The group added a new option this year: A paddle-powered bar boat called the Paddle Tavern. The boat cruises down the Milwaukee River while the bikes traverse through the Third Ward or Walker’s Point.
The novelty of drinking while touring is just something that never get old to Milwaukeeans, especially when with a group of friends. These taverns create the option to join a public tour with a small group or book the entire bike/boat for your own private party.
So if you’re choosing an experience by land or by lake, here’s how the two compare:
| Bikes (pedal) | Boats (paddle) | |
| Price per person (Saturday public tour) | $37 | $45 |
| Length of tour | 2 hours | 1 hour 40 mins. |
| Stops | 3-4 of your choosing | 1-2 – The Sail Loft or Boone & Crockett |
| Drinking aboard | Yes – 3 cans per person | Yes – no restrictions |
| Food allowed? | Yes | Yes |
| Guests allowed | 16 | 14 |
| Tour guide | 1 person to steer | 1 captain, 1 first mate |
| Music? | Bring your own | Bring your own |
| Difficulty level | Moderately hard | Pretty easy (boat is equipped with an engine) |
Pricing varies throughout the week and public tours are available Thursday-Sunday. Both bike and boat tours start from the Cooperage building (822 S. Water St.).
To sum it up, for people that like more stops and want to cover more ground, try the bikes. If you’re looking for more of a relaxing experience where you can nosh comfortably, and you don’t need to check out the bars, try the boats.
To check the public tour schedule or for information on private tours, click here.
