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 paddle takes you through one of the most scenic urban stretches of the Milwaukee River, flowing through the heart of the Milwaukee River Greenway. You’ll launch just below the waterfall at Kletzsch Park, then wind past wooded banks, pedestrian bridges, and the wild beauty of Lincoln and Estabrook Parks. After a short portage around the Estabrook dam, the river carries you into charming Hubbard Park, where the beer garden awaits just steps from the take-out. Nature, neighborhoods, and a cold drink at the end—what more could you want?
𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: Easy
𝐏𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐧: Kletzsch Park in Glendale
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭: Hubbard Park in Shorewood
𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭/𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Hubbard Park in Shorewood. Park in the upper parking lot, then walk through the tunnel and down to the riverside launch.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱. 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 2-2.5 hours
𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐬: A decent amount of riffles and small rapids, but nothing too difficult.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: There is a mandatory portage (get out and take boat around) the small dam at Estabrook Park. Look to the right side (west) of the river as you approach, pull boat out, drag maybe 25 feet, then put back in. Do NOT attempt to run the falls, only for experienced paddlers with the right equipment.
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 (+fees/taxes):
Own Boat Shuttle Service: $25 per person
Single Kayak Rental: $55 per person
Tandem Kayak Rental: $95 for two people
For more info & signup visit:
https://forwardoutdoor.com/event/mke-river-kayaking-section-9-shorewood/
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Milwaukee.
