6.5-Mile Kayak Rental on the Milwaukee River
Paddle at your own pace with an upstream shuttle and forested river scenery
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Includes
Kayak, shuttle & life jacket
Highlights
Drift down the Milwaukee River on a self-guided paddle through largely natural, forested banks. An upstream shuttle lets you paddle back at your own pace.
- Explore scenic riverbanks as the water opens into wider, slower stretches near Thiensville
- Navigate mostly calm water with occasional riffles
- Launch at Garrison's Glen and paddle back to Village Park
- Look for wildlife along the river habitat
What's Included
- Single or tandem kayak rental
- Paddle and life jacket
- Upstream shuttle
- Basic orientation
- Dry bag and/or floating cell phone case
Important details
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure
- Ages 12+ to paddle a single kayak
- Minimum weight 35 lbs due to life jacket specifications
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear that can get wet; no flip-flops
- Requires assisting with carrying kayaks when possible
- Leave pets, glass, and Styrofoam off the river
- Use alcohol responsibly; boating under the influence is prohibited
- Expect shallow spots after changing river conditions, which may require briefly walking your kayak
- Trips run rain or shine except in severe weather
Cancellation Policy
Full refund or reschedule more than 48 hours before your trip. No refund within 48 hours, but you may reschedule. Full refund or reschedule for weather-related cancellations.
FAQs
Use the permanent restrooms at Thiensville Village Park before departure. A porta-potty is available at Villa Grove Park about 2–2.5 hours into the trip; no restroom is available at Garrison's Glen.
Bring a towel and dry clothes for after paddling, water and snacks, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Single rentals include a 9.5-foot sit-on-top kayak. Tandem kayaks are also available, and sit-in kayaks may be available on request. Larger sit-on-top single kayaks have a higher weight capacity of 350 lbs versus 300 lbs, but availability is not guaranteed.
Meeting details
Thiensville Village Park
