A STATE WA TER TRAIL8 GUIDE70 T O THE CANNON AND STRAIGHT RIVERS FARMINGTON MISSISSIPPI Carry-in Access River Mile Vermillion River 13 DNR Offce Gores Pool W I S C O N S I N 29 46 W.M.A. Trailer Access Rapids Designated Public Lands HAMPTON 91 Rest Area Dam Public Trails 50 61 RIVER 7 59 Watercraft Campsite Fishing Pier W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Areas 7 No Facil. Campsite Shorefishing S.N.A. = Scientific & Natural Areas Richard J. Dorer Cannon River 9 23 Trout Turtle Preserve S.N.A.

NEW MARKET SCOTT CO. 5 Campground Parking GOODHUE CO. NORTH ELKO 10 Cannon 61 Private Campground Drinking Water Valley trail Pine 20 Brook 53 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Miles 52 Creek WELCH Baypoint 15 Municipal Point of Interest Outfitter Miesville Ravine 7 Park Access Kilometers County Park 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 86 CASTLE 85 DAKOTA CO. Memorial 1 ROCK Lake 66 NEW 86 Miesville Ravine Trail RICE CO. Byllesby Lake Byllesby County Park Creek PRAGUE 83 River Terrace 29 52 56 Regional Access RANDOLPH Prairie S.N.A. Hardwood 60 3 CO. DAKOTA Park 17 46 88 20 31 Chub Creek Sunset Trail 35 88 Valley VESELI 47 Tangential 30 25 Cannon W.M.A. 7 State 35 Goodhue CANNON 6 Co. Park FALLS 58 19 1 Lake Byllesby Riverside 8 Park Access Esker RIVER Access (W) Forest 19 W.M.A. 23 Lake Byllesby 28 5 3 Dam - 2525 Lake 2 Peat Bog 19 undeveloped Hannah’s LONSDALE WATERFORD portage Bend Lake Sanborn W.M.A. Access Bardel’s Pepin 23 Belle W.M.A. 40 DAKOTA CO. 19 19 Cody Riverside City RICE CO. Lake Union Access Route Descriptions of the Cannon and Straight Rivers Lake NORTHFIELD GOODHUE CO. Sechler City Dam - 79 30 13 Rice Park Access difficult portage 25.5 (R) State Highway 20 bridge & Riverside Park, a city site, is on the right, Lake Cannon River Miles just downstream is the Little Cannon River. Toilets, water and carry-in MONTGOMERY Phelps 4 26 1 Lake 28 NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of the river when facing downstream. access. Outfitter available. Mill Towns 25.4 Third Street bridge. Circle Ricter Woods 1 Paulson State Trail Creek 82.8 (L) Tetonka Lake trailer access & fishing pier. Lake County Park Robert J. Lick W.M.A. 246 42 22.9 (L) Pine Creek. 21 W.M.A. 45 3 81.0 (L) Sakatah Lake trailer access in Waterville. 1 80.6 State Highway 13 causeway and bridge. 19.1 (R) Sunset Trail carry in and rest area. DUNDAS 18.5 (L) Meisville Ravine Co. Park carry-in and rest area. 3 80.0 - (R) . The park has remnants of the “big woods,” Circle 77.4 a forest of elm, oak, walnut and other hardwoods. The park has 18.5 (L) Trout Brook. Toilet. Meisville Ravine Co. Park. Lake campgrounds with drinking water, a rest area at river mile 79.0 and a 17.7 Powerline crosses the river. 8 31 Greenleaf trailer access at mile 75.8. Registration and fee required. 16.6 River splits around a large island. DENNISON Lake 8 20 78.0 The Narrows, crossed by County Road 99. 13.6 (R) Rest area. Saulter Fox 77 76.3 Lower Sakatah Lake Dam, about six feet high. No developed portage. 13.6 County Road 7 bridge, outfitter at Welch. W.M.A. McCollough L. 46 76 Cannon River 7.8 Long backwater splits from the river. The main channel is the left fork. 99 County Park Wilderness 76.0 Powerline crosses the river. Prairie 73.5 State Highway 60 bridge and old trestle now used for Sakatah Singing 6.8 (L) Carry in access. U.S. Highway 61 bridge. Mazaska County 6.7 Cannon Bottom Road bridge. This site is the last takeout before the Lake Park Hills State Trail. Fishing pier. Shields . (not a developed access) Lake 50 73.0 County Road 16 bridge. Town of Morristown. Nerstrand Big Woods 73.5 Morristown Pond Dam, about eight feet high. County Road 44 bridge is 2.6 Canadian Pacific RR trestle. Boyd State Park 0.0 Confluence with the Vermillion River, Mississippi is 1/2 mi downstream. Factor W.M.A. just downstream. No developed portage. Fishing pier at dam. W.M.A. Wilderness 72.4 (L) Carry-in access. Lake Edward Vellshek Area Access Caron Dora W.M.A. 35 County 246 State Highway 60 bridge and old trestle. Straight River Miles Cannon River NERSTRAND 68.5 Gorman 21 Park 2 Trout Lily S.N.A. 68.2 Power line. Lake French 20 40 31.4 Interstate Hwy 35 bridge. 13 Lake 55 27 68.0 The river enters Cannon Lake. Rice Hunt 23 County Road 13 bridge. Warsaw. 30.5 RR trestle. Paddy Lake 3 68.0 (R) Diamond Lake Lake Roberds 29.9 Hwys 14 & 218 bridge. Start of Kaplan woods city park. W.M.A. L. Kitzman - Morris 27 65.0 (R) Shager County Park trailer access, fishing pier and rest area on the southeast W.M.A. Unit shore of Cannon Lake along State Highway 70. It has picnic tables, shelter, 29.2 RR trestle. 37 Nerstrand Big Woods 29.1 Golf course bridge. KILKENNY Two Rivers State Game Refuge toilets and swimming beach. Kings Mills Dam Access portage right 25 yards 61.0 Interstate 35 bridge and power line. 28.5 (R) Kohlmeier Lake trailer access and fishing pier. Lake accesses the river. Caron Woolen Mill Dam Kings Mill Dam, about 17 feet high. Portage on left. Faribault city limits. 27.5 City of Owatonna. 3 10 Lake 60 No verified portage 24 60.7 (L)

