Wisconsin | Lower Wisconsin Riverway

Wisconsin River

Arena Landing to Peck’s Landing / Spring Green

Check current paddling conditions for this Wisconsin River route, including water level, recent gauge trend, weather, and route details.

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Start with the verdict, current conditions, route plan, and quick facts before you commit to the drive.

LevelCheckingChecking
TrendCheckingChecking 24h change
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DifficultyeasyEasy flatwater in normal conditions, but the river is broad and deceptively powerful around sandbar edges and island channels.
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific day paddling permit is known. Follow Lower Wisconsin State Riverway rules and posted landing guidance.
CampingOptions nearbyPossible as part of a relaxed sandbar outing when levels are suitable, but this app entry is framed as a day route. Do not count on sandbar camping when flows are high.
SeasonMay-OctSpring through fall is the normal paddling season. Summer weekends can be busy around Arena and Spring Green, while shoulder-season cold water raises consequence.

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

Put in at Arena and take out at Peck’s Landing near Spring Green. This is a popular Lower Wisconsin sandbar day route with easy current, broad channels, and a straightforward shuttle.

Start

Put-in

Arena LandingOpen map

Arena and Peck’s Landing are well-known riverway landings, but same-day parking, crowding, and outfitter traffic can affect launch logistics.

Finish

Take-out

Peck’s Landing / Spring Green Highway 23 landingOpen map

Peck’s Landing is near the Highway 23 bridge; use current landing signage rather than stopping at informal riverbank pull-offs.

Pulling access map tiles. Usually under 5 seconds.

Access caveats and watch for

Access caveats

  • Arena and Peck’s Landing are well-known riverway landings, but same-day parking, crowding, and outfitter traffic can affect launch logistics.
  • Peck’s Landing is near the Highway 23 bridge; use current landing signage rather than stopping at informal riverbank pull-offs.

Watch for

  • Busy landings and sandbars during warm weekends.
  • Changing channels around sandbars and wooded islands.
  • Fast hidden current and drop-offs even when the surface looks calm.

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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Data confidence mostly comes down to three things: how direct the gauge is, how clear the range is, and how fresh the data is.

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Tomorrow and weekend

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Gauge, thresholds, and timing

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

Gauge siteWisconsin River at Muscoda, WI
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Target band4,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs
Low threshold2,500 cfs
High threshold20,000 cfs
Data confidence behind the rangeOfficial and local sources
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Main source behind this scoreWisconsin Trail Guide Lower Wisconsin Riverway suggested river levels
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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.

  • Official routeArena to Spring Green, 10 miles

    Wisconsin DNR lists Arena to Spring Green as a 10-mile Lower Wisconsin State Riverway canoe route with an estimated 3-hour paddling time.

    Source

  • Published level bands4,000 to 10,000 cfs normal

    Wisconsin Trail Guide uses the Muscoda gauge for the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and warns against paddling above 20,000 cfs.

    Source

  • Route characterSandbars and popular day-trip corridor

    Wisconsin Trail Guide says the Sauk Prairie-to-Spring Green reach is the most popular stretch of the Lower Wisconsin for single- and multi-day canoe trips.

    Source

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Wisconsin River paddling FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Wisconsin River?

Paddle Today watches Wisconsin River at Muscoda, WI and treats 4,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.

Where does this Wisconsin River route start and end?

This route starts at Arena Landing and ends at Peck’s Landing / Spring Green Highway 23 landing, about 10 mi on the water.

Is this Wisconsin River route good for beginners?

This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.

See something outdated?

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