Big Rapids on the Manitowish River

Big Rapids on the Manitowish River is one of the most iconic scenes in Manitowish Waters. Both Highway 51 and the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail cross just above the head of the rapids, providing impressive views. Historically, the Manitowish River was the main "highway" into the Northwoods for thousands of years. Indigenous communities, fur traders, timber cruisers, loggers, surveyors and pioneers relied on the river for transportation and trade.

Access to Big Rapids is easy because all the land surrounding the rapids are public. A gravel boat landing just off of Highway 51 allows visitors to park and access the river as a put-in or take-out for paddling trips. Travelers can also access the bike trail or rugged trails along the banks to see Big Rapids.

One of the most flamboyant descriptions of Big Rapids comes from an 1890 hunting and fishing journal found in Shields' Magazine. The Shields' group was one of the first adventure-seeking outdoorsmen groups that utilized the new train depot in Manitowish. After spending the night at the Mississippi River Logging Co. camp next to the Rest Lake Dam, they departed for the Manitowish depot before dawn. As they approached Big Rapids, Shields observed:

"...the rushing, roaring, frightful rapids and cataracts of the mighty Manitowish; the picturesque figure of the stalwart guide as he stood up in the canoe, pole in hand, and steered her with all the skill of an Iroquois, through the boiling, foaming torrent safely into the pool below; how his bronzed face took on a look of deep anxiety and his eagle eyes searched through the intricate windings of the stream for possible hidden dangers..."

Shields' hyperbolic narrative would make modern kayakers and canoeist proud, as they navigate the same rapids with relative ease.

Big Rapids remains ice-free year-round and provides important spawning grounds for several species of fish in the spring. Historically, Big Rapids has been an important spawning habitat for sturgeon, and this part of the river is closed to anglers during spring fishing. But, those who want to see spawning fish should use the bike bridge for a perfect viewing platform.

In the fall of each year, the dam releases three or more feet of water based on an operating order with Excel Energy. The water flow becomes much stronger, and the rapids on the river rise dramatically. Some anglers actually use drift boats common in the western United States to fish the rapids and tight river bends. The last week of September into early October can provide paddlers a more thrilling ride and lovely fall colors.

At the very least, folks should walk to the bike bridge and possibly bring a snack and drink to relax at a picnic table.

Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System. Communities, Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System. Accessed December 5th, 2022. https://biketheheart.org/communities/.

Potter, E C. In Dam, Sturgeon and Benson Lakes, Manitowish Waters Historical Society. May, 1918. Accessed December 5th, 2022. http://ppolinks.com/mwhistory/2018_8_3.pdf.

Sheilds, G O. BIRCHING IN THE BIG WOODS. Part IV, Manitowish Waters Historical Society. February 1st, 1907. Accessed December 5th, 2022. http://ppolinks.com/mwhistory/2019_6_8.pdf.

Tvedt, Dean. Statehouse Lake youth camp, University of Wisconsin-Madison Library. Invalid date. Accessed December 5th, 2022. https://search.library.wisc.edu/search/digital?q=17339.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2022 WINNEBAGO SYSTEM STURGEON SPEARING REGULATIONS, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource. 2022. Accessed December 5th, 2022. https://widnr.widen.net/s/b7zzzjkfdl/sturgeonspearingregs2022.