𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
Our river kayak adventures are self-guided and almost all are beginner-friendly. We provide the kayak, gear, and a shuttle ride upstream—so all you have to do is float back down to your parked car at your own pace. No loops, no backtracking, no hassle. It’s the perfect way to explore the outdoors without needing your own gear or experience. We primarily use stable sit-on-top kayaks(sit-ins also available), and the river is generally shallow, calm, and easy to navigate with occasional riffles or rapids that are detailed below.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
This section offers a fascinating blend of tree-lined parks, wooded stretches, and quiet backyards. It’s one of the most accessible ways to experience the Milwaukee River close to the city, with reliable water levels and regular wildlife sightings, from herons and turtles to deer. The journey starts just below the Thiensville dam and flows south toward Brown Deer, with a bathroom stop available about two-thirds of the way at Mequon’s River Barn Park. A great pick for those wanting a mellow paddle with a mix of natural beauty and neighborhood charm.
𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: Easy
𝐏𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐧: Village Park in Thiensville.
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭: Badger Meter River Park in Brown Deer.
𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭/𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Badger Meter Park in Brown Deer. When the designated parking spots fill up there is free street parking on N Kildeer Ct at the entrance.
𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬: 4.5 miles
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱. 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 1.75-2 hours
𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬: Thiensville Village Park: Flush toilets. Badger Meter River Park: Porta-potty
𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐬: None
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: (+taxes/fees)
Own Boat Shuttle Service: $25 per person
Single Kayak Rental with shuttle: $55 per person
Tandem Kayak Rental with shuttle: $95 for two people
Meeting Location: Badger Meter River Park, Brown Deer, WI.
For more info and signup visit:
https://forwardoutdoor.com/event/mke-river-kayaking-section-7-brown-deer-10/
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Brown Deer, Meetups in Brown Deer.
