Rapide Croche

(A French name which has come to mean “Eighth Rapids“) is a permanently sealed lock and acts as a barrier to prevent invasive aquatic species from traveling from the Great Lakes to the Lake Winnebago system. This dewatered lock provides a good chance to view the inlet fill valves and other hardware that normally is hidden below the water line.

The Fox River Navigational System Authority has proposed building a boat lift/transfer and cleaning station at the Rapide Croche lock site which would allow boaters to navigate the entire length of the river after boats are cleaned and inspected. A hot water cleaning process will flush each boat’s propulsion systems, intakes, and exhaust ports to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. For more information on this plan, please visit this link. (link to boat transfer page)