Best Places to Kayak Near La Crosse, WI

30 public launch points within 50 miles of La Crosse, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby19 Rivers11 Lakes
← All paddling in Wisconsin

Top Picks Near La Crosse

people on beach during daytime1

Neshonoc Swarthout Park

Standout kayak fishing on Neshonoc Lake

LakeBeginner10 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Fishermans Road

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner6 mi away
a boat traveling across a large body of water3

Neshonoc Lake - South

Just 11 miles from La Crosse — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
a large rock formation in the middle of a river

7th Street

Wisconsin · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

La Crosse Municipal Harbor

Wisconsin · 2.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man in blue jacket and black backpack riding on white kayak on river during daytime

Sportsman Landing

Minnesota · 3.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Northside Beach - South

Wisconsin · 3.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

West Copeland

Wisconsin · 3.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person on a boat in the water at sunset

Northside Beach - North

Wisconsin · 3.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Upper Goose Island

Wisconsin · 3.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Goose Island

Wisconsin · 4.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Fisherman Road Landing

Wisconsin · 5.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm water stretches under a blue and cloudy sky.

Lower French Island Spillway

Wisconsin · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Upper French Island Spillway

Wisconsin · 5.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Goose Island Hunters Point - 1

Wisconsin · 5.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a cliff with trees on it

Goose Island Hunters Point - 2

Wisconsin · 5.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lower I-90 Landing

Minnesota · 5.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fishermans Road

Wisconsin · 6.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Upper I-90

Minnesota · 6.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Fishermans Road

Wisconsin · 6.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people on beach during daytime

Nelson Park

Wisconsin · 7.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of 2 people riding on boat during sunset

Wildcat Park

Minnesota · 8.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

North Shore Lane

Wisconsin · 8.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Wildcat Park

Minnesota · 8.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
selective focus photography of boat tip

Dresbach

Minnesota · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Stoddard River Park

Wisconsin · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm water stretches under a blue and cloudy sky.

Fred Funk

Wisconsin · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
people on beach during daytime

Neshonoc Swarthout Park

Wisconsin · 10.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat traveling across a large body of water

Neshonoc Lake - South

Wisconsin · 10.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Brice Prairie Walk-In Access

Wisconsin · 10.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
selective focus photography of boat tip

Dakota

Minnesota · 10.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large rock formation in the middle of a river

Highway 35 Bridge

Wisconsin · 14.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Genoa Harbor

Wisconsin · 15.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of La Crosse.

La Crescent, MN6 miOnalaska, WI7 miHokah, MN7 miStoddard, WI8 miWest Salem, WI10 miBrownsville, MN10 miChaseburg, WI11 miCoon Valley, WI11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near La Crosse, WI?

Top picks near La Crosse include Neshonoc Swarthout Park, Fishermans Road, Neshonoc Lake - South. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near La Crosse?

Near La Crosse you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near La Crosse?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near La Crosse are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.