Free Concierge Service
    Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Milwaukee…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Kayaking Tours
    5. /Milwaukee Guided Kayak History Tour
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Resources

    • Travel Guides
    • Experience Gift Cards
    • Help Center
    [email protected]1-877-GREET-WELL

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Product image 6
    Product image 7
    Product image 8
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Milwaukee Guided Kayak History Tour

    Paddle Milwaukee's waterways with Historical Society archivists and uncover the city's stories

    4.9 stars• 317 reviews

    Duration

    2.5 hours

    Includes

    Kayak, paddle, life jacket

    Highlights

    Explore downtown Milwaukee by kayak on a guided history tour led by Milwaukee County Historical Society archivists Steve Schaffer and Michael Barera. Paddle at a relaxed pace, pausing along the way as your guides share the stories behind the city’s waterways and landmarks.

    • Discover the famous names, buildings and bridges that shaped Milwaukee
    • Follow your guides through downtown waterways and hear stories at stops along the route
    • Learn paddle basics before launching as a group

    What's Included

    • Kayak, tandem kayak, paddleboard or canoe
    • Paddle
    • Life jacket
    • Brief paddle lesson and river map review
    • Dry bag to borrow, subject to availability
    • Water and snacks

    Important details

    • Ages 12+ may paddle a single kayak
    • Children under 12 must share a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian age 18+
    • Swimming is required
    • Weight limit: 275 lbs for a single kayak and 450 lbs for a tandem kayak, depending on river and weather conditions
    • Paddlers under 18 need an adult to sign the waiver
    • Wear a life jacket when near or on the water

    Cancellation Policy

    If the operator cancels due to weather or river conditions, you can rebook for a different date or receive a full refund. If you cancel on the day of your reservation, you may rebook for a different day or may not receive a refund. No-shows do not receive a refund.

    Product ID: MH5UAS

    FAQs

    Yes. Free parking is available in the parking lot and on the street.

    Wear lightweight clothing, sandals or thin-soled shoes, and bring a rain jacket or windbreaker. Do not wear jeans or heavy cotton.

    Yes. Small coolers are okay.

    Meeting details

    Milwaukee Kayak Company, 318 South Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204

    Experience provided by Milwaukee Kayak Company

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Single Kayak Rental

    $51.26

    Age 12+ paddle alone. Paddlers under 18 need adult to sign the waiver.

    0

    Tandem Kayak Rental

    $96.82

    Fits 2 people • Paddlers under 18 need adult permission and sign the waiver.

    0

    Family Tandem Kayak Rental

    $85.42

    This is for one adult and one child under the age of 12.

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    317 reviews•Google Maps
    285
    9
    1
    0
    2

    Milwaukee River kayaking gets consistently high marks from paddlers who appreciate the combination of friendly, knowledgeable staff and a scenic urban route. The team here clearly knows how to make newcomers feel comfortable, with instructors like Paul and Sherry getting specific shout-outs for their patience and expertise. First-timers mention feeling safe and well-prepared, while repeat visitors keep coming back for the convenient launch point and well-maintained equipment. Free dry bags and storage cubbies are nice practical touches. The location in the Third Ward offers surprisingly good paddling in both directions along the river, with interesting views of downtown Milwaukee and landmarks like the Harley Museum. The rental process is smooth and efficient, with easy online booking and staff who provide helpful route suggestions. Families seem particularly happy with how accommodating the operation is across different skill levels and ages.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    We booked Milwaukee Kayak Company based on price after researching a few kayak companies in MKE. We had an enjoyable experience kayaking on the Milwaukee river with a guide (Paul, I believe) who provided some narration. He was quite the character! We've kayaked several times before, but it was a unique experience paddling through the center of a city with buildings and bridges all around. We booked easily online prior to our vacation and they were very responsive by text when we asked to change the date. Life jackets and instruction were provided. Porta-potties were availabe for use. The guide was kind enough to take everyone's photo in front of a nearby bridge and e-mail the photos. There were 6 people tandem kayaking the day we did the tour, including us, plus the guide. Look for the signs for Milwaukee Kayak Company as you approach Jerry's Docks. It was easy to find. If I had any feedback, we would have liked a little more in-depth narration. Note: We tipped our guide, as did others on the tour.

    Photo of E J

    E J

    September 2, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    We booked Milwaukee Kayak Company based on price after researching a few kayak companies in MKE. We had an enjoyable experience kayaking on the Milwaukee river with a guide (Paul, I believe) who provided some narration. He was quite the character! We've kayaked several times before, but it was a unique experience paddling through the center of a city with buildings and bridges all around. We booked easily online prior to our vacation and they were very responsive by text when we asked to change the date. Life jackets and instruction were provided. Porta-potties were availabe for use. The guide was kind enough to take everyone's photo in front of a nearby bridge and e-mail the photos. There were 6 people tandem kayaking the day we did the tour, including us, plus the guide. Look for the signs for Milwaukee Kayak Company as you approach Jerry's Docks. It was easy to find. If I had any feedback, we would have liked a little more in-depth narration. Note: We tipped our guide, as did others on the tour.

    Photo of E J

    E J

    September 2, 2026

    Nearby activities

    4-Hour Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rental Milwaukee
    Kayaking Tours

    4-Hour Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rental Milwaukee

    Paddle Milwaukee's rivers with time to explore and stop along the way

    Paddle Milwaukee's rivers with time to explore and stop along the way
    4.9 • 317 reviews
    $46& up
    2-Hour Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rental in Milwaukee
    Kayaking Tours

    2-Hour Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Rental in Milwaukee

    Explore Milwaukee’s rivers with a self-paced paddle and included instruction

    Explore Milwaukee’s rivers with a self-paced paddle and included instruction
    4.9 • 317 reviews
    $40& up
    8-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee
    Kayaking Tours

    8-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee

    Rent a kayak for 8 hours in Milwaukee (ages 18+)

    Rent a kayak for 8 hours in Milwaukee (ages 18+)
    4.9 • 426 reviews
    $85/ kayak
    4-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee
    Kayaking Tours

    4-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee

    Rent a kayak for 4 hours and paddle on your own schedule

    Rent a kayak for 4 hours and paddle on your own schedule
    4.9 • 426 reviews
    $50/ kayak
    2-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee
    Kayaking Tours

    2-Hour Kayak Rental in Milwaukee

    Paddle solo or share a tandem kayak on the water

    Paddle solo or share a tandem kayak on the water
    4.9 • 426 reviews
    $41/ kayak
    Guided Milwaukee Kayak & Brewery Tour
    Kayaking Tours

    Guided Milwaukee Kayak & Brewery Tour

    Kayak Milwaukee with guided brewery stops and a dry-land paddle lesson

    Kayak Milwaukee with guided brewery stops and a dry-land paddle lesson
    4.9 • 247 reviews
    $167/ person