Information & Camping Rates
We are located in the center of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge on Pool 9, the largest managed Wildlife Refuge on the river, covering 200,000 acres of wooded islands, forest, prairie, marsh, and water, extending 261 miles southward from Wabasha, Mn. to just above Rock Island, Illinois. Winding through the midst of a busy midwestern landscape, this Refuge still remains relatively untouched by modern civilization.
We enjoy approx. 292 species of birds...thrill to the sight of an American Bald Eagle, or wonder at the sound of 10,000 Tundra Swans gathered here to rest and feed before continuing migration. This area is rich in history. Prairie du Chien is the second oldest city in the state of Wisconsin, settled in 1637, however Native Americans roamed this area thousands of years before. Visit nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument across the river from Prairie du Chien, in Marquette, Iowa, and learn about the effigies, and the Native American way of life, long before the white man. The Fort Crawford Medical Museum is a fantastic place to learn about some of the earlier medical procedures used during the Civil War. A great experience for young and old. You'll leave there knowing medical procedures have REALLY improved! Even if you aren't particularly interested in this subject...you will be after your visit! You'll hear an amazing story about a guy named Alexis St. Martin!
ARE THE FISH BITING? You bet! Anglers fish the Mississippi and its bountiful backwaters year-round, for such popular game fish as walleye, sauger, bass, perch, crappies, sunfish, trout and catfish. Over half of the 3,000,000 annual visits to the Refuge are for the purpose of fishing. Did you know that the number of visitors to the Mississippi River Region is second only to that of the Grand Canyon?
Duck and Goose Hunting is a popular activity in this area. Also, this is a very popular area during Wild Turkey and Deer Hunting Season.
Enjoy our gorgeous sunsets from our campground overlooking the refuge...
Mississippi Bend Campground is tucked into a valley below, with plenty of sites for your camping enjoyment. Campsites are shaded from the summer sun, have river views, and also overlook acres of wetland, bustling with Egrets, Canadian Geese, numerous species of ducks, and songbirds galore. Each campsite has several birdfeeders, you'll never believe how many hummingbirds you'll see each day!
We have hiking trails where, once at the top of the bluff, you enjoy a panoramic view of the main channel, and the bluffs and valleys across the river in N.E. Iowa, beautiful any time of year!
We are 12 short miles from Prairie du Chien, WI. which is home to Cabela's, The Cannery, The Villa Louis Historical Site, also local favorite, "Pete's Hamburger Stand." The Lady Luck Casino is across the bridge, in Marquette, Ia. Try your hand at the slot machines and Table Games, or enjoy a show in the Pink Elephant Lounge.
There are plenty of area celebrations and festivals, including the Rendezvous, June 12-15th, the Praire Dog Blues Festival, July 25 & 26th, and in August, Venetian Nights, in Lansing, Ia., 12 miles north. There are several large sand beaches in the area, where you'll get plenty of practice waterskiing, jet skiing, and lots of volleyball, swimming, horseshoes, picnics, and conversation!
Mississippi Bend Campground is close to so many great destinations within an hour's drive, you can plan a different road trip each day, and still have time to spend on the river. In this economic climate, make the most of your vacation dollars, and spend a week with us! We have information on all the best restaurants, shops, attractions, and tours in the tri-state area, and are on hand with suggestions to make your vacation fun and interesting!
NEED A PLACE TO STAY FOR A FISHING TOURNAMENT?
Rent the cottage below, and stay in comfort, not a cramped motel room! $55 PER PERSON. TWO BEDROOMS, CENTRAL AIR, THREE SEASON PORCH, COMPLETE KITCHEN, 2 BATH., TOWELS AND LINENS PROVIDED. COMFORTABLE, CLEAN, AND RELAXING! EVERYTHING BUT YOUR FISHING GEAR IS FURNISHED!!
NEW at MISSISSIPPI BEND...
We Have a 22 Ft. TIPI for Weekend or Weekly Rental! See TIPI RENTAL on next page for
description and rates!