Minnesota Messabout at Lake Pepin

What?

The Messabout is a regional event open to all those who build or love boats. That includes canoes, kayaks, sailboats and powerboats. Admission is free.

Why?

Are you kidding? There's nothing more fun than hanging out with other boat builders, swapping stories, admiring the boats, going for rides, and talking about "the next boat."

Where?

Just like last year, the messabout will once again be at beautiful Lake Pepin, on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The high cliffs and woodlands surrounding the lake create a beautiful boating site. The lake is huge, and absorbs lots of boats, so there's no crowding. The sailing can be adventurous, and you'll see some wonderful boats cruising the area. Don't worry about the current. It's a non-factor since the lake is so big.

Tent Camping

The base of operations is the Hok-Si-La Municipal Park & Campground just north of Lake City, MN. It's 60 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul on Hwy. 61. If you like tent camping (see below if you have an RV or trailer), spend a night or two. I reserved campsites B3, B8 and B5, which can hold up to 10 tents. B3 and B8 are right on the water, and very handy for those who want to beach their boats for the night. B5 is shady. If you'd like to stay at this site, send me an email. First come, first served. The fee is $20 per tent per night. Don't send me any money; you'll pay when you get to the campground. I just need to keep track of how many tents are on the site.

If you want your own campsite, contact the camp office pronto (651-345-3855). These beautiful sites go fast.

RV/Trailer

If you have an RV or trailer, check out the Lake Pepin Campground. It's only about a mile south of the Hok-Si-La Municipal Park, the Messabout HQ. The campground also has a few tent camping spaces.

Motels

If you prefer, there are also nearby motels in Lake City.

Marina

Need a marina? There are two nearby. Just north of the campground is Hansen's Harbor. To the south is the Lake City Marina. If you need a slip for the night or an alternate launch site, they can help.

Day Trip

You can always come for the day. Launch your boat at the public ramp just north of the campground (Hint: get there real early), sail around the corner and pull your boat up on the campground beach whenever you like. There is another public ramp south of Lake City at Roschen Park. If the wind is against you, it can be a long sail to Hok-Si-La. Both of these ramps appear on the map of Lake Pepin . The ramp at Diggers Boat and Bait no longer exists, although it shows up on the map.

If arriving by water...

Look for the YELLOW BANNERS flying at our campsite. Feel free to pull your boat up on the beach for the day or the weekend. You can even anchor offshore if you like.

Schedule

Arrive when you can, and stay as long as possible. We'll get all the boats in the water on Saturday, and enjoy a potluck dinner that night, so bring something to share.

Official T-Shirt

Make your own Messabout T-Shirt. Click here to download the graphic, and save it on your computer. Print it on Iron-On Transfer paper. Set up the ironing board and make your own official Messabout T-Shirt.

Questions? Celebrate Lake Pepin

If so, just drop me a note.

Bill Paxton

Apple Valley, MN

Surprise - the open Weekender