We’ve Completed Our River Expedition Challenge!!!

Location: [Home Page] [Contents Page] [Project Page] [River Expedition]

A 4-year expedition on the rivers turned out to be great fun!!

Source: DaveHagen
6 Mar 00

I always wondered if one could travel from our Wisconsin lake cabin to our St. Paul house by water. The cabin is on Balsam Lake near Birchwood, Wisconsin and the house is near the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota. It sure looked possible to me!!

Balsam Lake flows into Red Cedar Lake, which is the headwaters of the Red Cedar River. This river was the conduit to float all of the native White Pine from Washburn, Sawyer and Rusk Counties down to the big lumber mill at Menomonie in the early 1900’s. From Menomonie, the Red Cedar River continues to meander southward. This is the widely acclaimed bike-path route that everyone has heard about (the Creamery, etc.?). This meandering river flows eventually into the mighty Chippewa River. The Chippewa is a large river that becomes a main tributary to the Mississippi. They join near Wabasha. From Wabasha up to St. Paul on the Mighty Mississippi through Lake Pepin is a challenge, but do-able!! The exciting thing about this leg was the 2004 re-enactment of the 1854 Steam- Driven Paddle Boat Expedition up the Mississippi. We did the Red Cedar legs in 2001 and 2002, the Chippewa legs in 2003 and then participated in the Mississippi Expedition with all its pomp and circumstance (All river towns were decorated for the event) in 2004. The Total Water Trip was about 240 miles, something we were easily able to accomplish during our 4-year project.

CLICK FOR MAP OF FULL WATER EXCURSION, BIRCHWOOD TO ST. PAUL

Tom & Norma Elmquist, Art Fry, Jeff & Tessa Hagen, John Pickerill and Ward & Cheryl Petrich All Collaborated With Patty &Me on This Venture!!

We Became Modern Day ‘Lewis, Clark & Saquegewayas’!!

Entering Rice Lake from Upper Red Cedar River on a foggy morning.

These are the trip reports, section by section:

I. Balsam Lake to Menomonie   
   (Rick Cornelius, Barron DNR 715-537-5046, sections A,B,C)
   (Marty Engles, Baldwin DNR 715-684-2914, sections D,E)

A. Balsam Lake, Balsam Narrows, Red Cedar Lake to Mikana Dam

-DONE, PONTOON BOAT, DAVE & PATTY, AUG 2000.

B. Mikana Dam to Rice Lake

-DONE, CANOE, JEFF & DAVE, MAY 2001.

Trip Notes: 
   -11 miles, shallow water.  We ran it in early Spring to avoid grounding.
   -Put In W of 48 after the dam in the Mikana City Park.
   -Brill River intersects after about 4 ½ mi; Water deepens. 
   -Two sections of fence into river; Farm country, Beef cattle.
   -Tricky navigation but pleasant, tranquil scenery.
   -Jeff & Dave nearly capsized a couple times due to boulders.
   -One hazard-Low wire strong across river in strong current; No white water.
   -Nice scenery with little river traffic.
   -Tortises, Herons, Eagles, Deer, Fish.
   -Cross under 48 at M Bridge near the Little Red Playhouse.
   -Gentle entry into Rice Lake from N end of town.
   -Take Out on Monroe Ave. in NE corner of Rick Lake. 

C. Rice Lake to Barron County Historical Museum at Cty Rd W
   –8 Miles 

-DONE, CANOE, TOM & DAVE, JUNE 2001.

Trip Notes:
   -Put In at Red Cedar River County Park, Rice Lake (river left).
   -Tom & Dave portaged the canoe around the Campus searching for put-in.
   -No hazards; No white water; Widening river.
   -Beautiful hilly countryside, heavy populations of birds.
   -Initial forest is deciduous, pine is plentiful downstream.
   -Bridges at Cty O, Hwy 53, 19th St (Sawyer), Old RR, Cty W.
   -Swallows fully occupy every bridge span; Herons; Deer; Eagles.
   -Excellent landing at Sawyer Bridge, upstream left.
   -Take Out at Cty W Bridge (down-stream right), Barron Cty landing.
   -Don’t miss the Historical Museum 500 ft. E of Take-Out.
   -Museum is a village of 28 bldgs, open 1-5pm Th, Sa, Su.

D. Museum to Barron Cty I Landing
   -11.2 Miles

-DONE, CANOE, TOM-NORMA-PATTY-DAVE, SEPT 2001

   -Put In at Cty W Bridge (downstream right).
   -Millions of logs have been floated on the Red Cedar.
   -Knapp/Stout mill in Menomonie was once world’s largest.
   -This section is peaceful and scenic.
   -We lunched, lounged and coasted along most of the route!!
   -River begins wide, passes many islands, narrowing occassionally.
   -Attractive stone formations appear, some marshy areas.
   -Bridges at Hwy 8, 19th St., Cty OO, Cty D and Cty I.
   -Yellow River flows into Red Cedar 4 ½ miles after put-in.
   -Landings at Cty OO (upstream left) and Cty D (downstream right).
   -An Island 1 mile upstream from Cty D makes an excellent picnic area.
   -Take Out at Barron Cty I Landing(downstream right).