RICE CO. RICE CO. 27.2 (R) Morehouse Park, carry-in access and rest area. Wells 60.6 County Road 11 bridge. FARIBAULT Falls Creek 38 Lake 59.9 State Highway 21 bridge. Hulet Avenue NW Bridge immediately 26.9 (R) Dam, Portage on right. RICE CO. Cedar 26 downstream. 26.8 RR trestle and bridge street bridge. Lake 60

LE SUEUR CO. LE SUEUR CO. 26.5 Rose street bridge. River level gauge on abutment. 12 South 59.5 Iowa, Chicago and Eastern RR trestle. Dwyer Trail Alexander River Bend large boulder in 26.3 RR trestle. Park Nature Center 59.3 (L) North Alexander Park on river left; rest area with water. 7 W.M.A. center of river 26.1 North Street bridge. 16 Teepee Tonka 5 59.3 (R) South Alexander Park on right; rest area, boat ramp, drinking water. Murphy Horseshoe Park 26.0 (R) Confluence with Maple Creek. W.M.A Lake Lower Sakatah Lake 65 Cannon 19 58.8 Woolen Mill Dam, about 12 feet high. No developed portage. Dam - no verified Lake 24.6 Co. Rd. 34 bridge (26th St.. NW). portage Morristown Pond Cannon Lake 58.7 Second Avenue NW Bridge. Dam no 45 Two railroad trestles. 23.2 Township road bridge. verified portage 39 58.5 12 Townsend 14 State 22.4 RR trestle. Sakatah 16 60 Faribault 58.5 Confluence with the Straight River, the Cannon’s largest tributary. With a Woods W.M.A. Shager Lake 21.5 (L) Clinton Falls, class II-III rapids. Portage on left. Co. Rd. 99 bridge County Park W.M.A. RIVER Kroghs drainage of 443 square miles, it is larger than the Cannon here. Shore Tetonka Lake S.N.A. 75 CANNON WARSAW 10 down stream. Hills 18 Landing 19 19 fishing pier. Earl Swan Wolcot Mill 20.8 (R) Carry-in access at Co. Rd. 45. W.M.A. Cannon River Rapids I - II 58.4 (L) Two Rivers Park, carry-in access. 70 W.M.A. 17 20.8 (L) Confluence with Crane Creek. Sakatah Lake 57.5 Chicago, Rock Island and Union Pacific trestle. Tetonka Singing 15 15 18.0 County Road 12 bridge. Lake 21 56.0 Power line. 80 MORRISTOWN 26 17.2 (R) trailer access in city of Medford’s Straight River Park. Rest area, toilets 11 14 group 52.9 County Road 29 Bridge. WATERVILLE camping 99 35 52.0- Cannon River Wilderness Area, a Rice County facility and water available. (fee) Sprague 17.1 County Road 45 bridge. 60 Upper Lake Creek 47.5 with hiking trails, campsites and other facilities. The river is flanked by ELYSIAN Seha Sakatah Sakatah 16 23 16.6 Iowa, Chicago & Eastern RR trestle. W.M.A. Lake wooded bluffs. Sakatah LE SUEUR CO. Lake 15 RICE CO. 15.1 270 St. E bridge. State Park 13 50.8 (L) Wilderness Area Access and campsite; toilets, picnic shelter and tables, 18 WASECA CO. STEELE CO. 13.4 (R) Confluence with Rush Creek. Elysian Reeds 7 fire rings and drinking water. 5 Lake STRAIGHT 13 Creek 50.5 Campsites on both right and left banks of the river. 11.2 (L) Confluence with Mud Creek. 