Wisconsin | South-Central Wisconsin

Baraboo River

Haskins Park to Glenville Landing

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LevelCheckingChecking
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DifficultymoderateShort but not a beginner float. Expect brisk current, riffles, Class I ledges through downtown Baraboo, bridge approaches, muddy banks, and wood or strainers that matter more as the river rises.
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Follow posted Haskins Park and Glenville Landing parking rules, and avoid blocking the landing or ADA kayak-launch approach.
CampingDay tripNo on-route camping is expected. This is a short urban day route through Baraboo and past Circus World, not an overnight corridor.
SeasonApr-OctSpring through fall can work when the Baraboo gauge is above the same-route minimum. Summer drought can make the riffles bony, while rain can make the short urban rapids less playful and more pushy.

Dial in the shuttle, distance, and access.

Use this section once the route looks viable and you need to turn it into an actual trip plan.

Access, shuttle, and map

Launch from Haskins Park and paddle the short Baraboo Rapids corridor through downtown Baraboo to Glenville Landing. The route is short and popular, but it has real current, riffles, and Class I ledges, so use the Baraboo gauge and scout if recent rain has changed wood or strainers.

Start

Put-in

Haskins Park ADA kayak launchOpen map

Haskins Park is the clean public start; the Baraboo River Corridor Plan documents a non-motorized boat launch, floating pier, and ADA-accessible kayak launch there.

Finish

Take-out

Glenville Landing / Highway 113 boat landingOpen map

Glenville Landing is a public Highway 113 landing with parking, but muddy/silty conditions are common after rain or high water.

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Access caveats and watch for

Access caveats

  • Haskins Park is the clean public start; the Baraboo River Corridor Plan documents a non-motorized boat launch, floating pier, and ADA-accessible kayak launch there.
  • Glenville Landing is a public Highway 113 landing with parking, but muddy/silty conditions are common after rain or high water.
  • The route runs through an urban corridor with bridges, public parks, museum property, and private edges. Stay in the river corridor and use only established landings.

Watch for

  • Riffles and Class I ledges, especially around downtown Baraboo and the former dam/bridge corridors.
  • Strainers, bridge approaches, muddy banks, and higher-water push if the Baraboo gauge is rising.
  • Low-water rock bumps below the 350 cfs same-route minimum, plus cold water in spring and fall.

Check the data behind today's call.

Use this section when the page shows stale data, limited confidence, or a call you want to verify before driving.

Read quality
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Gauge, thresholds, and timing

These are the live readings and threshold notes behind today's score.

Gauge siteBaraboo River Near Baraboo, WI
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Ideal rangeNeeds paddler reports
Known low-water floor350 cfs
High thresholdNot calibrated yet
Data confidence behind the rangeLocal route guidance
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Main source behind this scoreMiles Paddled Baraboo River II same-route flow guidance
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What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Same-route minimum350 cfs

    Miles Paddled recommends a minimum of about 350 cfs at the Baraboo gauge for this Haskins Park-to-Highway-113 route, with more riffles, waves, and fun above that floor.

    Source

  • Observed good levels473 to 600 cfs

    Miles Paddled recorded 473 cfs / 8.76 ft as a recommended same-route level, and a related Haskins-to-Highway-33 report describes 600 cfs as recommended while preserving the same Haskins-to-Highway-113 core.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 05405000

    USGS operates the Baraboo River Near Baraboo, WI monitoring location, and American Whitewater links the same station to the Baraboo Highway 12-to-Highway 113 reach.

    Source

  • Public put-inHaskins Park ADA kayak launch

    The Baraboo River Corridor Plan says Haskins Park includes a non-motorized boat launch, floating pier, and ADA-accessible kayak launch on the river.

    Source

  • Public take-outGlenville Landing / Highway 113

    Sauk County and the Baraboo River map identify Glenville Landing off Highway 113 at the southeast corner of Baraboo, with parking at the landing.

    Source

  • Route character4.5 miles of riffles and Class I

    Miles Paddled rates Haskins Park to Highway 113 as a 4.5-mile intermediate route with riffles and Class I, while Wisconsin River Trips identifies Haskins-to-Glenville as one of the best Baraboo River sections.

    Source

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Baraboo River paddling FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Baraboo River?

Paddle Today watches Baraboo River Near Baraboo, WI and uses 350 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.

Where does this Baraboo River route start and end?

This route starts at Haskins Park ADA kayak launch and ends at Glenville Landing / Highway 113 boat landing, about 4.5 mi on the water.

Is this Baraboo River route good for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.

See something outdated?

Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.