E. Barron Cty I to Hwy 64 Landing
   -13.7 miles 

-DONE, CANOE, JOHN & DAVE, JUNE 2002

   -Most popular stretch of the River, from Chetek to Sand Creek.
   -Myron Park and Sand Creek at very pleasant stops along the way.
   -Put In at Barron Cty I Landing (downstream right).
   -River is fairly shallow here, but quickly deepens.
   -Water is clear, banks are thick with maples.
   -We encountered a curious tiny spotted fawn alone along on the bank.
   -Current is moderate, sometimes quick around islands.
   -We trolled andd casted for sunnies & trout.
   -Chetek River flows into Red Cedar at 2 ½ mile mark.
   -Landings 4 mi. at Cty A (up, left) & 9 mi. at Myron Park (left).
   -Landing 11 mi. at Sand Creek Village Park at Cty V (up, right).
   -Restaurant, Groceries, Picnic, Park is a short walk from here.
   -Take Out at Hwy 64 Wayside Landing (downstream left).

F. Hwy 64 to Colfax
   -15.3 miles 

-DONE, CANOE, ART & DAVE, SEPTEMBER 2002

   -Prettiest section of River, with attractive rock formations.
   -Normally the most tranquil section, but swelled by record rainfall ‘02.
   -Constant presence of Herons, Eagles & Hawks overhead.
   -Deer would observe us from the banks & we encountered a flock of Geese.
   -Deep initially, river grows narrower and quicker near the end.
   -Necessary to attend to significant deadfall and rapids caused by high water.
   -Put In at Hwy 64 Wayside (downstream left).
   -Many creeks flow into river in this stretch.
   -Several big islands and many sweeping loops in river occur.
   -High water created new streams, weirs, islands and rapids.
   -Landings at 4 mi at Cty W/S (right) and 9 ½ mi at Ford Park (down, rt.)
   -One bridge at Ford Park, but 3 power line crossings.
   -Art powered the boat and Dave rode the rocking chair.
   -Take Out at Price Park in Colfax (easy-to-miss on right before Hwy 170).

G. Tainter Lake to Jake’s Restaurant

-DONE, POWER BOAT, DAVE 1982

   -about 8 mi.
   -Put In @ Price Park in Colfax.
   -Lazy flow; Wide river; No white water; Some wood @ bends w/current.
   -Stay wide of fallen trees @ bends.
   -Fish Survey done ’92 & ’98; Flat bottom boat w/25hp.
   -Landing @ Sportsman’s Landing (above Tainter Lake).
   -Tainter is a heavily inhabitated lake of 1740 acres.
   -Most river traffic of the whole expedition is right here.
   -Jake’s has a lovely back-yard lounge area on the lake with boat docks.

G2. Jake’s to Hydro Dam (DANGER)
   -Portage Trails around Dam.
   -A couple miles of canoeing.

H. Lake Menomin to Menomonie

-DONE, POWER BOAT, DAVE, 1983

   -Largest Lake on the expedition (except for Pepin).
   -Approximately 2500 Acres in size.
   -Take Out at city beach, park or dock near the college.

II. Menomonie to Chippewa River (Very Enjoyable Canoeing)
   (Mark Endress & Heath Benicke, Eau Claire DNR 715-839-3700
   -15.3 mi. 

-DONE, BIKES, NORMA/TOM/PATTY/DAVE, OCTOBER 2002

   -This is sometimes called the “Creamery Route”.
   -Bikers and Hikers follow the river to the Creamery for Ice Cream.
   -One of Wisconsin’s favorite Bike Trails follows the river here.
   -We took advantage of a great fall day, left the canoes on shore,
   -and biked this leg on the trails that follow the river.
   -Some swirls in bends w/fallen wood; Steer wide early into the bends.
   -Put In @ Public Boat Landing in Meno at Hwy 29 Bridge (Up Left), S of Dam.
   -Riverside Park W of Bridge has facilities and bike trailhead.
   -We put in there.  There’s a small trail fee.
   -75 foot Sandstone ‘Accordion’ Cliffs at Irvington, 3 mi downstream.
   -Beleagured French Soldiers buried treasure here (legend).
   -River bends right under bike trail bridge, then Hwy 25 bridge (mile 8).
   -Downsville boat landing (down right) at mile 8 ½.
   -We stopped here to dine at the Creamery Restaurant.  
   -Excellent food and a great outdoor setting on a lovely fall day!
   -Mix of woods and low grassy shoreline and a few islands rest of way.
   -Take Out @ Dunnville, 50 yds downstream right from bridge at Wildlife Area.
   -Bike trail ends upstream from this bridge with a parking lot nearby.
   -Enthusiastic bikers can continue to Eau Claire on connecting trail.