7 23 Mud 45 10.2 Class I-II rapids from old Wolcot Mill dam. MEDFORD Rush 49.7 (L) Campsite. Lake 10.1 (R) Kroghs Landing carry in access at Co. Rd. 19 bridge. 11 12 46.1 State Highway 3 Bridge and power line. Toners 8.8 227 St. E bridge. Lake 12 45.2 (R) Dundas City Park, carry-in access, rest area, picnic shelter, tables, Everson 18 drinking water, fire rings, campground. 7.8 220 St. E bridge. 22 Lake 45 12 45.1 County Road 1 Bridge. The river splits around a large island. Town of 6.9 Large glacial boulder in center of river. (Size of small garage) Pawek 20 6.0 (R) Confluence with Falls Creek. W.M.A. Co.Rd. 45 Dundas, Archibald Mill. 43.5 Northfield city limits. 4.5 RR trestle. 3 63 9 9 Clinton Falls 43.4 (L) Sechler City Park; carry-in access, and picnic shelter. Drinking water also 3.8 Old bridge. 13 4 Rapids II - III CLINTON 3.5 (R) Watercraft campsites. River Bend Nature Center. FALLS available. Swan portage 2.2 RR trestle, walking bridge down stream. W.M.A. 30 yards 1 34 37 42.7 (R) Babcock City Park; a city recreation area with privies. Findley Moonan 2.0 Teepee Tonka park, city of Faribault. Prairie Rose 42.1 (R) Riverside City Park; carry-in access just above State Highway 3 Bridge, W.M.A. 4 W.M.A. Carry-in access. JANESVILLE Rice W.M.A. water available. 1.8 (L) Lake 1.7 Bridge to park, Hwy 60 bridge down stream. 18 45 41.9 Fifth Street Bridge. Creek 1.5 2nd and 3rd street bridges. 25 35 41.9 Dam, 10 feet high; no developed portage. Attempts to carry around this Maple 1.1 RR trestle. 17 dam are complicated by riprap and retaining walls. Watkins 45 0.4 14th St. bridge. Crane 41.9 Fourth Street Bridge. Lake 14 Creek river level gauge 40.9 State Highway 19 (Second Street) Bridge. 0.0 Confluence with Cannon River. 14 Loon 17 Clear Lake Lake 19 40.8 Waterford Bridge. Goose Lake 2 OWATONNA Dam 35.6 County Road 59 bridge. Lake portage right 20 yrds. Rice Lake Rice 7 32.1 County Road 83 bridge, trestle. WASECA Waseca Morehouse State Park 80 31.8 State Highway 56 bridge. River enters Lake Byllesby. 3 Goose Lake W.M.A. 48 71 30.2 (R) Lake Byllesby (W) trailer access on the south shore of lake. County Park Kohlmeier Kanne Lake 27.8 (L) Goodhue County Park access, rest area and fishing pier. W.M.A. 30 14 218 27.8 (L) Lake Byllesby (E) trailer access, rest area, campground and drinking water 18 Lundquist on the north shore at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. 7 W.M.A. 4 5 6 218 59 16 27.8 (R) Lake Byllesby Dam. There is a primitive, very steep and difficult portage 33 Somerset 60 around this 60-foot-high structure on river right. W.M.A. 26.8 US Highway 52 bridge. 16 26.0 Ninth Street bridge. 9 Courthouse STEELE CO. STEELE CO. County Park DODGE CO. 25.9 (R) Hannah’s Bend Park and fairground; carry in access, toilets and picnic 35 30 45 shelter and tables, drinking water. The site is managed by Cannon Falls.

