About this Location

Facility Overview

The Kinnickinnic River Fishing Parking area is an open-air public access lot situated along the banks of the upper Kinnickinnic River, just northeast of River Falls, Wisconsin. Managed to facilitate angler and recreational access to one of the upper Midwest’s premier spring-fed trout streams, this unpaved gravel lot offers a straightforward, functional layout designed for ease of use in all seasons. Because it is an open-air surface area, there are no overhead clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally well-suited for high-profile pickup trucks, full-size SUVs with rooftop fly-rod carriers or kayak racks, cross-over utility vehicles, and standard passenger cars. The lot features an open gravel apron allowing ample turn-around radius, though visitors should take care during wet spring thaw conditions when natural gravel surfaces can become rutted.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This access point serves as a gateway to the legendary waters of the Kinnickinnic River (locally known as the Kinni), a renowned Class I trout fishery rich with naturally reproducing wild brown trout. Located a short drive northeast of downtown River Falls, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can quickly reach local trail networks and river stretches. Key destinations in the immediate vicinity include:

Kinnickinnic River State Park: Located downstream where the cold river converges with the scenic St. Croix River, offering secluded beaches, hiking trails, and boat-in camping (approximately 12 miles southwest).
Downtown River Falls: A historic district featuring local diners, craft breweries, fly fishing shops, and cafes along Main Street (approximately 10 minutes away).
University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF): Academic campus and athletic venues, located just a short 10-to-12-minute drive south.
Glen Park & Kinni River Suspension Bridge: A scenic municipal recreation hub featuring walking trails and river overlooks in central River Falls.
Cady-Hanson Woods & Local Conservation Lands: Nearby conservation easements offering seasonal bird watching and wildlife viewing.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via local rural roadways connecting directly to County Roads and Highway 35 / Highway 65. The entryway provides clear sightlines onto the road, facilitating safe pull-ins and exits even in early morning mist or at dusk. Due to its rural location in western Wisconsin, there is no direct municipal bus or rail transit serving the trailhead; personal vehicles, cycling, or local rideshare are the standard modes of travel. Drivers arriving from the Twin Cities metropolitan area can easily reach the site via Interstate 94 East to Highway 35 South or Highway 65 South, making it a convenient 35-to-45-minute drive from St. Paul.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-air gravel parking surface with natural perimeter boundaries.
Direct walking access trails leading to riverbanks and fly fishing beats.
Unlimited vertical clearance with no height obstacles or overhead gantries.
Ample space to stage wading gear, boots, fly rods, and small watercraft.
WDNR informational board with river regulations, seasonal trout rules, and access maps.
Free public access with no automated ticketing machines or permit meters.
Trash carry-in/carry-out policy to protect sensitive riparian trout habitat.

Ideal For

Fly fishers and spin anglers targeting wild brown trout along prime Kinnickinnic River riffles and pools.
Kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders staging river put-ins and take-outs along designated water trails.
Bird watchers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts exploring the scenic Driftless-edge river valley.
Outdoor day-trippers and weekend visitors exploring St. Croix and Pierce County natural areas.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Mind the Regulations: Always consult Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) trout fishing regulations, season opening dates, and catch-and-release rules posted at the kiosk.
Arrive Early During Hatch Season: Prime dry-fly hatches in late spring and early summer attract enthusiastic anglers; arrive around sunrise or late afternoon to secure optimal river beats and vehicle space.
Leave No Trace: This parking facility does not maintain municipal trash bins; be prepared to pack out all mono-filament line, gear packaging, and beverage containers.
Ground Conditions: Watch for deep gravel or soft mud edges after heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt; vehicles with low ground clearance should stay centered on the packed track.
Respect Landowner Boundaries: Angler easements often cover riverbanks only; adhere strictly to public access corridors to avoid trespassing on adjacent private agricultural land.