Merrick State Park
Discover tranquil Mississippi River backwaters teeming with wildlife, perfect for fishing, boating, and peaceful camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer boats
Merrick State Park
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer boats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover tranquil Mississippi River backwaters teeming with wildlife, perfect for fishing, boating, and peaceful camping.
"A peaceful park with great views, perfect for fishing, kayaking, boating, or just sitting in nature!"
🛶 Canoe Caution
Be mindful of strong Mississippi River currents. Stick to backwaters and bring a change of clothes.
🦟 Bug Protection
Pack sunscreen and tick/bug spray, especially for marshy areas and warmer months.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 420 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mississippi River Backwaters
Throughout the park
Explore serene marshy areas teeming with turtles, frogs, and diverse birdlife. Perfect for kayaking and fishing.
Accessible Fishing Pier
Near the nature center
Enjoy fishing with ease on this new, ADA-accessible pier, opening up nature to everyone.
Bluff View Trail
North Campground area
A well-maintained trail offering scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs.
Nature Center Programs
Nature Center
Engaging Saturday evening nature programs, often featuring local wildlife like birds of prey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the River's Pace
Train Tracks & Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Canoe Caution
Be mindful of strong Mississippi River currents. Stick to backwaters and bring a change of clothes.
🦟 Bug Protection
Pack sunscreen and tick/bug spray, especially for marshy areas and warmer months.
🚂 Train Noise Awareness
Campsites near train tracks can be loud. Check site numbers for potential noise.
🎣 Fishing Piers
Piers are great for fishing, but be aware of wakes from passing speedboats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Canoe Caution
Be mindful of strong Mississippi River currents. Stick to backwaters and bring a change of clothes.
🦟 Bug Protection
Pack sunscreen and tick/bug spray, especially for marshy areas and warmer months.
🚂 Train Noise Awareness
Campsites near train tracks can be loud. Check site numbers for potential noise.
🎣 Fishing Piers
Piers are great for fishing, but be aware of wakes from passing speedboats.
🚶♀️ Trail Exploration
Easy, straightforward hiking trails with some obscured viewing benches. Enjoy the scenery!
🎃 Halloween Fun
The park hosts fun Halloween events, including haunted trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Merrick State Park is praised for its serene backwaters, abundant wildlife, and friendly staff, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and anglers. However, campers should be aware of potential noise from nearby train tracks and a lumber mill, and the distance to restrooms can be a drawback for some.
"Very pretty, lowkey state park with secluded camping. Park staff is super friendly. They'll give you all the info you need at the entrance. Not a lot of people camp in the non-electric areas, so I’d definitely recommend them if you’re with a group looking for the full camping experience. Didn’t feel unsafe at all either. Only downside is the restrooms and shower were quite a walk for us. It’d be nice if they had more of them throughout the park.
Another thing I’d be weary of is that if you’re gonna use the provided canoes, be careful and don’t paddle directly into the main channel of the Mississippi. The currents in the water are no joke. A lot of the side streams seem a lot deeper than they are too. I’d also bring a change of clothes. You will most certainly get muddy and dirty river water splashed on you. Bring sunscreen and tick/bug spray."
Minespidur
"Merrick is a wonderful park! So many turtles and frogs 😁 more than enough firewood. Very nice backwaters. We had a dozen people in our group (3-44yo) and everyone had a wonderful time. There is no swimming beach here, but there is one up in Alma, about 20 miles and one closer back towards Winona, roughly 7 miles. Water sites as well 😊. Be ready for trains, trains, and more trains. Lol. Our first night camping, they ran through the entire night. My 8yo did not like that at 2am but every other night was okay. Definitely recommend if you enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating, or just sitting in nature!! Another awesome thing they do, is every Saturday at 7pm, they have a nature program. Very cool!! Ours was birds of prey."
Jessica Adams
"A nice state park with camping, a nature center, boat docks, and hiking trails that run along the Mississippi River.
This is a peaceful park and there are some great views. The hiking trail was easy, not much up and down and fairly wide and straightforward. Some of the viewing benches are a bit obscured, but still offered decent scenes. The mosquitoes weren't too bad and I had no ticks, but the deer flies were pretty bothersome.
The dock areas look to be in good condition, and I saw several groups of people out on boats. This looks like an equally good area for speed boats, pontoons, and kayaks/canoes.
There's a playground (looking a little rough) and handicapped-accessible porta-potties at the parking lot near the nature center.
There are many, many handicapped-accessible porta-potties scattered throughout the park. You're never more than a couple minute walk to one here.
The campsites on the Mississippi side are large and spaced out well, and offer picnic tables and firepits, along with great views.
The campsites on the other side, while pretty, are in between a swamp area and a marsh area. This seems like it would be filled with bugs, and probably not the same comfort level as the other sites. I drove through the area on my way out, so I don't know for sure that it's worse.
Well worth visiting, especially if you're bringing a boat."
Nathan Flaminio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Merrick State Park is located in Fountain City, Wisconsin, along the Great River Road. It's accessible by car. Many visitors enjoy the scenic drive along the Mississippi River to reach the park.
Public transportation options directly to Merrick State Park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
The park has a nature center and marked trails. For exploring the backwaters, kayaking or canoeing is recommended.
Yes, parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near the nature center and trailheads.
The park offers electric campsites, which are suitable for RVs. Ensure your RV size fits within the designated campsite dimensions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wisconsin State Parks generally require a state park admission sticker for entry. These can be purchased daily or annually. Check the Wisconsin DNR website for current fees.
State parks are typically open year-round from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, specific facilities like campgrounds and the nature center may have different operating hours.
Campsites can be booked online through the Wisconsin State Parks reservation system. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Annual park stickers offer a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. Check with the park office or Wisconsin DNR for any specific discount programs.
Yes, park staff at the entrance are very friendly and can provide maps and information about the park's offerings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Bluff View Trail is highly recommended for its scenic river overlooks. The nature center trail is also a favorite for its accessibility and pleasant walk.
Absolutely! The backwaters are popular for fishing. You can fish from the accessible pier or by boat. Be aware of currents if venturing into the main Mississippi channel.
Yes, canoe rentals are available, which is a great way to explore the park's backwaters.
There is no swimming beach within Merrick State Park itself. Nearby swimming beaches are located in Alma and Winona.
The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including turtles, frogs, deer, and various bird species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Merrick State Park does not have on-site restaurants. You'll need to bring your own food or dine in nearby Fountain City or other neighboring towns.
Fountain City offers local dining options. It's a good place to stop for a meal before or after visiting the park.
Yes, campsites are equipped with fire pits and picnic tables, allowing for campfires and grilling. Firewood is available for purchase.
Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, providing spots for day visitors to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Pack snacks and meals suitable for outdoor cooking or consumption.
📸 📸 Photography
The river overlooks from the Bluff View Trail offer stunning vistas. The backwaters are also picturesque, especially during sunrise or sunset.
You can capture images of turtles, frogs, birds, and deer. Early mornings and late afternoons are often best for wildlife activity.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and any posted regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography.
Drone usage is typically regulated in state parks. Check with the park office or Wisconsin DNR for specific rules regarding drone operation.
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Social
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