Schleicher's Landing

For many Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts, especially those drawn to the mighty Mississippi River, finding accessible points for recreation is key to enjoying our state's natural beauty. Schleicher's Landing, located at 7110 Closing Dam Rd in Cassville, has historically been known as a spot offering access to the river and some form of lodging or camping. Situated in a picturesque area of Grant County, near the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, it holds potential for those seeking a riverside experience.

However, recent public information suggests that the operational status and services at Schleicher's Landing may have significantly changed. While it was once a known spot for camping, boat rentals, and fishing supplies, current visitor experiences indicate that the business appears to be "out of business" or at least not actively staffed for lodging or camping services. This article aims to provide an honest, factual overview for Wisconsin locals, acknowledging the available public data and recent customer feedback.

Schleicher's Landing is located at 7110 Closing Dam Rd, Cassville, WI 53806, USA. This address places it directly along the Mississippi River, making it an excellent location for direct water access. Cassville itself is a charming historic village in Grant County, known for its strong ties to the Mississippi River and its role in Wisconsin's past.

For Wisconsin residents, Cassville is accessible via state highways, offering a scenic drive through the Driftless Area. It’s situated about 25 miles south of Prairie du Chien and about an hour's drive west of Platteville. The location near the Mississippi River ensures convenient access for activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. The "Closing Dam Road" indicates its proximity to the Lock and Dam system on the Mississippi, a common feature along the river that attracts those interested in observing river traffic and engineering.

Access to the boat ramp at Schleicher's Landing seems to remain viable, as recent visitors have successfully used it to launch kayaks and canoes. However, navigating to the precise location may involve crossing active train tracks, as noted in one review, which is an important consideration for visitors. Despite potential operational changes for lodging, its position directly on the river makes it geographically attractive for water-based recreation in this beautiful part of Wisconsin.

Based on previous public listings and what was once known about Schleicher's Landing, the following services were historically offered or are still partially available (like the boat ramp). However, it is crucial to note that recent customer reviews indicate that staffed services and lodging accommodations may no longer be actively operational.

• Boat Ramp Access: This appears to be the most consistently available service. Visitors have recently reported successfully using the ramp to launch kayaks and canoes onto the Mississippi River, noting it's a "great place to launch." While payment for use might be expected, the lack of an active office or dropbox suggests this is currently unmanaged.

• Lodging (Historical/Uncertain Current Status): Previous listings mention cabins or cottages. However, a recent review describes a "cabin" that was in poor condition ("train wreck of a cabin") with significant issues like a door that wouldn't lock, no private fire pit, and no regular coffee maker, suggesting these accommodations may no longer be maintained or actively rented. The review also mentions an outdated payment method (cash or check only).

• Campsites (Historical/Uncertain Current Status): While listed as a "campground," recent customer experiences primarily focus on boat ramp access or issues with cabins, not active camping operations. It's unclear if RV or tent sites are currently available or maintained.

• Fishing Supplies (Historical/Uncertain Current Status): Older descriptions mention fishing supplies being available. Given the general lack of active business operations, the availability of these items is highly questionable.

• Boats & Motors for Rent (Historical/Uncertain Current Status): Similar to fishing supplies, previous information suggested boat and motor rentals. Current conditions make it highly unlikely this service is still provided.

• Electricity, Water, Showers, Picnic Facilities (Historical/Uncertain Current Status): While these amenities were listed in older directories, the recent reviews suggesting the office is "long deserted" and a general appearance of being "out of business" cast doubt on their current availability and maintenance.

It is strongly advised that anyone considering a visit for anything other than informal boat launching assume these services are no longer reliably available and plan accordingly.

Based on the available (and sometimes outdated) public information, along with recent user reviews, here are some features and highlights historically associated with Schleicher's Landing, though current availability should be verified:

• Direct Mississippi River Access: This remains the most consistent and valuable feature. The boat ramp offers immediate access to the Mississippi River, ideal for launching kayaks, canoes, and possibly smaller fishing boats. It's a "great place to launch" for river exploration.