STEELE CO. 73 6 Senn-Rich CO. WASECA 31 W.M.A. STATE WATER TRAIL MAP A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE CANNON AND STRAIGHT RIVERS Cannon and Straight Rivers

Bounded by rolling hills, bluffs, farmland and woods, the Cannon enters a remnant of the Big Woods ecosystem. Downstream, the river enters a broad picturesque gorge with bluffs up to 300 feet above the valley floor.

RIVERBEND NATURE CENTER THE CANNON RIVER river are St. Peter sandstone, Prairie du Chein group of Watershed Partnership, a non-profit organization founded 10.2), which burned down in 1895, is now marked only by CLASS III. Difficult rapids with high, irregular waves capable dolomites and sandstone, and near the river’s mouth, in 1990 to protect and improve the surface and the flume where the wheel turned and a short rapids where of swamping an open canoe. Narrow chutes may require 169 35 Jordan sandstone and St. Lawrence and Franconia groundwater resources, and the natural systems of the the dam once stood. extensive maneuvering. Usually considered the limit for an 94 Mississippi By A.D. 1000 the mouth of the Cannon River was a formations. watershed. That mission is carried out through landowner experienced paddler in an open canoe. major center for the Mississippian culture; the Indians assistance, educational programs, volunteer coordination Planning A Safe River Trip CLASS IV. Long, turbulent rapids with high, irregular waves, frequently Stream flow usually peaks in early April, however, very and the facilitation of small-watershed groups. The constricted passages and blind drops. Decked canoes and Crow hid their 12 heavy rains can cause high water or flooding anytime partnership sponsors an annual river clean-up, and A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe journey, kayaks only; open canoes should be portaged. St. Paul canoes near 94 during the canoeing season. Because there are few rapids participates in the DNR Adopt-a-River program. Call you should be prepared by doing the following: CLASS V. Long, violent rapids Fork Minneapolis the river’s North to cause problems in low water, the level is usually 507-332-0488 for more information. with complex routes and steep River mouth, so

sufficient for canoeing except during very dry periods. • Get acquainted with your route. Plan your trip with a drops or waterfalls. Hazard to life River SOCIET Y when the map before you in the event of a mishap. Runnable 169 French fur River water is good for all recreation, but it is not depart and only by experts in decked boats. traders THE STRAIGHT RIVER 61 ORICAL drinkable without treatment. Ask the DNR Information advise someone CLASS VI. Cannot be attempted arrived they River Red Wing HIST Y Center or the Department of Health for the most recent of your plans without great risk to life. called this Straight may seem an 35 52 OUNT issue of the fish consumption advisory. including stream La inappropriate name for

