Join us for a Scenic Kayak Social — a relaxed group paddle led by Forward Outdoor co-owner Elizabeth Baehmann.
We’ll paddle together through the beautiful Mequon stretch of the Milwaukee River, starting with some light-moving water and a short section of mellow rapids before settling into a scenic float. It’s a great fit for beginner-to-intermediate paddlers who are up for a little adventure and a lot of connection.
Whether you come solo or with a friend, this is your chance to paddle with people, not just past them.
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
Short, scenic, and seriously stunning—this 1.5-hour paddle kicks off at Lime Kiln Park with a bit of swift current and immediately drops you into a mini version of the Wisconsin Dells. Towering rock walls and tree-lined banks create a gorge-like experience you won’t find anywhere else on the river. After the “dells,” the river splits and ripples through light rapids before mellowing out into a peaceful glide to Garrison’s Glen. A must-paddle for nature lovers and geology geeks alike.
Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate
Put In: Lime Kiln Park in Grafton.
Take Out: Garrison’s Glen in Mequon
Meeting Point/Parking: Garrison’s Glen in Mequon. Recommended to park in east overflow lot if possible
River Miles: 3.3 miles
Approx. Paddle Time: 1.5 hours
Bathrooms: Lime Kiln: Flush toilets in pavilion at entrance to park. Garrison’s Glen: None
Rapids: There are some small Class I rapids after the dells in Grafton but fairly relaxed otherwise.
What’s Included:
Single or tandem kayak rental
Paddle and life jacket
Shuttle transportation upstream
Free use of dry bag and/or floating phone case
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: Garrison’s Glen Park, East Parking lot, Mequon.
Day-Of Reservations:
Given the mobile nature of our operations, we load our trailer in the morning with pre-reserved boats plus a few extras. For same-day reservations, please text or call us at 414-261-3871 to ensure availability.
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