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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Mississippi River - Pool 9

Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Genoa, WI and Lynxville, WI. Project lands are located within the Corps of Engineers Nine Foot Navigation Project and the Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Main channel provides deep draft boating opportunities while the backwaters provide a wilderness area atmosphere for the smaller shallow draft boats. There is an observation platform for visitors to watch lock operations and see towboats and barges up close. Blackhawk Park, one of the largest campgrounds on the UMR, is located in Pool 9 about 7 miles south of Genoa on WI State Hwy 35. Authorized in 1930 to provide a 9-foot navigation channel between Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN and St. Louis, MO, the Upper Mississippi River Project offers extensive opportunities for water-based recreation, ranging from backwater hunting and fishing to long-distance cruising in the main channel. In the St. Paul District, the project flows through three National Wildlife Refuges, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, many State and local wildlife and recreation areas. Designated an American Heritage River, it offers visitors many recreational opportunities, including sightseeing along the river, visiting quaint river towns, viewing the wooded bluffs along the river, and watching bald eagles soaring.

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Located on the Wisconsin side of the river, approximately 3 miles south of Lynxville, WI with access off of WI State Highway 35, part of the Great River Road. R.R. 1, Box 119, Eastman, WI.

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BLACKHAWK PARK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Blackhawk Park is located on a forested bend of the main channel of the Mississippi River. The campground is the largest public use facility in Mississippi's Pool 9, offering a wide variety of recreational activities.

Recreation

Boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are Blackhawk's most popular forms of recreation.

Park rangers provide a variety of programs and activities throughout the summer. Interpretive programs are based on recreation, local history and the environment. Other activities range from guided walks and campfire talks, to natural crafts programs.

Here, one can view majestic bluffs and rich backwater vegetation. Sometimes a river barge or classic paddle-wheeled steamboat can be seen journeying up the river.

Facilities

The campground offers 150 campsites, including 73 with electrical hookups. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring provided. Flush toilets and showers are located in the West Camping loop. There are no full-hook up sites but a dump station and potable water are located within the park. The park also has a beach, two picnic shelters, two boat ramps, two playgrounds, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks.

Natural Features

This peaceful park is situated on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Cottonwoods, green ash, swamp oaks, river birch and willow trees forest the site, offering nice shade in the summer and beautiful fall colors in autumn.

Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey.

Nearby Attractions

The small river towns of DeSoto, Wisconsin and Lansing, Iowa are nearby. DeSoto is 5 minutes south, Lansing is 15 minutes south with a few restaurants and shops. LaCrosse, Wisconsin is 30 minutes north, with restaurants, shops, galleries and farmers markets. Effigy Mounds National Monument which is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) is located about a 40 minutes south of Blackhawk Park and offers excellent hiking opportunities, and well as picturesque views, and a visitor center, and is free to enter. The Driftless Area Education And Visitors Center in Lansing Iowa is a short 15 minute drive south, and explores the cultural, recreational, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area.


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