I recently visited a blog that included a comment we hear quite often at www.greatriver.com… 

“I want a lazy trip down the river like Tom Sawyer took. I checked out the Iowa Tourism flier, but it didn’t give me any ideas. Maybe I should just find me some sticks and branches and strap them together to build my own raft.”

We are often consulted about preparations for trips by reporters and adventurers and will periodically post recommended resources on our bulletin boards and this Mississippi River Blog.

 
Some very basic advisories… the Upper Mississippi, from Prescott, Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri, is great for your first excursion. The river is divided into “pools” that slow the current, the main channel is easy to follow, friendly small towns with every amenitiy are located about every 8 miles on the river’s edge. Camping is allowed on the abundant river islands. Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant, the bluffs are beautifully impressive, and the river is wide and scenic. We see all kinds of goofy craft come down the river, from bathtubs to voyager canoes, kayaks, rafts, Viking boats, and even the Nina! But it is still a big river, with swells, dangerously fickle weather, and the ever-present barges. Sticks wouldn’t cut it, even up here.

The lower river is quite a different matter. South of St. Louis, there are no “pools” to break up the current. I’m normally “steamboatin'” when I’m down there. This portion of the river roars, boils, mutters, and growls. It swallows small boats in whirlpools.

The Coast Guard will require that you have a good working motor on a good working boat. You must have a marine radio, and you must have a harbor and amenities guide. Small towns are often up to 20 miles from the river. Not every marina carries fuel for pleasure boats. Official river charts are a good idea. Sandbars are not always as solid as they appear. Overnighting on the river will often be lonesome.

So please, don’t even think of “sticks” or a lazy float. Any portion of the river requires a good vessel, a good motor, and first rate planning. Don’t look for boating resources in a tourism bulletin. We can help you with that here on www.greatriver.com

Thanks for listening!