Boat Launches For Kaskaski River: Best Entry Points

The Kaskaskia River, named after the Native American tribe that once lived in the area, is a tributary of the Mississippi River. Stretching 292 miles, it flows through southwestern Illinois and offers a range of recreational activities, including boating. Boat launches can be found at various points along the river, including Fayetteville, New Athens, on Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and at Evansville. Additionally, a boat ramp is available south of the Route 51/Highway 40 Kaskaskia River Bridge in Vandalia, Illinois. The Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam also provide access to the river, with upgraded facilities including RV pads, picnic pavilions, and a paved trail.

Concrete launch ramps are provided at Fayetteville, New Athens, Highway 154, and Evansville

The Kaskaskia River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, stretching 292 miles through southwestern Illinois. It offers a range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, skiing, birdwatching, and hunting. For those looking to launch their boats, the Kaskaskia River provides concrete launch ramps at four locations: Fayetteville, New Athens, Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and Evansville. These ramps allow boaters easy access to the river and its various attractions.

Fayetteville, located along the Kaskaskia River, is known for its convenient concrete launch ramp. From this location, boaters can explore the surrounding area, which includes a mix of natural landscapes and nearby towns. The river itself offers a peaceful and scenic experience, with a quiet, winding stream that is perfect for a leisurely boat ride. For those interested in fishing, Fayetteville also provides access to a variety of fish species, including channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie.

New Athens is another excellent location for boaters on the Kaskaskia River. The concrete launch ramp at New Athens Marina and Campgrounds, located at Mile 28, provides easy access to the water. New Athens is known for its picturesque setting, with the river flowing through lush agricultural lands. Boaters can enjoy a relaxing day on the water, take in the surrounding natural beauty, and even spot some wildlife along the shores. The New Athens Marina also offers additional amenities and services for a comfortable boating experience.

For boaters looking to explore a different section of the Kaskaskia River, Highway 154 west of Baldwin offers another convenient concrete launch ramp. This location provides access to a more remote and tranquil portion of the river. The area surrounding Highway 154 is known for its natural beauty, with wooded areas and river bottom lakes. It is a popular spot for anglers, with a variety of fish species to target. Boaters can also take advantage of the "no-wake" zones near the ramps, providing a calm and relaxed boating experience.

Finally, Evansville serves as a significant hub for boating activities on the Kaskaskia River. The Evansville Marina, located on the river, provides a concrete launch ramp for boaters. Evansville is also home to the Water Street Bar and Grill, offering a unique dining experience with stunning river views. From the Evansville launch point, boaters can explore the river's twists and turns, taking in the peaceful surroundings and enjoying various water-based activities. The Kaskaskia River at Evansville is also known for its fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from near and far.

In conclusion, the Kaskaskia River provides concrete launch ramps at Fayetteville, New Athens, Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and Evansville. Each of these locations offers boaters unique experiences, from peaceful rides along winding streams to fishing adventures targeting a variety of species. With its convenient access points and abundance of recreational opportunities, the Kaskaskia River is an ideal destination for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

A boat ramp is available south of the Route 51/Highway 40 Kaskaskia River Bridge

The Kaskaskia River, named after the Native American tribe that once lived in the area, is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It stretches 292 miles through southwestern Illinois and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and canoeing.

For those looking to get out on the water, a boat ramp is available just south of the Route 51/Highway 40 Kaskaskia River Bridge. This concrete launch ramp provides easy access to the river and is a great spot for boaters of all kinds to put in. The river itself offers 36 miles of channelled waterways, as well as additional oxbows, creeks, and river bottom lakes to explore.

For those looking to boat on the Kaskaskia River, it's important to keep in mind that "no-wake" zones exist near the ramps, industrial sites, and oxbows. Boaters must operate their watercraft at a slow speed in these areas. Additionally, the river sees increased boat traffic on weekends and holidays during the summer, so extra caution is advised during these times. It's also important to be aware of barge traffic and the lock and dam site at the mouth of the river.

The Kaskaskia River offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. In addition to boating, fishing is a popular activity, with catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and freshwater drum all available in good numbers. For those looking to stay onshore, there are also hunting, birdwatching, and picnicking/camping opportunities in the area.

Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam has facilities for boats

The Kaskaskia River, a 292-mile-long tributary of the Mississippi River, flows through southwestern Illinois and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating. There are several boat launches along the Kaskaskia River, catering to various watercraft and activities.

One notable location with facilities for boats is the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, situated on the Kaskaskia River itself. This location offers excellent recreational opportunities for boaters and is easily accessible at 4800 Lock and Dam Road, Modoc IL 62261. The lock and dam provide boat ramps both above and below the lock, allowing for convenient access to the river for a range of watercraft. The facility can accommodate a good number of boats, as evidenced by boaters' comments about the ability to tie off or raft at least eight boats.

The Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam offers a peaceful and protected spot for boaters. The lockmaster is reported to be very friendly and welcoming. Boaters can take advantage of the 15-amp outlets located under light fixtures on the jetty, and there are also cleats available for tie-up. This location is ideal for those seeking a quiet and safe mooring experience, as it offers protection from wind and current, and there is no wake or barge traffic to contend with.

In addition to the boat ramps and mooring facilities, the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam offer other amenities to enhance the boating experience. The site includes RV pads with hook-ups, catering to those who wish to extend their stay. There is also a picnic pavilion located at both the north and south boat ramps, providing a pleasant space for gatherings and meals. A new paved trail connects the south camping facilities to the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers, offering a scenic walking or biking opportunity.

The Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam is more than just a convenient launch point for boaters. It serves as a hub for various recreational activities. Fishing is a popular pursuit in the area, with excellent catches of channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and freshwater drum. The lock and dam also offer tours, providing an educational experience for visitors interested in learning more about the inner workings of the facility.

The Kaskaskia Riverhouse and Evansville Marina are two marinas on the river

The Kaskaskia River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, stretches 292 miles through southwestern Illinois. It offers a host of recreational activities, both on the water and nearby on land. For those looking to launch their boats, there are several options available. The Kaskaskia River provides 36 miles of channelled river, as well as oxbows, creeks and river bottom lakes to explore.

Concrete boat launch ramps can be found at Fayetteville, New Athens, on Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and at Evansville. There are also "no-wake" zones near these ramps, as well as industrial sites and oxbows, so boaters need to be cautious in these areas. The Kaskaskia River is busiest during weekends and holidays in the summer, so extra care should be taken during these times. Additionally, barge traffic on the river and at the lock and dam site at the river's mouth should be considered.

For those looking for a more comprehensive marina experience, the Kaskaskia Riverhouse and Evansville Marina are two marinas on the river. The Kaskaskia Riverhouse is located at 1 Harbor Point Dr, New Athens, IL 62264, and can be contacted at (618) 475-2223. The Evansville Marina, where the Water Street Inc is located, also offers a bar and grill experience.

The Kaskaskia River provides ample opportunities for a range of activities, including boating, fishing, skiing, birdwatching, and hunting. With over 20,000 acres of the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area to explore, there is something for everyone. So whether you're launching a boat, enjoying the marina, or exploring the natural wonders, the Kaskaskia River is a great destination.

The Kaskaskia River is a tributary of the Mississippi River

The Kaskaskia River provides 36 miles of channelled river for boating enthusiasts, along with additional oxbows, creeks, and river bottom lakes. Concrete launch ramps are conveniently located at Fayetteville, New Athens, on Highway 154 west of Baldwin, and at Evansville. Boaters should be cautious during peak seasons like weekends and holidays, and be mindful of barge traffic, especially at the lock and dam site near the river's mouth.

Fishing is another popular activity on the Kaskaskia River, with anglers targeting channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, and freshwater drum. The river's oxbows and creeks provide diverse fishing opportunities, and tournaments are organised through the site office.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, birdwatching and wildlife observation are ideal along the Kaskaskia River. The Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area spans over 20,000 acres, offering ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

In addition to recreational activities, the Kaskaskia River holds historical significance. The river is named after a clan of the Illiniwek encountered by early French Jesuits and settlers. In the 19th century, deforestation of the riverbanks along the Mississippi and its tributaries, including the Kaskaskia, led to significant environmental changes. This resulted in destabilised banks, increased flooding, and lateral channel changes. The shifting Mississippi River eventually adopted the bed of the Kaskaskia, creating the present-day Kaskaskia Island, the only portion of Illinois west of the Mississippi River.

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