Merrick State Park
Located along the lazy Mississippi River north of Fountain City, the 322-acre Merrick State Park is popular with anglers and boaters. The marshy backwaters are home for egrets, herons, muskrats and otters.
A wooden stairway provides access to the river.
DNR Photo by Deborah Proctor
Things to Do
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking and snowshoeing on 2 miles of trails
- Nature
- Junior Ranger/Wisconsin Explorer programs for kids
- Watch and photograph spring and fall migrations of waterfowl and eagles
- Occasional naturalist programs, sponsored by the TURTLES
- Picnicking—The park has picnic areas along the Mississippi River. One near the lower boat launch is open to leashed pets. Three shelters throughout the park are reservable.
A view of the Mississippi River from Merrick State Park.
DNR Photo by Deborah Proctor
In the Area
- Trempealeau & Fountain City [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more
- Alma, Wisconsin [exit DNR], 14 miles north on Highway 35
- Fountain City, Wisconsin [exit DNR], 2 miles south on State Highway 35
- Great River Road [exit DNR]
- Great River State Trail
- Perrot State Park
- Trempealeau, Wisconsin [exit DNR], 20 miles south on Highways 35 and 93
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge [exit DNR]
- Wabasha, Minnesota [exit DNR], 20 miles north on Highway 35
- Whitman Dam State Wildlife Area, many of the islands and wetlands near the park
- Winona, Minnesota [exit DNR], 10 miles south via Highways 35 and 54
TURTLES Friends Group
The Merrick TURTLES is a nonprofit organization that raises money for special programs and provides volunteers to help you enjoy your stay in the park. The group sells firewood, rents canoes, sponsors naturalist programs.
Annual dues are $3 for an individual, $5 for a family, $2 for a senior citizen, and $20 for an associate member. To join, send your name, address, phone number, volunteer interests, and dues to Turtles, Inc., c/o Merrick State Park, S2965 State Rd. 35, Fountain City, WI 54629-7814.
How to Get There
Welcome to the park!
DNR Photo
Go about 2.8 miles north from Fountain City or 5.5 miles south from Cochrane on State Highway 35. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway.
The Winona Bridge connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota is now open to all vehicle traffic. Pedestrians and bicycles are restricted from using the bridge until further repairs to the walkway are completed.
For More Information
Cecilia Novinski, manager
Merrick State Park
S2965 State Road 35
P.O. Box 127,
Fountain City WI 54629-7814
Phone (608) 687-4936
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