Kaukauna Locks Reopen

The Kaukauna Locks System is open to boat traffic for the first time since the mid-1980s.

After years of restoration and repairs to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, boaters can now travel up and down the river – all the way to Menasha. The locks were built more than 170 years ago in 1848. That is also the only fully-restored locks system in the nation that is hand-operated.

Officials say there are about 25 miles of river that people will be able to navigate. A one-mile trail system is being added alongside the locks. It should open next spring.