Mississippi marinas (mn/wi)

[tikiman]

Hello we are looking at moving our boat to the mississippi and was wondering about marinas. There are 3 of us on the boat 1 is a 4yr old. Curious as to marinas on the river. If someone with vast knowledge of the area would chime in I would greatly appreciate it!! We are looking primarily within a 1/2 hr drive to the twin cities.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[randerson]

Hello we are looking at moving our boat to the mississippi and was wondering about marinas. There are 3 of us on the boat 1 is a 4yr old. Curious as to marinas on the river. If someone with vast knowledge of the area would chime in I would greatly appreciate it!! We are looking primarily within a 1/2 hr drive to the twin cities.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

There are many nice marinas on the Upper Mississippi River that are within a 1/2 hour drive of the Twin Cities. That being said, it does depend on "where" in the Cities you are living.

Pool 3 is formed by Lock & Dam #3 in Red Wing, MN and is by far the most popular as it encompasses the entire St. Croix River system. It is also the most expensive pool to slip your boat.

Pool 2 is formed by Lock & Dam #2 in Hastings and most of the marinas are near or just south of St. Paul. This part of the miss is narrower, has more current and is not as popular but is also less expensive (maybe 40% less). There are also less services in pool 2. It is arguable whether there is more to do. Those in pool 2 love it but IMHO it does not come close to Pool 3!

So it really depends on where you live and how much you want to spend. If money is not a concern, I'd choose pool 3 (that's where I am). Hastings, MN and Prescott, WI are ideal areas as you can easily use both the mighty Miss and the Croix.

Good luck, let me know what you do!

 

[Zach Boaz]

Dave,
So where did u end up keeping your boat?
Zach

 

[tikiman]

It will be about a 3hr drive for us. We are looking around hastings red wing area. We are also looking at some on the st croix. Can anyone fill me in on the difference between the st croix and the mississippi? Is one better than the other as far as cruising goes?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Dave

 

[66pony]

There are a lot of great marinas in the Red Wing and Hastings area. Red Wing you are below the Dam and have access to Lake Pepin. Hastings you have access to the St Croix River.
The Mississippi is not a lot of fun to play in. There are a lot of Wing Dams, and the water is not very clean looking. The St Croix and lake Pepin are good waters for Playing. I have spent more time on the St Croix since I have my boat slipped upstream of Lock and Dam #3. I plan to go south in a couple of years when a slip opens.

PM me and I can tell you what marinas I would avoid and why.