most important transportation routes in North America for centuries.
The efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers helped build a series of locks and dams to better navigate water traffic as well as prevent extensive flooding on Mississippi’s notorious and vast flood plains. The area around Pool 9 is different as compared to the rest of the pools as it contains fewer expanses of open water and is made up of numerous tiny islands, side channels, creeks, backwaters, and limestone bluffs.
Mississippi River - Pool 9 is located on the Upper Mississippi River Valley and extends for over 30 miles from Genoa, WI, to Lynxville, WI. Pool 9 features over 3500 acres of aquatic habitat that is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
The geography and topography of Mississippi River Pool 9 make it an ideal destination for angling enthusiasts as these waters are teeming with over a hundred different species of fish. The picturesque and rugged surroundings also make for some fun exploration and hiking adventures as well as some amazing photographs that you can take home with you.
Rent an RV or drive down to Blackhawk Park in one of your own RV campers to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay in the largest campground on the UMR (Upper Mississippi River).
Mississippi River - Pool 9 is located both on the Iowa side as well as the Wisconsin side and acts as a border between the two states. The Pool extends from Harpers Ferry, Iowa and upstream to Genoa, WI.
In order to reach Blackhawk Park campground first arrive at DeSoto, WI and travel three miles north on HWY 35 before turning left on to County Road BI. If arriving from LaCrosse, WI, travel about 25 miles south on HWY 35 before turning right onto County Road BI. The road leading to the campground is hard-surfaced and easy to navigate through even in large-sized RVs and motorhomes.
The closest campground to Mississippi River - Pool 9 is Blackhawk Park. The park features the largest RV campground on the UMR and is a popular destination for camping and fishing enthusiasts. The campground features 150 campsites, 73 of which come with electric hookups. Each campsite is also equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Showers and toilets are also available close to the west side of the campground. The campground also features a fishing dock, two picnic shelter, a beach area, a playground, two boat ramps, and horseshoe pits. A dump station and water spigot are also available within the park premises.
The campsites are spacious and shaded offering plenty of privacy and comfort. A variety of programs, competitions, and activities are available at the campground during the summer months so check ahead for upcoming events before heading out to this picturesque and serene location.
The deep muddy waters of the Mississippi river have always been a rich source for food for all that dwell around it. Pool 9, especially, is one of the most sought after fishing spots on this long and winding river as it offers plenty of smaller channels, backwaters, and creeks that large predator fish like to hunt in. The river waters here are astonishingly productive, with a variety of sought-after fish species including large-sized walleye, sauger, small and largemouth bass, catfish, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, blue sucker, shorthead redhorse, bigmouth buffalo, paddlefish, and even lake and shovelnose sturgeons. Fish off the fishing docks or take to the river waters on kayaks and canoes for a more intimate fishing experience.
Boating on the Mississippi River - Pool 9 is just as entertaining as fishing by its shores. The mixture of shallow and deep channel waters and backwaters allows for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding opportunities for boaters to take part in. The main channel waters also feature the occasional river barge or paddle-wheeled steamboat chugging along upstream which is quite fun to watch. Two boat ramps are available at Blackhawk Park.
Several trails lead off from the campground and in and around the Pool 9 region venturing off into the dense forests surrounding this vast water body. The woodlands feature cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch, willow trees, limestone bluffs and rich backwater vegetation that makes for some truly fascinating hiking adventures. Guided tours are also offered as well as interpretive programs for hikers and visitors alike to feel more connected with the deep history of these lands and river waters.
One of the best ways to spend the weekend is to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. A picnic trip with family or friends to Mississippi River - Pool 9 ensures something for everyone. The nearby campgrounds offer facilities like toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire pits for a more comfortable and enjoyable picnicking experience with plenty of recreational activities to partake in to spend the time.
Mississippi River - Pool 9 lies in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. This protected region of land is home to plenty of wildlife and diverse flora that make for some spectacular wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer, and wild turkey as well as smaller mammals like squirrels hiding behind a variety of hardwood trees. Migratory waterfowl also visit these rich river waters and are simply majestic to look at if you arrive at the right time and at the right place.
If you are a history buff or are looking for more challenging hiking trails in the region you must take a visit to Effigy Mounds National Monument. Over 200 mounds of twenty different Native American tribes lie here along with endless acres of untouched wilderness. The mounds are shaped like birds and bears and are truly a spectacle to behold when visiting the region. They are also several challenging hiking trails nearby.
