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The Lake Pepin Messabout is a regional gathering all those who build or love home-built boats.  That includes canoes, kayaks, sailboats and powerboats.  Admission is free.

Also visit our Facebook Group: Lake Pepin Messabout for more info about this year's messabout, plus photos and action videos from previous years.

As always, the messabout will 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. Be vigilant near the barge channel, which is nearly a mile away on the Wisconsin side.  They go fast and it can be lights-out if you don't stay out of their way!

You don't need to bring your own watercraft, but if you do, it'll be more fun for everyone.  We welcome people who are boat builders, curious about building their first boat, or even just like boats in general.  There will be more than enough rides available if you just want to experience some of these marvelous boats. This is a family-type event, so kids are welcome as long as you keep track of them and respect everyone's space. Pets are also allowed at the campground, but please remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them!

Launching

There is a free public launching ramp just north of the campground a few minutes by water from our campsites.  Overnight parking is not allowed there so if you are staying overnight, you will need to walk (via a trail through the woods near Hwy 61 or ask someone for a ride) back to the ramp and move your vehicle to the campground's lot for cars and trailers.  Then you will need to purchase a permit to use that lot.  TRAILERS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the regular campground parking lot.  

Many participants with smaller, lighter boats prefer to drive them to the campsite and cart or carry them (usually with help from fellow campers) down the bank to the beach. 

If you have a larger boat with auxiliary power that can carry all your gear, the city-owned marina in Lake City is a great option. For a $10 launch fee, you can launch in complete shelter from the wind and get unlimited parking for your vehicle and trailer.  You will be putting in about 3 miles south of the campground, however.

Camping or other Accommodations

See Accommodations page.

Day Trip

You can always come for the day.  The public ramp near the campground can fill up in good fishing weather so, if you need a ramp, get there early. Then sail, row, paddle, or motor around the corner and pull your boat up on the campground beach whenever you like.  If parking at the ramp is full, consider the other options described above or call/find another participant at the campground who could drive your rig to the campground after you launch. (You will need to get a parking permit for the trailer lot.)  

Schedule

Arrive when you can, and stay as long as possible. The majority of attendees show up Friday afternoon or evening, but some show up even a day or two earlier. Saturday is the main event when day trippers show up and we all have good fun on the water or the beach. We will have a potluck Saturday night in one of the picnic shelters and campers  enjoy campfires together in the evenings. Sunday morning we try to make the mile or so trip across the lake to Stockholm, WI for brunch (bring cash!) and people typically start drifting home after making the trip back to MN. 

Let me know if you are coming

Please fill out the form on the Contact Us  page  if you're planning to come.  Then I'll know how many to expect and can keep you informed of any developments via email.

Questions?                                                            

Contact Us