Directions from Madison to Prairie du Sac Dam

Approximate driving time: 40 minutes

Aproximate driving distance: 30 miles

General Info:

Prairie du Sac Dam (aka Sac) is a hydro dam on the Wisconsin River, 40 min north of Madison. The outflow has a couple hundred feet of whitewater. Check the American Whitewater link for more information. Sac is where most Hoofers earn their R1 rating, which entitles them to go on beginner river trips. These are Class I-II+ rapids depending on the water levels. In spite of the strong current, Sac is an extremely safe practice spot because the water is deep enough that you rarely encounter rocks and the whitewater quickly peters out into a pool of calmer water after a hundred yards or so.

Directions:

Leave Madison going WEST on University Ave. We usually drop extra cars off in the First American Title parking lot. It’s just off University Ave in the shopping center on the RIGHT side after the Hill/Shorewood traffic light.
To get to Sac, continue on University Ave about 5 miles to the Beltline (HW 12) in Middleton.
Turn RIGHT onto HW 12 WEST and follow it for about 20 miles into Sauk City. Immediately after crossing the bridge in Sauk City there is a traffic light.
Turn RIGHT at the light (Business US 12) and follow it for about 3 miles to Dam Rd. This is a small road to the right.
Turn RIGHT on Dam Rd and take the RIGHT fork when it splits. This takes you to the parking area.

	MEMBERSHIP FORUM PHOTOS RESOURCES CALENDAR CONTACT US
Activities Backpacking Canoeing Caving Cross-country Skiing Mountain Biking Road Biking Sea Kayaking Telemark Skiing Top-rope Climbing Whitewater Kayaking What if I Flip Over? Kayak Skills Boats & Gear "Sac" Trips First River Trip Driving Directions Other Activities Instruction Leading Trips Tips and Tricks For All Paddlers About the Club Weekly Meetings Leader Recognition History Executive Board Policies & Procedures E-mail Lists Member List Club Wiki Login Username: Password: Lost Password? Want a login?	Directions from Madison to Prairie du Sac Dam Approximate driving time: 40 minutes Aproximate driving distance: 30 miles General Info: Prairie du Sac Dam (aka Sac) is a hydro dam on the Wisconsin River, 40 min north of Madison. The outflow has a couple hundred feet of whitewater. Check the American Whitewater link for more information. Sac is where most Hoofers earn their R1 rating, which entitles them to go on beginner river trips. These are Class I-II+ rapids depending on the water levels. In spite of the strong current, Sac is an extremely safe practice spot because the water is deep enough that you rarely encounter rocks and the whitewater quickly peters out into a pool of calmer water after a hundred yards or so. Directions: Leave Madison going WEST on University Ave. We usually drop extra cars off in the First American Title parking lot. It’s just off University Ave in the shopping center on the RIGHT side after the Hill/Shorewood traffic light. To get to Sac, continue on University Ave about 5 miles to the Beltline (HW 12) in Middleton. Turn RIGHT onto HW 12 WEST and follow it for about 20 miles into Sauk City. Immediately after crossing the bridge in Sauk City there is a traffic light. Turn RIGHT at the light (Business US 12) and follow it for about 3 miles to Dam Rd. This is a small road to the right. Turn RIGHT on Dam Rd and take the RIGHT fork when it splits. This takes you to the parking area.
The Hoofer Outing Club promotes safe, fun, outdoor and social activities that are open to all. This means we promote diversity, try to accommodate people who are disabled (within budget constraints), and do not allow harassment of any kind. For more information, please email our Accessibility Chair.