Kayaking is an exciting way to enjoy the Kinnickinnic River. Start at Glen Park for a four-to-five-hour paddle. Photos: Mark Ritzinger
Adventures abound on the Kinnickinnic River.
Flowing through the heart of River Falls, Wisconsin, the Kinnickinnic River (known to locals as “the Kinni”) is a place where you can lose track of time. If you like to kayak, picnic, hike, fish or simply take in a sunset, the Kinni is the place to be.
We reached out to Molly Barritt-Luebke, donor and community relations manager at the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, to learn more about how to enjoy the river. “When you step into the Kinni or are immersed in it, you are filled with wonder,” Barritt-Luebke says. Let’s consider it a choose your own adventure type of day!
Fish: In the mood for some trout fishing? Maybe a little fly fishing? The Kinni is considered a premier Class 1 trout stream and is home to a high population of brown trout and even some brook trout. It stands out as one of the only naturally sustaining trout fisheries in the region. Keep in mind that fishing is limited to bridges, shorelines and wading. You’ll also need a special inland trout stamp—in addition to a state fishing license.
Kayak: Locals love to launch at Glen Park in River Falls, one of few public access points to the lower canyon. This four-to-five-hour paddle ends at a parking lot off of Highway F, just south of the Kinnickinnic State Park main entrance. Barritt-Luebke says the stretch is not recommended for beginners or canoers due to fluctuating conditions and rapids. For up-to-date info on river conditions, visit kinniriver.org. 355 Park St., River Falls; rfcity.org
Picnic: For lunch with a view, head out to the Kinnickinnic State Park. There is a great picnic area, trails and a nature playground, along with an overlook where you can witness the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix rivers converge. W11983 820th Ave., River Falls; dnr.wisconsin.gov
Swim: If you just want to wade into the river and feel the water rush between your toes, go straight to The Community Forest, a 40-acre old-growth forest preserve located downstream of downtown River Falls. With trails and 1,500 feet of river frontage, it’s also a great place for a nice and easy hike. When river swimming, be mindful of rapids that come with changing water levels. County Trunk Highway FF, River Falls; kinniriver.org
The Community Forest
Views: Looking for the best place to watch the sunset? Kelly Creek Preserve features a prairie and trails that boast beautiful views of the sunset through all seasons. The preserve is 70 acres, open to the public, and is home to Kelly Creek, an important Kinnickinnic tributary that rises from natural springs beneath a limestone outcropping. Enjoy fishing, foraging, hiking and wildlife viewing. County Road J, Town of Kinnickinnic; kinniriver.org
Remember to be respectful when exploring the scenic Kinnickinnic River. “When visiting the Kinni, make sure to leave no trace. Take out what you bring in to respect this natural space,” Barritt-Luebke says.
The Kinni Explorers
This season, something new is afoot on the Kinnickinnic River: The Kinni Explorers is a program through the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust that will offer tools to bring families together in nature. “It’s a way to make the outdoors more accessible for all,” Molly Barritt-Luebke says.
The program, made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Hudson Hospital Foundation, runs year-round. Every two weeks, a new adventure is released on the Land Trust website. Each adventure has a video to introduce the topic and an activity sheet, which serves as a guide.
“The goal of the program is to connect kids and families with the outdoors,” Molly Barritt-Luebke says. “Having the whole family involved, they will find out what about nature intrigues and excites them.”
Kinnickinnic River Land Trust
710 N. Main St. Suite 205, River Falls; 715.425.5738
Facebook: Kinnickinnic River Land Trust
Instagram: @kinnickinnic_river_land_trust
