Cottonwood River State Water Trail

State Water Trail Alert

Last updated: June 4, 2024 @ 11:22 AM

Logs and trees completely obstruct the river

Impassable log jam

There is a large log jam blocking travel at river mile 57.5, adjacent to the golf course and just before the City of Springfield access at Riverside Park (RM 56.4). It is too dangerous to remove at this time. Please check water levels and plan another route.

Bridge replacement over the Cottonwood River south of Sleepy Eye

The public carry-in water access on Highway 4 south of Sleepy Eye is closed. The next closest access is in Iberia, at the 260^th Avenue bridge.
Highway 4 from Sleepy Eye to Brown County Road 24 is closed, with traffic detoured to Highway 14 and Brown County roads 8 and 24.

Podcast: 741Kb; Transcript

The canoeable portion of the Cottonwood River begins in the city of Springfield and ends 58 river miles later when it empties into the Minnesota River near New Ulm. There are no major rapids, which makes this a good river for beginning paddlers.

The river was established in 1996 as a state water trail, and is named for the abundance of cottonwood trees found along its banks.

River segments and maps

This river has only one segment. Get maps and more information.

Note: The Cottonwood River shares a map with the Minnesota River (Map 4).