Launches in Dubuque
 

We're heading down from the Milwaukee area to stay on night on the sandbars. Where is a good launch that's secure to leave my truck at overnight in the Dubuque area?

Again we're coming in from 151 WI so either side of the river is fine.

In my opinion, the best is just across the river from WI. (Look to your right as you cross the bridge, you will see the ramp etc) Take the first exit, (by the casino)follow to the light and take a right. You will pass Hawkeye Boat Sales on your left, the entrance to the park will be just ahead on your right. There is other Marinas etc, but this area has a great launch ramp and good parking. We have used it for years! Sorry I don't remember the names of the road, but I believe Hawkeye is on Kerper Blvd.

Just had 12 inches of rain in 2 hours i believe thursday

We left to many logs out there.

Lots of floaters in the river down here. Also a bunch of mud and sand across the roads coming down here. I actually screwed up and came through Rockford by mistake then took "2" to 20 and ended up launching south of the lock in East Dubuque which worked out good because were going to the river museum tomorrow afternoon; been meaning to do that since it opened so... Next time we'll try out the launch by Hawkeye, I've always wanted to stop there too

We might have to try again this week there's just no where close to try and stretch her legs without the dnr all over you like Wisconsin. Been looking for a poker run close for the aug 6 weekend just can't find anything. Launching by hawkeye is the best place plus there's a fun bar right in the cove next to the launch with good food and music.

Stretch your legs on Lake Winnebago Oshkosh. You will have fun up there. :drink:

read a post at midwestboatparty about a poker run 8-20 at Henry Harbors, north of Peoria.
Havent seen much info on it though.

We love the lake just always seems to be a fishing tournament or a major storm Or bad luck while we are out there lol. Couple years ago on the poker run we had a bad storm come in and we were running late at the last bar got real snotty no one was running hard that day! Blew a drive once and blew a motor there. I'll run it by the wife are they pretty good on sound on off weekends? We aren't that loud but the boat really thunders the water at high speeds we get pulled over all the time and pass idle test but would never pass a pass by test.

Have not been up there in 3yrs so I cannot accurately sound off about sound. If you're good at idle, then I don't think you'll get hassled. One area of caution is running Lake Butte des Mortes to Winneconne, where the buoys take you very close to shore, home owners call the cops all the time so you may want to avoid that.

Of course Lk Mich, if you hit it on a nice weekend.