Join a relaxed evening paddle from the Discovery World dock to help test new kayak and SUP programming while getting affordable access to Milwaukee’s skyline from the water. It’s social, short, and perfect for beginners who don’t mind appearing in a few candid shots.
Join a relaxed evening paddle from the Discovery World dock to help test new kayak and SUP programming while getting affordable access to Milwaukee’s skyline from the water. It’s social, short, and perfect for beginners who don’t mind appearing in a few candid shots.
Book with Forward Outdoor
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Forward Outdoor · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
easy.
Up to 1.5 hours.
Light: basic balance and comfort on flat water; no prior paddling experience required.
No—this is not a lesson. Staff provide basic orientation and PFDs; the lagoon’s calm water suits beginners.
Yes. By registering you consent to the use of photos and video for Forward Outdoor marketing and social media.
Operations may pause or cancel for lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions; staff will notify registrants of changes.
Participants 12 and older may paddle solo. Children under 12 can ride tandem or on an SUP with an adult if they weigh at least 35 pounds.
Small pets are allowed on select boats but may be restricted during event-related closures; check with staff at check-in.
Reservations are recommended—walk-ups are accepted when space allows, but sessions have limited capacity.
Milwaukee’s lakefront has served commerce and recreation since the 19th century; breakwalls and harbor structures shaped the sheltered lagoons used by modern paddlers.
Pack out all trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid approaching nesting birds; urban shorelines are sensitive and show signs of recovery when visitors respect them.
Forward Outdoor is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin outfitter specializing in paddling trips on the Milwaukee River. The company leads ten named river sections—West Bend, Newburg, Saukville, Grafton, Mequon, Thiensville, Brown Deer, Glendale, Shorewood, and Milwaukee—each designed for different skill levels and experiences. Trips range from short scenic floats and a 1.5‑hour Mequon mini Dells route to longer 3–6 hour runs through West Bend rapids and prairie. Routes include gentle rapids, tree‑lined bends, wildlife viewing, and urban waterfront paddling that passes Milwaukee’s skyline. Rentals and guided options focus on safety, clear route descriptions, and flexible trip lengths suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Forward Outdoor provides trip endpoints at local parks such as Waubedonia Park, Ehlers Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Lime Kiln Park, Garrison’s Glen, and other public launch sites named in route descriptions. The outfitter emphasizes low‑impact river use and local stewardship while offering family‑friendly float options and beginner‑friendly rapids on select sections. Equipment, timing, and route choices are tailored per trip to match conditions and guest goals. Forward Outdoor’s presence in Milwaukee connects paddlers to quieter suburban stretches and more urban waterfront sections within a single river corridor. Prospective paddlers can select trips for wildlife viewing, gentle rapids, short urban escapes, or extended scenic journeys along the Milwaukee River. Trips often provide wildlife viewing opportunities—herons, turtles, and deer have been noted along several sections—and several routes finish near festivals, beer gardens, neighborhood parks, or parking areas for convenient access and easy post‑paddle plans for paddlers of all ages.
Book with Forward Outdoor