Milwaukee Kayaking: Paddle the River at Your Own Pace
Paddle past the Bronze Fonz and the Hoan Bridge on your own schedule
Kayak rental on the Milwaukee River lets you explore at your own pace for up to 4 hours, starting from Brew City Kayaks near downtown. You get a sit-on-top kayak, life jacket, paddle and a quick lesson before launch. Paddle upriver past the city skyline, stop whenever you want (many paddlers pull over at breweries or restaurants along the water), and return on your own timeline.
The experience
You arrive at Brew City Kayaks on South Water Street with free parking right there. Check in at the Paddle Shack, fill out a waiver, get fitted with a life jacket and look at a map of the river. A staff member gives you a quick paddle lesson, then you're in the water. The kayaks are sit-on-top style, which means you can get in and out easily if you want to stop, and they're stable enough to hold a cooler if you bring one.
Head upriver into downtown Milwaukee and you'll pass the Hoan Bridge, the Bronze Fonz statue and other city landmarks as you go. There's no fixed route and no schedule to keep. You have up to 4 hours to paddle, explore and come back. Many kayakers stop at one of the breweries or restaurants along the river, pull the kayak up and take a break. If you paddle all the way upriver, plan about 1.5 hours for the return trip.
The whole setup is built for people who want to move at their own speed. You're not following a guide or staying with a group. You're deciding where to go and how long to stay. Dress for the weather, bring water and sunscreen, and if you're worried about getting wet, bring a change of clothes. It happens sometimes.
What’s included
- Sit-on-top kayak.
- paddle.
- personal flotation device (life jacket).
- quick paddle lesson before launch.
- map of the river.
Information
Lasts , from US$ 55 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Operated by Brew City Kayak LLC
Is this one for you?You control the entire pace and route, so this works best if you want to explore without a guide leading the way or a group keeping you on schedule. Bring a friend or go solo: either way, you're deciding when to paddle hard, when to drift and where to stop.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.
Can I stop at a brewery while I'm out on the water?
Yes. Many paddlers pull their kayaks up at breweries and restaurants along the Milwaukee River and take a break. You control the route and the stops, so you can spend as much time as you want at any spot along the way.
What's the Bronze Fonz and where is it on the river?
The Bronze Fonz is a statue of the Fonz character from the TV show "Happy Days," which was set in Milwaukee. You'll pass it as you paddle upriver from the launch point, and it's one of the city landmarks you see from the water.
How long does it take to paddle all the way upriver and come back?
If you paddle all the way upriver, allow about 1.5 hours for the return trip. You have up to 4 hours total from launch, so you can spend time exploring and stopping along the way without rushing to get back.
Do I need kayaking experience to rent?
No. You get a quick paddle lesson before you launch, and the sit-on-top kayaks are designed to be stable and easy to handle. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 6.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The activity can be canceled due to inclement weather. Check the conditions before you go, and dress for whatever the weather is on the day you paddle.
Milwaukee Kayaking: Paddle the River at Your Own Pace
from US$ 55 per person