Arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of the Milwaukee River, this section is known for its clear water, minimal development, and abundant wildlife. The river flows through scenic woodlands—including a peaceful stretch alongside Riveredge Nature Center—making it a favorite for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Choose between a longer 5–6 hour journey from Newburg Fireman’s Park or a shorter 2.5-hour option from the Hwy A bridge, with both routes ending at Waubedonia Park. Expect a few light rapids and occasional shallow spots, especially during low water.

> Difficulty Level: Beginner

> Put Ins: Option 1 starts at Newburg Fireman’s Park, the shorter Option 2 starts at Hwy A Bridge (a more rustic launch, requires carrying kayak across the road & bridge, then down to the river).

> Take Out: Waubedonia Park in Fredonia

> Meeting Location/Parking: Waubedonia Park (launch area south of Hwy H by campground)

> River Miles: Option 1: 11 miles, Option 2: 5.2 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: Option 1: 5 hours, Option 2: 2.5 hours

> Bathrooms: Newburg Fireman’s Park: Porta potty, Hwy A: None, Waubedonia Park: Pit toilets by launch, flush toilets in east end of park.

> Rapids: A few riffles here and there, but overall a great paddle for beginners.

Section Notes:
Water Levels

• Should be at least 250 CFS

This stretch of river has that “hidden gem” feel—scenic, peaceful, and accessible. Launching from Waubedonia Park and ending in Saukville at Ehlers Park, the route winds through a mix of tree-lined bends and quiet, semi-urban scenery. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, basking turtles, and the occasional deer near the banks. It’s a local favorite for a reason—great vibes, no crowds, and an easygoing paddle all the way through.

> Difficulty Level: Easy

> Put In: Waubedonia Park in Fredonia.

> Take Out: Ehlers Park in Saukville.

> Meeting Location/Parking: Ehlers Park in Saukville. (There are two launches/parking lots at Ehlers, watch your pre-departure email sent within 48 hours of your trip for details since the chosen parking lot will depend on water levels)

> River Miles: 5 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 2 hours

> Bathrooms: Waubedonia Park: Pit toilets by launch, flush toilets in east end of park, Ehlers Park: Porta potties

> Rapids: A few riffles here and there, with one small rapid towards the beginning of the trip, but overall a great paddle for beginners.

Section Notes:
Water Levels

• Should be at least 350 CFS

A relaxed paddle with a little spice—this suburban-meets-nature stretch of river offers easygoing flow, glimpses of backyard charm, and occasional wildlife along the way. For a bit more excitement, Option 1 is the full 3.5-hour route from Ehlers Park and includes a short set of Class I+ rapids near the start. Prefer a smoother ride? Try Option 2 for the 2.5-hour version launching at Peninsula Park. Both routes end at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton and are great for paddlers of all skill levels.

> Difficulty Level: Beginner

> Put Ins: Option 1: Ehlers Park in Saukville, Option 2: Peninsula Park in Saukville

> Take Out: Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton.

> Meeting Location/Parking: Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton, there is plenty of free street parking

> River Miles:Option 1: 8 miles, Option 2: 5.7 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: Option 1: 3.5 hours, Option 2: 2.5 hours

> Bathrooms: Ehlers Park: Porta potties, Peninsula Park: Porta potty, Veteran’s Memorial Park: Flush toilets in new pavilion by launch

> Rapids: A few riffles here and there, with one small Class 1+ rapid towards the beginning of the longer trip, but overall a great paddle for all levels.

Section Notes:
Water Levels

• Should be at least 350 CFS

Short, scenic, and seriously stunning—this 1.5-hour paddle kicks off at Lime Kiln Park with a bit of swift current and immediately drops you into a mini version of the Wisconsin Dells. Towering rock walls and tree-lined banks create a gorge-like experience you won’t find anywhere else on the river. After the “dells,” the river splits and ripples through light rapids before mellowing out into a peaceful glide to Garrison’s Glen. A must-paddle for nature lovers and geology geeks alike.

> Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate

> Put In: Lime Kiln Park in Grafton.

> Take Out: Garrison’s Glen in Mequon

> Meeting Location/Parking: Garrison’s Glen in Mequon. Recommended to park in east overflow lot if possible

> River Miles:Option 1: 3.3 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 1.5 hours

> Bathrooms: Lime Kiln: Flush toilets in pavilion at entrance to park, Garrison’s Glen: None

> Rapids: There are some small Class I rapids after the dells in Grafton but fairly relaxed otherwise.

Section Notes: We do not run the section of river above this from the Grafton dam to Lime Kiln as it can get up to Class II or III whitewater in high-water conditions. In the summer of 2024 there were multiple Search and Rescue operations to save stranded paddlers that didn’t know what they were getting into. That section is only for experienced paddlers with the right equipment, therefore as a recreational kayaking business we do not offer that section for our shuttles.

Water Levels: Should be at least 350 CFS

This crowd favorite is part of our “Core Four” for a reason—reliable water levels, peaceful paddling, and some of the most natural scenery on the river. The first half feels almost untouched, winding through forested banks and wildlife habitat with barely a house in sight. As you approach Thiensville, you’ll pass nature preserves before the river begins to widen and slow, taking on a lake-like feel near the dam. Expect a calm, scenic float with occasional boat traffic near the end on busy weekends.

> Difficulty Level: Easy

> Put In:Garrison’s Glen in Mequon.

> Take Out: Village Park in Thiensville.

> Meeting Location/Parking: Village Park in Thiensville, plenty of parking.

