Map: Watonwan River
The Watonwan River is usually calm, but can flow quickly at times. Many paddlers enjoy the 30-mile segment from Madelia to the river's confluence with the Blue Earth River at Garden City. You'll pass sloping, tree-lined banks with farmland just beyond. There are no major rapids. Be alert for the occasional snag (fallen tree), which may tip an unwary paddler.
The river shares a map with the Blue Earth River.
Explore on shore
Gary Clancy Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
The Gary Clancy WMA is located just over one mile northeast of Garden City in Blue Earth County. The WMA includes 167 acres with over 1.3 miles of frontage along the Watonwan River.
Lincoln Waterfowl Production Area (WPA)
The Lincoln WPA is located west of Lake Crystal, approximately three miles south of Highway 60. Both the Lincoln and the nearby Watonwan WPA have been recently restored, and provide prairie and wetland habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl, deer and grassland songbirds. Hike the prairie or remnant oak savanna, look for birds and enjoy the beautiful hilltop view of the wetlands.
Local contacts
DNR Southern Region Headquarters
21371 State Highway 15, New Ulm, MN 56073
507-233-1200
Nearest medical facilities
Madelia Health
117 West Main Street, Madelia, MN 56062
507-642-8822
Paddling the river in early spring.
Photo by Scott Kudelka.
