This is largely an area in between mountains—the "Great Plains"—not a likely scenario for good whitewater. But some decent runs can be found, mostly in the north and southern parts of the region. The wild rivers of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota can be bracing. And the Ozarks are a widely recognized whitewater destination, especially in the spring.

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This river is beloved for its magical rhythm of quiet water alternating with invigorating rapids. The surrounding countryside is tranquil north woods, largely undeveloped. There is more consistent whitewater on the Wolf than the St. Croix, with difficulty levels approaching Class IV on the lower sections. We recommend the 13-mile section from Markton to Route M, which has been awarded federal Wild and Scenic status. This section is on Menominee Indian Reservation. The tribe controls access and runs a shuttle service.

St. Croix, Minnesota
Difficulty: Class I to III
Season: April through October
Trip Length: Half-day to several days

The St. Croix River is one of the Midwest's paddling gems, a long ribbon that defines most of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mostly this is a flatwater destination, but there's plenty of rambunctious whitewater to be found. With much of the lower St. Croix officially designated a National Scenic Riverway, paddlers won't be disturbed by the encroachments of civilization as they float past sandstone banks and thriving hardwood forest. Many rustic campsites along the way make the latter option an enticing possibility.

Class I to II whitewater can be had in the upriver from Gordon Dam to the CCC Bridge, or further down between Norway Point to Soderbeck Landing.

More on the St. Croix River

Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Missouri
Difficulty: Class II
Season: All year
Trip Length: One to three days

Other rivers in the Missouri Ozarks offer better whitewater, but it's usually spring runoff or rain-fed. The two rivers of the Ozark National Scenic Riverway—Jacks Fork and the Current River—can be floated year-round. Truth be told, summer's reduced flow makes for a lethargic river with many exposed gravel beds. If you want water that's at all racy, do this river in the spring. The river is spring-fed, so it's cool and clear. Jacks Fork from Buck Hollow to Alley Spring is recommended: the river has personality and the scenery is captivating, with waterfalls and caves for you to explore.

More on the Ozark National Scenic Riverway

The Presque Isle River runs through the isolated Upper Peninsula near and in Porcupine Mountains State Park. It is known as the toughest whitewater river in the Midwest. This is the river to sink into the north woods at their wildest—and toughest. Much of the river runs through second-growth hemlock and pine forest, much of it in an isolated canyon. If you can possibly turn your attention away from the unrelenting rapids, you might peep a black bear or a bald eagle.

This is a wide river that empties into the Illinois. But before it does, it offers up hilarious waves. This river was made for playboating, especially the Wildcat rapid.

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