I was thinking about taking a weekend and cruising down the Miss but I don't have a cuddy so I am wondering if anybody has done this and has any ideas of where I could stay for the night. My plan would be leaving either Hastings, MN or Redwing, MN. Let me know what you think.

Thanks

I cruised from Rock Island, IL up to Lake Pepin and back a few years ago. Nice trip. We overnighted in LaCrosse - cool town.

Are you familiar with boating on the Mississippi?

No, I have not boated on the Miss yet, but I have thought about it for a couple years now.

i haven't but apparently my boat has - when it was Phil's

Might have to check it out someday.

I asked because I wouldn't suggest it without some knowledge of the nav. channel, markings, hazards, etc. It's not a lake.

Come on down.... err ... over!

So long as you stay between the marker buoys that the barges use then you will be fine. Drift outside the markers then you could encounter wing dams and sand bars.

I havn't done it but I have told, if you go out Lake Pepin don't try with a small boat on a windy day.
She can get really choppy.

I have! There are a number of stops with motel, hotels close by and many will come to the marinas to pick you up. Many restaurants will as well. The towns and marinas are close enough that you will have choices. Getting the Quimbys Guide will be helpful. You can buy online or at most marinas on the river. For the most part the river is not so wide that wind and wind driven waves are problems. Although weather is and can be a problem anywhere if it is heavy enough. Many people enjoy bringing their tents and related camping gear along and just set up camp on a friendly island with a sand beach. You just have to figure out how to get it all aboard! Having a copy of the charts is a must. You can get them from the Army corps of Engineers. Check them out online!

Great thanks for all the advice. I've been on Pepin and it definitely does get pretty choppy for a small 19 footer, but you can still get through if you know what you're doing. M aybe I'll just take it slowly and start by running small sections of the river until I get familiar with it.

Huck Finn has