I am looking to take my family for a paddle down a river in Southern WI.  Since we are coming from Central IL and it will only be a day of paddling, I would prefer not go more than an hour north of Madison.  We just want to go down a river, stop at some point and burn some hot dogs and then paddle more.  Very relaxed.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The Lower Wisconsin River is a very nice paddle. Lots of places to put in. Sandbars and sandy shoreline abounds for grilling up some dogs. In the summer the current is still pretty fast but should not present much danger.

Shuttle services are available.  I usually put in at Sauk City or Arena.  

Send me an IM if you want more info.

The Beaver

wrote on May 31^st, 2005 at 9:53am:

I am looking to take my family for a paddle down a river in Southern WI.  Since we are coming from Central IL and it will only be a day of paddling, I would prefer not go more than an hour north of Madison.  We just want to go down a river, stop at some point and burn some hot dogs and then paddle more.  Very relaxed.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You might like the Baraboo River.  I highly suggest the Wonewoc area   (You need to Login or Register  though it probably is slightly beyond the hour away from Madison limit.  There is also the baraboo area   (You need to Login or Register  However, I feel it is slightly less desireable though within an hour of Madison.

Bybass southern WI and head to the upper Iowa near Decorah, IA.  

I live in IL and have tried many of the waters around here and found most to be dirty and polluted.  Upper IA river is as good as you will find for a float around here.  MI has some nice 2 day floats as well But then you will have to fight all the traffic around Chi town.  :-/