• Scenic Riverside Location: Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River near Cassville, the area offers scenic views of the river, wildlife, and the surrounding natural landscape. This is part of the picturesque Wisconsin Great River Road.

• Proximity to Lock and Dam 10: Located on Closing Dam Road, the facility is near Lock and Dam No. 10, providing an opportunity to observe river navigation and the massive scale of Mississippi River operations.

• Historical Connection to Cassville: Being in Cassville, visitors would historically have access to the charm of this historic river town, including Stonefield Historic Site (Nelson Dewey State Park), the Cassville Car Ferry, and local dining establishments.

• Potential for Fishing: With direct river access, the location is inherently suitable for fishing opportunities on the Mississippi River.

• Rustic Accommodation (Historical, with significant caveats): While recent experiences with cabins suggest major deficiencies (lack of lockable doors, no standard coffee maker, no fire pit per cabin), older information indicates there were once accommodations available for those seeking a basic, rustic stay near the river.

• Electricity/Water Hookups (Historical, uncertain current state): Older listings indicate the presence of electricity and water hookups, suggesting suitability for RVs, though their current functionality and availability are questionable due to reports of the business being deserted.

It is important to emphasize that while the location itself offers inherent attractions related to the Mississippi River, the operational features of Schleicher's Landing as a staffed business for camping or lodging are currently in question based on recent customer experiences.

Given the recent customer reviews indicating that Schleicher's Landing appears to be "out of business" or at least not actively staffed, there are no current promotions or special offers to report. The situation described by visitors suggests a lack of active management, including no drop box for payment for the boat ramp, and issues with the functionality of their lodging units.

Historically, any "offers" would likely have been straightforward daily or nightly rates for camping or cabin rentals. However, the current status as perceived by recent visitors points to a cessation of regular business operations, which means no active promotional activities or published deals would be available. For any potential future operations, it would be entirely dependent on new ownership or a significant revitalization effort, which is not currently indicated.

Therefore, Wisconsin locals should not expect any promotions or structured offers from Schleicher's Landing at this time and should plan their trips assuming the primary accessible feature is the unmanaged boat ramp.

Based on the provided information and public listings, the contact details for Schleicher's Landing are as follows:

Address: 7110 Closing Dam Rd, Cassville, WI 53806, USA

Phone: (608) 725-5216

Mobile Phone: +1 608-725-5216

Important Note: Recent customer reviews strongly suggest that the business may be "out of business" or "long deserted." While the phone number is listed, potential visitors should be aware that attempts to contact may not be successful, or the information received may reflect a non-operational status. It is advisable to consider this before attempting to rely on the facility for lodging or staffed services.

For Wisconsin locals, it is crucial to approach Schleicher's Landing with a clear understanding of its current reported status. While its historical reputation and location offer significant appeal, recent visitor accounts paint a picture of a business that "appears to be out of business" or "long deserted." Therefore, its suitability for locals is primarily, if not exclusively, as a public access point rather than a functioning campground or lodging facility.

The core suitability lies in its valuable boat ramp. For those in Wisconsin who own kayaks, canoes, or small fishing boats and wish for direct access to the Mississippi River in the Cassville area, Schleicher's Landing provides a "great place to launch." Its location on Closing Dam Road means convenient entry to the river for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway where it meets the Mississippi.

However, locals planning to visit must be entirely self-sufficient. This means bringing all necessary supplies, understanding that there will likely be no staffed services, and preparing for the possibility of using the ramp without any explicit permission or payment collection. The reported issues with cabins – including safety concerns like a non-locking door and lack of basic amenities like a fire pit – mean that relying on this location for overnight accommodation is highly ill-advised and potentially unsafe.

In conclusion, while Schleicher's Landing might offer an unmanaged but convenient access point to the Mississippi River for independent paddlers and anglers from Wisconsin, it is not currently suitable as a staffed campground or a reliable lodging option. Locals should manage their expectations accordingly and consider it solely for its raw, unserviced river access, while being mindful of the unique challenges described by recent visitors.