Wisconsin | Lower Wisconsin Riverway

Wisconsin River

Gotham / Buena Vista Landing to Muscoda Landing West

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Today

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Today's conditions

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Quick facts

On-water distance 7.9 mi Gotham / Buena Vista Landing to Muscoda Landing West

Difficulty easy Easy in normal summer water, but this is a broad sandy river with fast main-channel current, changing islands, strainers in narrow side channels, wind exposure, and surprise drop-offs along sandbars.

Shuttle Car shuttle Use a Lower Wisconsin vehicle shuttle between Buena Vista Landing at Gotham and Muscoda Landing West off West River Road. The road shuttle is straightforward but rural; confirm the intended west-side Muscoda landing before leaving a vehicle.

Permits None noted No route-specific day paddling permit is known. Follow Lower Wisconsin State Riverway rules, posted landing rules, PFD requirements, and current Wisconsin DNR guidance for glass, trash, and riverway conduct.

Camping Options nearby Wisconsin DNR allows camping on state-owned Lower Wisconsin islands and sandbars for up to three days when you arrive by watercraft, with no camping permit required. For this short route, treat overnight plans as level-dependent and avoid high-water sandbars.

Season May-Oct Spring through fall is the normal paddling season. Low to moderate flows are best for sandbars, while upstream rain or dam operation changes can create unexpected rises even when local weather is quiet.

Plan

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Access plan

Access, shuttle, and map

Launch at Gotham / Buena Vista Boat Landing near the Pine River mouth and finish at Muscoda Landing West just downstream of the Highway 80 bridge. This is a short Lower Wisconsin day with big sandbars, bluff views, side-channel exploration, and a direct Muscoda gauge.

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Start

Put-in

Gotham / Buena Vista Boat Landing Open map

Wisconsin DNR lists Buena Vista Boat Landing and Muscoda west-side access as major public access points on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.

Finish

Take-out

Muscoda Landing West Open map

Wisconsin River Trips notes that Gotham is a good public access but has no outhouse, prohibits overnight parking, and has poison ivy around the landing.

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Access caveats

Wisconsin DNR lists Buena Vista Boat Landing and Muscoda west-side access as major public access points on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
Wisconsin River Trips notes that Gotham is a good public access but has no outhouse, prohibits overnight parking, and has poison ivy around the landing.
Muscoda has multiple landings. This route uses Muscoda Landing West / Old Muscoda Landing on West River Road, not the newer Victoria Riverside Park motorboat ramp upstream.

Watch for

Fast main-channel current at Gotham and around sandbars.
Strainers along eroding banks and in narrow side channels, especially when higher water opens smaller cuts.
Undercurrents, fewer sandbars, and poor camping options above the normal range, especially around 17,000 cfs and higher.
Wind, powerboats near Muscoda, poison ivy at access points, and steep sandbar drop-offs.

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Sources

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Data behind the score Gauge, thresholds, and timing

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Gauge site	Wisconsin River at Muscoda, WI
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Target band	4,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs
Low threshold	2,500 cfs
High threshold	20,000 cfs
Data confidence behind the range	Official and local sources
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Main source behind this score	Wisconsin Trail Guide Lower Wisconsin Riverway LWSR2 suggested river levels
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Notes What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

Published level bands 4,000 to 10,000 cfs normal

Wisconsin Trail Guide treats 4,000 to 10,000 cfs at Muscoda as normal summer conditions with many medium to large sandbars, 14,000 to 17,000 cfs as high flow with sandbar camping not recommended, and above 20,000 cfs as paddling not recommended.

Source
Exact route report 7.9 miles

Wisconsin River Trips documents Gotham / Buena Vista Boat Landing to Old Muscoda Landing as a 7.9-mile route with sandbars, bluff scenery, side-channel exploration, fast current, and a 3 to 4 hour expected paddle time.

Source
Access support DNR-listed public access points

Wisconsin DNR lists Buena Vista Boat Landing (Gotham) and Muscoda west side of Highway 80 among major Lower Wisconsin State Riverway public access points.

Source
Endpoint coordinates WTG LWSR2 WGS84 points

Wisconsin Trail Guide publishes Buena Vista Landing at 43.20903, -90.30424 and Muscoda Landing West at 43.19800, -90.44576 in its LWSR2 guide.

Source
Primary hazards Hidden current and narrow-channel strainers

Wisconsin Trail Guide warns of undercurrents at higher flows, especially around sandbars and islands; Wisconsin River Trips also notes fast current, dangerous shoreline strainers, and poison ivy at Gotham.

Source

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Quick answers

Wisconsin River paddling FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Wisconsin River?

Paddle Today watches Wisconsin River at Muscoda, WI and treats 4,000 cfs to 10,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.

Where does this Wisconsin River route start and end?

This route starts at Gotham / Buena Vista Boat Landing and ends at Muscoda Landing West, about 7.9 mi on the water.

Is this Wisconsin River route good for beginners?

This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.

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