Peaceful Places to Paddle
Beginners should have no problem kayaking on the Milwaukee River, despite boat traffic, but if you’re looking for a quieter spot, there are several good options.
Menomonee River
A low rail bridge along North Plankinton Avenue keeps bigger motorboats out of the Menomonee River. “You’re not going to run into wakes or really any boat traffic up that way,” says Brew City Kayak co-owner Michael Fischer.
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Kinnickinnic River
Fischer also recommends paddling up the Kinnickinnic. “After you go through Harbor View’s industrial area and the boat yards, you get to a wooded area where larger boats can’t go, and that is a cool little secret spot.”
Lower Nemahbin Lake
Mary Biedrzycki, manager of Clear Water Outdoor’s Delafield branch, suggests heading west to Lower Nemahbin Lake in Summit. “It has a great public boat launch, and you can pick up the Bark River to get to Crooked Lake.”
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It’s a good idea to reserve a kayak or SUP if you’re planning to paddle on the weekend or a holiday. On weekdays, it’s generally not necessary, but doing so will save you time, as the staff can prepare your vessel before you arrive.
Where to Rent
Milwaukee
Brew City Kayak
818 S. WATER ST.
Single and tandem kayaks.
Milwaukee Kayak Tours
113 E. JUNEAU
Single and tandem kayaks.
Milwaukee Kayak Co.
318 S. WATER ST. | 1555 N. RIVERCENTER DR. | 1200 W. CANAL ST.
Canoes, single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards every day at Jerry’s Docks. Weekend-only locations at Schlitz Park and Twisted Fisherman.
Clear Water Outdoor
407 N. WATER ST.
Kayaks and SUPs, across the street from Milwaukee Public Market.
Lake Country
Clear Water Outdoor
803 N. GENESSE ST., DELAFIELD
Kayak and SUPs on the Bark River connecting to Nemahbin and Nagawicka lakes.
Panga Bar & Grill
34422 DELAFIELD RD., SUMMIT
Kayaks, canoes and SUPs on Nemahbin Lake.
Paddle Pewaukee
145 PARK AVE., PEWAUKEE
SUPs rentals, lessons and yoga next to Pewaukee Beach.
If you’d like to kayak with a group or combine paddling with city exploration, join a guided tour. Brew City Kayak and Milwaukee Kayak Tours offer excursions that include visits to local landmarks – perfect if you’ve got out-of-town visitors – and a cheese curd tour that includes snack breaks at several establishments along the rivers. Milwaukee Kayak Co. runs morning tours of city sights and also does private tours.