III.  Chippewa River to Mississippi River
   -The 2003 expedition
   -Downstream direction; Canoes were definitely the best vehicles

A. Chippewa River, Dunnville to Durand 
   -9.2 mi

-DONE, CANOES PATTY/NORMA/TOM/DAVE JULY, 2003

   -Day Trip featured large sandbars, beaches, a wild appearance, many birds.
   -Gradient was approximately 3 feet per mile.
   -A few riffles appear at lower water levels.  We touched on sandbars.
   -We put In @ Red Cedar River at Dunnville Wildlife Area (down, right).
   -River meandered along Ninemile Isl., once home of extinct passenger pigeon.
   -Waubeek Mound, Snaggy Bend and Waubeek Yellow Bank followed Island.
   -High wooded bluffs at Long Bridge at Durand.
   -Take Out was 75 yds upstream from bridge at concrete boat ramp on left.
   -Durand is a quaint town with restaurants & pubs with river-view decks.
   -City is built for flood tolerance with all bldgs. on stilts or footings.
   -We dined at Harbor View Café in Pepin, best restaurant in the valley.
   -We lodged at Harbor Hill Inn Bed & Brunch, also in Pepin.  Great Brunch!!

B. Chippewa River, Durand to Ella
   -7.7 mi

-DONE, CANOES PATTY/NORMA/TOM/DAVE JULY, 2003

   -We divided this last Chippewa section into 2 legs.
   -We dined the night before at Harbor View Café in Pepin, yummy!
   -We lodged the night before at Harbor Hill Inn B & B in Pepin.
   -Philip sent us off on our mission after a dynamite brunch for sustinence.
   -We put In @ public boat landing 75 yds (up left) from Durand bridge.
   -The scenery was enhanced by beautiful wooded bluffs.
   -Some undercut stone formations exist upstream from Ella.
   -Four to 8 ft. banks are grassy, often sandy, with dense tree cover.
   -Huge Buffalo Island follows the Hwy 25 approach at mile 4.
   -Loggers (1860) diverted logs here to Alma for raft transport to Mississippi.
   -We used the excellent intermediate landing at Ella.
   -Take Out at concrete boat ramp (right) with parking & shelters.
   -We’ll save the last leg for another day.

C. Chippewa River, Ella to Pepin 
   -7.6 mi

-DONE, CANOE TESSA/JEFF/DAVE AUGUST, 2003

   -We put in at concrete boat ramp (right) at Ella.
   -This section is far from roads and human habitation.
   -Shorelines are more heavily forested than ever.
   -The closer to the Delta, the shallower the water.
   -We had to pole on 4 or 5 occassions of shallow water.
   -Long series of beautiful wooded hills begins after Plum Creek.
   -Each wooded bluff comes all the way to the edge of the water.
   -Bluffs end abruptly just before Wahcoutah Island (mile 6).
   -Straightaway gives view of high bluffs on the far side of the Mississippi.
   -Sizeable wooded island precedes Hwy 35 bridge.
   -Upstream Take Out is on left shore, in the left channel of the island.
   -This is part of Tiffany State Wildlife Area, 2 mi. E of town of Pepin.

III. Mississippi River from Wabasha to St. Paul Pig’s Eye Lake

   -No sense paddling upstream;  We didn’t say this had to be exhausting!!

A. Pepin to Red Wing

-DONE, SAILBOAT ELMQUISTS/PETRICHS/HAGENS JUNE, 2004

-We chartered a 31-foot Sailboat captained by Dave Sheridan.
-It was a lovely, windy day on Lake Pepin.
-Ward took the wheel for the full trip and Dave S. managed the sails.
-We enjoyed the exquisite French wines that we brought back from Provence. 
-Precise destination was not our mission, enjoying good fellowship prevailed.
-Ward & Tom insisted on full sails and 6 Knot speed.
-The rest of us were more interested in not spilling the wine and cheese!!
-A 5-hour excursion left us SLIGHTLY short of our Red Wing destination.
-We did, however, cover that distance later by car.
-We concluded with a lovely dining experience at the Bay River Café!!
-We’re so excited about sailing now we’re considering the Greek Isles!


B. Red Wing to St. Paul

-DONE, PADDLEWHEEL STEAMER ELMQUISTS/HAGEN JULY, 2004

   -2004 is the 150th anniversary of Steam Boat arrival at Fort Snelling. 
   -The re-creation of this event was a big extravaganza, the Grand Excursion.
   -Check it out at www.grandexcursion.com.
   -We participated by riding on one of the Paddle Wheelers, Spirit of Peoria!!
   -We joined the Grand Excursion at Red Wing and rode to the St. Paul landing.
   -We enjoyed two meals,caliascope music & entertainment on board. 
   -George & Jeanette Gru were so kind to drive us to Red Wing for departure.
   -We were part of a 12-ship water caravan to enter St. Paul on July 3, 2004.
   -The scenery on the river and through the locks was awesome.
   -Hundreds of private boats came out to share in the excitement.
   -There were Tens of Thousands of spectators on hand to welcome us home!!!
   -George Gru rescued us from the massive crowds and traffic at the arrival.    

CLICK FOR MAP OF FULL WATER EXCURSION, BIRCHWOOD TO ST. PAUL

   -End of Mission;  We can walk home from here!!!!!

For more information