TowRiver
See lock traffic before you go
About
Plan your boating trips on major inland waterways with real-time lock traffic, bridge clearances, and river conditions. See who's waiting at locks and get estimated travel times based on your cruising speed.
What's New in TowRiver
1.0
July 15, 2026
FAQ
What waterways does TowRiver cover?
TowRiver covers the Upper Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to St. Louis, the St. Croix River, and the Illinois Waterway up to Lockport. It includes interactive maps with USACE Inland ENC nautical charts that work offline.
How does TowRiver help with trip planning?
You can select a start and destination to get distance, an estimated running time based on your cruising speed, and a list of locks and bridges you will pass. It automatically handles routes across confluences like Prescott and Grafton.
Can I see live lock traffic with TowRiver?
Yes, TowRiver provides real-time updates on who is waiting, in the chamber, and inbound at each lock. It also plots underway tows on the map with their estimated times of arrival.
How does TowRiver help with bridge clearances?
Enter your boat's air draft, and movable bridges will be color-coded (green, yellow, red) based on whether you can clear them at the current river level, which is read from nearby NOAA gauges.
What river conditions does TowRiver provide?
The app offers live river stage and flood status from NOAA gauges, as well as National Weather Service forecasts along your planned route. This helps you stay informed about changing conditions.
Is TowRiver suitable for actual navigation?
No, TowRiver is intended as a planning aid and not a navigational instrument. Lock, traffic, chart, weather, and position data may be delayed or approximate. Always use official charts and sound judgment for navigation.
What devices does TowRiver support?
TowRiver is available for iPhone and iPad. It is designed for users who need to plan their boating trips on these Apple devices.
Does TowRiver have ads?
No, TowRiver does not contain advertisements. It is currently free to use during its early access period.