Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto) boat launch
Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto)
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the boat ramp at Mississippi River - Blackhawk Upper Access has two lanes and is 20 feet wide. The ramp is suitable for small to medium-sized watercraft, including boats and jet skis. The ramp provides access to the Mississippi River, which is a major waterway in the United States.
It is important to note that regulations regarding watercraft on the Mississippi River can vary depending on the state and region. Boaters should always check the latest information and regulations before taking their craft on the water.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto) -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa River Near Dorchester | 199 cfs | → |
| Yellow River At Ion | 314 cfs | → |
| South Fork Root River Near Houston | 171 cfs | → |
| Kickapoo River At Steuben | 736 cfs | → |
| Root River Near Houston | 881 cfs | → |
| La Crosse River Near La Crosse | 479 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- The "Lower" Dam, Near The Confluence Of Coon Creek To Lane's Bridge
- Western Boundary Of Effigy Mounds National Monument To Boundary Of Effigy Mounds National Monument
- The Big Green River To The River's Mouth At The Mississippi River
- The Town Of Bluffton To The "Lower" Dam, Near The Confluence Of Coon Creek
Nearby fishing
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto) as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto)
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Mississippi River -- Blackhawk Upper Access (Near Desoto).