RICE C planned Boating Information Riviere Aux this twisting, turning R departure and • Wear the U. S. Coast Cannon Canots, “the river of canoes.” Although the name was THE CANNON RIVER WATERSHED stream. The river’s name Mankato arrival times. Guard approved personal ALLS - DN later mispronounced by English-speaking settlers, the Southern Minnesota comes together in a 1,460- is actually a loose ON F River flotation device that state French description remains appropriate, for the Cannon square-mile area called the Cannon River Watershed. It translation of • Travel with a law requires be on board CLINTTA Owatonna Rochester still draws many canoeists to its waters. lies between the Twin Cities metro area and rural southern “Owatonna,” a Dakota companion or the craft.

90 Minnesota. Biologists call it a "transition zone". Its a mix of Indian word meaning RAPIDS Straight 52 group. In the early 1850s, flour and saw mills began eastern hardwood forests (the big woods), tallgrass prairies, morally strong or • Bring an extra paddle. operating in the Cannon River Valley. By 1877, there were recently glaciated lands, and the driftless (unglaciated) honest. 35 • Choose a distance that is comfortable for you, most • Not all portions of this river trail are suitable for 169 15 mills along the 19 mile stretch of river between area along the Mississippi River. 90 people paddle two to three river miles per hour. motor use. Albert Lea Faribault and Northfield. At Dundas, travelers can still see Flowing through the the aging limestone walls of the Archibald Mill, which was Surface water unites the varied landscape, flowing into farmland of • Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9

