Recreation
Merrick State Park
Merrick State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy year-round.
Accessibility
Merrick State Park offers accessible opportunities including an accessible campsite, a boat launch with accessible boarding piers, and a universal kayak launch. Also, the park has an adaptive kayak available through its rental program. Call the property for more information on the adaptive kayak.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking
Merrick State Park offers two boat landings that can accommodate most motorized launches. There are large parking lots available at both landings. A canoe launch adjacent to the lower boat landing affords easy access for canoeists and kayakers. The adjacent quiet river backwater sloughs offer an excellent opportunity to those visitors seeking a silent-sport water experience. Enjoy the sun, wildlife and wilderness of the river backwaters five minutes from the landing.
There is a universal kayak launch which features an accessible route of travel, a transfer bench, handrails, and rollers to help glide the vessel into the water. There is also an adaptive kayak available through the rental program.
Canoe trail
A self-guided canoe trail starts and ends near the lower boat landing. Follow the canoe trail markers. Parts of the trail meander through shallow water. In some areas, canoes and boats share the water. Rental canoes are available for you every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Contact park staff for availability at other times.
Camping
Fishing
The Mississippi River is alive with large and smallmouth bass, bluegills, crappies and other species. Fishing licenses apply.
Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.
Hiking
There are two miles of hiking trails at the park. The trails meander along the length of the park and offer hikers a variety of river views and access to the park's secluded areas.
Hiking trails wind for two miles through the park, connecting most areas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences including prairies, wetlands and the hardwood forest flood plain in the lower sections of the park. The trails offer a relatively easy hiking experience appropriate to most age groups.
Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information, please see:
Picnic areas and playgrounds
Picnicking and shelters at Merrick State Park
Winter activities
Cross-country skiing is a favorite winter activity at Merrick. The natural snow surface of the trail system and undeveloped areas at the park are available to skiers who enjoy an off-trail experience. Snowshoeing offers visitors a quiet alternative. Enjoy the solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities along the river backwaters on a cold winter day. Snowshoe enthusiasts can access the park trail system or for a more individual experience strike out on their own to explore the back corners of the park.
The park offers excellent access to productive ice fishing areas along this section of the river. The park does not monitor ice conditions on the river. Be extremely cautious of ice conditions at all times.