> River Miles: 6.5 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 2.5-3 hours

> Bathrooms: Garrison’s Glen: None, Thiensville Village Park: Flush toilets

> Rapids: A few riffles possible towards the beginning in low water, but most of this section is plenty deep and calm.

Section Notes:Water Levels: Good at almost any level, during low water there are one or two small spots you might scrape

This section offers a fascinating blend of tree-lined parks, wooded stretches, and quiet backyards. It’s one of the most accessible ways to experience the Milwaukee River close to the city, with reliable water levels and regular wildlife sightings, from herons and turtles to deer. The journey starts just below the Thiensville dam and flows south toward Brown Deer, with a bathroom stop available about two-thirds of the way at Mequon’s River Barn Park. A great pick for those wanting a mellow paddle with a mix of natural beauty and neighborhood charm.

> Difficulty Level: Easy

> Put In: Village Park in Thiensville.

> Take Out: Badger Meter River Park in Brown Deer.

> Meeting Location/Parking: Badger Meter Park in Brown Deer. When the designated parking spots fill up there is free street parking on N Kildeer Ct at the entrance.

> River Miles: 4.5 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 1.75-2 hours

> Bathrooms: Thiensville Village Park: Flush toilets, Badger Meter River Park: Porta-potty

> Rapids: none

Section Notes:
Water Levels: Good at almost any level, during low water there are a few spots you might scrape. Should have at least 150-200 CFS for good conditions.

This mellow stretch offers a laid-back paddle through a mix of nature and suburbia. Starting at Badger Meter Park, the river meanders past the prestigious Milwaukee Country Club, alongside wooded banks, and through a patchwork of peaceful neighborhoods. It’s a quiet, easygoing section—no rapids, no surprises—ideal for beginners or anyone looking to unwind and enjoy the flow. Expect birdsong, calm waters, and a comfortable blend of natural and residential views.

> Difficulty Level: Easy

> Put In:Badger Meter River Park in Brown Deer.

> Take Out:Kletzsch Park in Glendale

> Meeting Location/Parking: Kletzsch Park in Glendale. Plenty of parking in the east parking lot where we meet by the kayak launch

> River Miles: 4.6 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 2 hours

> Bathrooms: Badger Meter River Park: Porta-potty, Kletzsch Park: Flush toilets

> Rapids: none

Section Notes:
Water Levels: Good at almost any level, during low water there are a few spots you might scrape. Should have at least 150-200 CFS for good conditions.

This paddle takes you through one of the most scenic urban stretches of the Milwaukee River, flowing through the heart of the Milwaukee River Greenway. You’ll launch just below the waterfall at Kletzsch Park, then wind past wooded banks, pedestrian bridges, and the wild beauty of Lincoln and Estabrook Parks. After a short portage around the Estabrook dam, the river carries you into charming Hubbard Park, where the beer garden awaits just steps from the take-out. Nature, neighborhoods, and a cold drink at the end—what more could you want?

> Difficulty Level: Easy

> Put In: Kletzsch Park in Glendale

> Take Out: Hubbard Park in Shorewood

> Meeting Location/Parking: Hubbard Park in Shorewood. Park in the upper parking lot, then walk through the tunnel and down to the riverside launch.

> River Miles: 5.4 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: 2-2.5 hours

> Bathrooms: Kletzsch Park: Flush toilets, Hubbard Park: Flush toilets

> Rapids: A decent amount of riffles and small rapids, but nothing too difficult.

Section Notes:
There is a mandatory portage (get out and take boat around) the small dam at Estabrook Park. Look to the right side (west) of the river as you approach, pull boat out, drag maybe 25 feet, then put back in. Do NOT attempt to run the falls, only for experienced paddlers with the right equipment.

Water Levels: Good at almost any level, during low water there are a few spots you might scrape. Should have at least 150-200 CFS for good conditions.

This final stretch of the Milwaukee River delivers a dramatic shift from wilderness to cityscape. The longer option (2.5 hours) starts at Hubbard Park, winding through the tree-lined Milwaukee River Greenway with multiple light rapids, including a Class I–II drop near North Avenue. From there, the river slows and transforms into an urban paddle past drawbridges, historic buildings, and skyline views. The shorter option (2 hours) launches at the Milwaukee Rowing Club docks for a calm, flatwater journey through downtown Milwaukee’s vibrant riverfront.

> Difficulty Level: Option 1: Intermediate due to North Ave Class I-II rapids. Option 2: Easy

> Put Ins:Option 1: Hubbard Park in Shorewood, Option 2: Milwaukee Rowing Club

> Take Out:Bruce St. Launch

> Meeting Location/Parking: Hubbard Park in Shorewood. Park in the upper parking lot, then walk through the tunnel and down to the riverside launch.

> River Miles:Option 1: 4.8 miles, Option 2: 2.6 miles

> Approx. Paddle Time: Option 1: 2.5-3 hours, Option 2: 1.5-2 hours

> Bathrooms: Hubbard Park: Flush toilets, Milwaukee Rowing Club: None, Bruce St Launch: Porta potty

> Rapids: North Ave rapids on longer stretch are Class I-II depending on water levels. Can be portaged around if necessary, but it’s not a short distance.

Section Notes:
There is a mandatory portage (get out and take boat around) the small dam at Estabrook Park. Look to the right side (west) of the river as you approach, pull boat out, drag maybe 25 feet, then put back in. Do NOT attempt to run the falls, only for experienced paddlers with the right equipment.

Water Levels: Good at almost any level, during low water there are a few spots you might scrape. Should have at least 150-200 CFS for good conditions.