The Locks / Kaukauna

There are five locks in Kaukauna because this is the the Fox River’s steepest drop in elevation—and as of summer 2021, all five locks are open to navigation!

The area was discovered in 1634 and called KaKalin Falls by the Native Americans; for the next several decades, the area was known as Grand KaKalin. Now, The Gran KaKalin is a riverfront development of the old Eagle Mill which includes the new public library and commercial space.

Renovation of Lock 1 was done to maintain the historic construction and completed in 2015. Crews took the lock apart stone by stone—each limestone slab weighed about 6,000 pounds.

Street Address: 701 Canal St., Kaukauna WI, 54130

This lock is near one of only two pony truss swing bridges built in 1901 that is still in operation. The bridge can open/close in under one minute and still carries rail traffic today. This lock was also the site of scientific research by the U.S. Geologic Survey and you can learn more about their project at this link. This lock also overlooks the massive footprint of the Thilmany Mill owned by Ahlstrom-Munksjo. There has been a paper mill in Kaukauna for more than 130 years.

Street Address: 950 Augustine St., Kaukauna, WI  54130

Lock 3 is the lock nearest to our administrative offices. This lock features a dry dock location which was in use by the Army Corps of Engineers when the U.S. government operated the locks. The lock also gives an expansive view of the Thilmany paper mill.

Street Address: 1014 Augustine St., Kaukauna, WI  54130

Two regional attractions are at lock 4.

“This Big One” is a cross section of a Douglas fir was cut down after standing for 586 years. In total, the fir grew to a considerable circumference of 34 feet 8 inches, a diameter of almost 13 feet, and a head-spinning height of 238 feet. This Big One was just 133 years young when Columbus arrived in America.

The was on display at the entrance to the Menasha Corporation in Wisconsin until 1969. Not long after, the Army Corp of Engineers transported the tree north by barge along the Fox River to its current home, Kaukauna Lock No. 4.

The Grignon Mansion is within walking distance of the lock and is a national and state historic site. This Greek Revival home has been restored to the time period of 1837 when it was built by Charles A. Grignon for his new bride. The home was called the “Mansion in the Woods” and was an elegant escape from the life of a fur trader. Tours are available early May through Labor Day.

Street Address: 1200 Augustine St., Kaukauna, WI  54130

This is perhaps the most historic and the last of the Kaukauna Locks. The construction materials in this lock are stacked stone rubble and are original to the 1850s. For more than 150 years, this construction has withstood weather, storms and regular use. When the locks were restored in 2015, construction crews lined the lock with wood timbers to protect the stone construction (and the boats using the lock). If you are interested in this construction, visit the Little Chute lock where the historic construction materials may be viewed.

Street Address: 1750 Augustine St., Kaukauna, WI  54130