Kayaking & Canoeing near Dubuque, Iowa
Local paddling guide
Looking for somewhere to kayak or canoe near Dubuque? 8 paddleable rivers run within reach of the city, including the Mississippi River, Catfish Creek and the Whitewater Creek. The closest is the Mississippi River, about 0.8 mi away, and together these rivers offer 278+ public boat launches and access points. Check the live USGS gauges and flood-safety status on the Iowa Paddle map before you put in.
Rivers to paddle near Dubuque
Nearest first, with straight-line distance from Dubuque.
- ▸Mississippi River~0.8 mi away · 125 launches · 311 mi
- ▸Catfish Creek~2.3 mi away · 1 launches · 3.2 mi
- ▸Whitewater Creek~18 mi away · 1 launches · 6.7 mi
- ▸Maquoketa River, North Fork~21 mi away · 5 launches · 72 mi
- ▸Turkey River~23 mi away · 26 launches · 127 mi
- ▸Maquoketa River~26 mi away · 33 launches · 124 mi
- ▸Volga River~35 mi away · 11 launches · 62 mi
- ▸Wapsipinicon River~39 mi away · 76 launches · 225 mi
Before you launch near Dubuque
Iowa river levels swing fast with rainfall. Before you drive out from Dubuque, check each river's live USGS gauge and flood-safety status on the interactive Iowa Paddle map— it flags dangerous high water and dams so you can pick a safe stretch and paddle with confidence.
Paddle more of Iowa
Beyond Dubuque, browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa or find paddling near another Iowa city.