MARK DILLEY • Wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. tributaries like the Straight River, which joins the Cannon southeastern Minnesota, device that state law requires be on board the boat for feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is River and eventually the Mississippi River. Glaciers the Straight meanders north from Owatonna to Faribault, each person. an Equal Opportunity Employer West of Faribault, the Cannon River winds quietly covered the land along the upper Straight and Cannon where it joins the Cannon River. Away from these cities state of residence. through farmland dotted with lakes and marshes. Below Rivers 10,000 years ago, creating the lakes and marshes and the small rural communities situated on its banks, the • Be cautious of river obstructions, such as overhanging Faribault the river twists and turns, at times wide and of the upper Cannon River and leaving behind large glacial Straight is a narrow, intimate stream. Fields, pastures and and dead trees in the river. Sustainable Ecosystems This information is available in alternative quiet, at times narrow and fast. From Faribault to its erratics (occasional rocks) which can still be seen in farm farm buildings are screened from the river by a narrow Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and format upon request. mouth, the Cannon falls 280 feet, an average of 4.8 feet fields and along the Cannon and Straight rivers. strip of trees on either bank. The trees, predominantly • Bring a first aid kit that includes waterproof matches. attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor per mile. Above Faribault the river has less gradient. elm, willow, aspen, and maple, reach out over the stream, recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors without Compared to other parts of the corn belt region, the forming a leafy canopy. • Bring an extra paddle in your canoe. negative impacts on the environment. There are a few rapids but none are difficult. Several Cannon River Watershed has a rich diversity of flora and dams must be portaged and downed trees and snags can be fauna. Minnesota’s dwarf trout lily is a federally The Straight varies from 30 to 80 feet wide and from • You must pack out all trash. Communities working together can improve water hazardous in high water. endangered species that is found only along the Cannon, 1 to 4 feet deep. There are numerous areas of mild rapids resources by promoting environmentally sensitive land-use Minnesota State Parks and Trails Straight and Zumbro rivers and their tributaries. Because it and fast water, with rocks and narrow stream channels • Leave only footprints; take only photographs! practices along rivers and throughout watersheds. Regional Unit The Cannon River is one of six designated Wild and is found only in this small area the dwarf trout lily is making canoeing a challenge. There is one area of difficult considered a Minnesota "endemic"-i.e. a species that grows rapids on the Straight, located at Clinton Falls that should Rest Areas and Camping Sites Natural shoreline buffers improve water quality by 1200 Warner Road in Minnesota and nowhere else on earth. be portaged. Canoeing on the Straight is best during the • Public rest areas are available along the route to rest, filtering out pollutants and sediments. Healthy and diverse St. Paul, MN 55106 spring and early summer; by July the river may be too low picnic and explore. native shoreland plant communities are attractive and 651-772-7935 Other rare plants include the glade mallow (found in for enjoyable river travel. provide important shoreline habitat for birds and wildlife. flood-plain forests), prairie bush clover and kitten-tails • Camp only in designated campsites, which are (found on bluff prairies). Among the rare wildlife species This area was once available on a first come-first serve basis, or make found in the watershed are the blanding’s turtle, wood the trapping ground of reservations at local or DNR campgrounds. Online water trail information and turtle, red-shouldered hawk, and prairie vole. The river Indians and fur traders. maps can be found at • Bring drinking water. It is only available at a valleys and adjacent bluffs tend to harbor concentrations Faribault was named for limited number of rest areas. Drinking river water is mndnr.gov/watertrails of natural communities where these rare species can its founder, not recommended, but if you do it must be treated. maintain a foothold. fur trader Alexander Natural Shorelands Faribault, who • Respect private property. Stop only at designated 40% evaporation sites; much of the shoreland is private property. Other wildlife found in the watershed, typical of established a trading 10% runoff DNR Information Center southeastern post there in 1828. • Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury 50% infiltration Minnesota, include human waste away from the river. The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free deer, beaver, otter, In the 1820s, publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions Altered Shorelands pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota. SOCIETY - RICE COUNTY HISTORICAL ARCHIBALD MILL raccoon, red fox, Minnesota was dotted 30% evaporation gray fox and with fur trading posts, CENTER RIVERBEND NATURE Rating White Water 55% runoff 15% infiltration 500 Lafayette Road Scenic Rivers in the state. Bounded by rolling hills, bluffs, coyote. Songbirds most controlled by the St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 farmland and woods in its upper reaches, the Cannon and waterfowl are BOLIN American Fur Company. Rivers and rapids are rated according to the International THY - KAY LILTROUT - KAY THY 651-296-6157 Metro Area enters a remnant of the Big Woods ecosystem downstream especially plentiful Their business was considerable. In a single year Faribault's Scale of River Difficulty. Ratings are estimates based on 1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free of Faribault, in Rice County’s Cannon River Wilderness during spring and trade included 1,100 mink pelts, 2,050 pounds of deer observations at low or moderate water levels or on

mndnr.gov Area. Below Cannon Falls the river enters a broad fall migrations. hide and 39,080 muskrat pelts. secondhand reports. picturesque gorge with bluffs that rise up to 300 feet Bald eagles and WD ARF above the valley floor. The Cannon’s waters harbor osprey can be During the 19th century, the Straight River area was CLASS I. Easy rapids with small waves and few walleye, catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and a few observed fishing along the rivers. an important milling center. Now remnants of 2 mills can obstructions. species rough fish. be seen. The Clinton Mills, in Clinton Falls ground flour Cover Photo; Riverbend Nature Center The Cannon River is underlaid with a variety of Resource protection efforts in the Cannon River and feed for eight counties. The original mill was © 2016 Minnesota Department CLASS II. Rapids with waves up to three feet high. Some of Natural Resources sedimentary rocks. The most common outcrops near the Watershed are coordinated by the Cannon River destroyed by fire in 1896. The Walcott Mills (river mile maneuvering is required.