- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
There’s a spot just off Prescott where the dark, clear water of the St. Croix meets the muddy Mississippi, and you can see the line where they come together. The first time I floated right over it on a pontoon, drink in hand, I thought, “This is why people fall in love with this town.”
Two great rivers meet right here, and there are endless ways to enjoy them. Here’s how to spend a day on the water, from lazy pontoon cruises to paddling past towering cliffs and quiet backwaters.
If you’ve never spent a day on a pontoon, this is the easiest way to start. St. Croix Pontoon launches right from downtown Hudson’s floating dock, and no boating license is needed. They give you a quick orientation, hand over the keys, and send you off on a comfortable 22-foot Crest pontoon with a cooler, navigation, and everything you need.
A friend rented one with her family last summer and spent the whole afternoon cruising past bluffs and pulling up to sandy beaches along the river. Her kids voted it “the best day of vacation,” and she agreed.
Choose your trip: Half-day rentals are four hours, with morning or afternoon slots. Full-day rentals are eight hours.
Insider tip: Cruise south to Prescott and float over the confluence, where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi. Tie up at the public dock downtown for lunch before heading back.
Good to know: Rentals are seasonal, so book early for summer weekends.
Want someone else to drive? Captained pontoon and powerboat charters are available through booking sites like GetMyBoat. Friends who went with a captain loved sitting back while he picked the best beaches and scenic spots.
The upper St. Croix is one of the best paddling rivers in the Midwest, with towering cliffs, quiet sandbars, and eagles overhead. Paddlefish Adventures handles the canoes, kayaks, and shuttle, and the owner is a naturalist who shares the river’s history and wildlife along the way.
A friend paddled upstream to see the dramatic Dalles cliffs before floating back down, and said the shuttle made the whole day stress-free. Another brought her 3-year-old, and they spent hours lounging on sandbars. Paddlefish even had kid-sized life jackets ready.
Don’t miss: The moonlight paddle. Everyone who’s done it raves about it.
Good to know: Open Tuesday through Sunday in season.
For a little more adventure, paddle the Kinni, a spring-fed trout stream that winds its way to the St. Croix. River Guide Kayaks provides roomy kayaks, a quick lesson, and a shuttle. Friends saw deer and all kinds of birds along the way, plus a few fun little rapids.
Good to know: It can be challenging for beginners, especially when the water is high after rain. The outfitter will update you on conditions.
For true explorers, the backwaters near Nelson are a whole different world. Where the Chippewa River flows into the Mississippi, the Tiffany Wildlife Area is a wild maze of quiet channels and bottomland forest. It’s the kind of place where you might paddle for hours and see more herons than people.
Good to know: This is backcountry, so bring a map or GPS and let someone know your route. Reward yourself afterward with a big scoop of ice cream and fresh cheese curds at the Nelson Creamery.
Want to catch a fish bigger than your kid? The St. Croix is home to lake sturgeon, and Croix Boys Guided Adventures knows exactly where to find them. They bring all the gear, rig the rods, and are great with kids and first-timers.
A friend booked a half-day trip with her family and couldn’t stop talking about it. Her son and his cousin battled sturgeon all morning, and her wife landed a 62-inch monster. Other anglers have reeled in big catfish and species they’d never caught before.
Good to know: Book ahead, especially for summer weekends.
No boat? No problem. Grab a pole and head to the riverfront at Leo’s Landing in downtown Prescott, where you can fish right where the two rivers meet. It’s a relaxing way to spend a morning, with restaurants and shops just steps away.
This is my favorite way to end a day on the water. Pull up a chair on the dock, order a bucket of jumbo shrimp, and watch the boats go by. Friends swear by the trick of dipping the shrimp in cocktail sauce first, then warm butter. Pair them with a Key West margarita or a Dirty Banana, and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation, even if you live here.
Good to know: Cash only, and it’s seasonal. Kids love the fun drink options too.
For the best view of the Mississippi in town, head up the bluff to the visitor center. Watch barges and boats move along the river below, then check out the life-size bald eagle and nest display inside. Kids can burn off energy at the play area while you take in the view.
Good to know: Closed Mondays.
Hudson’s downtown riverfront park has a floating boardwalk right on the St. Croix, perfect for an evening stroll. Walk under the historic arch, grab an ice cream, and watch the sailboats and pontoons glide by.
Where the Kinnickinnic meets the St. Croix, a sandy delta forms one of the most peaceful beaches around. It takes a little walk to get there, but it feels like your own private stretch of river. Pack a picnic, bring a towel, and watch for eagles overhead.
Good to know: State park pass required. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.
Miss-Croix Yacht Harbor in Prescott sits right at the confluence, with friendly staff, fuel, and a short walk into town for dinner and drinks. It’s an easy stop whether you’re heading up the St. Croix or down the Mississippi.
Make downtown Prescott your home base and book direct with us: The Port of Prescott for boutique king suites steps from the river, Port After Dark for romantic suites made for couples, The Harbor Hotel for themed rooms and extended stays, and The Cove Guest House for downtown condos and group getaways.
