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Float a beginner-friendly stretch of the Milwaukee River between Saukville and Grafton, ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Choose a longer route with a small Class I+ rapid or a shorter smooth paddle—both ideal for families and first-time river runners.
Float a beginner-friendly stretch of the Milwaukee River between Saukville and Grafton, ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Choose a longer route with a small Class I+ rapid or a shorter smooth paddle—both ideal for families and first-time river runners.
Book with Forward Outdoor
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Operated by Forward Outdoor · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Section 4: Grafton is a relaxed, beginner-friendly paddle on the Milwaukee River that threads suburban parks, short riffles, and quiet wildlife pockets between Saukville and Grafton. The route runs in southeastern Wisconsin, beginning at either Ehlers Park or Peninsula Park in Saukville and finishing at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton, making it an ideal half-day escape for families and paddlers new to moving water. The river here is a living edge between lawns and marsh: low bluffs of glacial till, stands of silver maple and willow, and shallow riffles that turn into a single short Class I+ rapid on the longer 8-mile route. Choose Option 1 for the full 8-mile, 3.5-hour experience from Ehlers Park with that little adrenaline spike near the start, or Option 2 for a smoother 5.7-mile, 2.5-hour float from Peninsula Park. Both finishes deposit you at Veteran’s Memorial Park, which offers a new pavilion with flush toilets and free street parking for easy shuttles. Expect an easy current with occasional riffles rather than true whitewater; the stretch is classified for beginners and is forgiving if you’re steady in a tandem kayak or stable recreational canoe. Wildlife sightings are common—great blue herons, kingfishers, and the occasional muskrat slip along the banks—while backyard gardens and community docks give the trip a suburban character that’s more human than wilderness, but no less restorative. Practical notes: water levels should be at least 350 CFS for a reliable launch and comfortable passage through riffles. Porta potties are available at Ehlers Park and Peninsula Park. Veteran’s Memorial Park has flush toilets beside the launch. Bring a whistle, basic PFD, and a small drybag for layers and snacks. If you want a bit of spice, aim for the longer route; if you prefer a steady scenic paddle, the shorter put-in keeps things mellow. This stretch is a standout because it offers quick, accessible river time within striking distance of Milwaukee-area neighborhoods: a place where suburban life meets moving water without the logistics of long drives or wilderness permits. The mix of easy rapids, natural river edge, and reliable take-out facilities makes Section 4: Grafton ideal as a progressive day paddle for new paddlers, family groups, or anyone wanting an intro to river running close to town. Plan to meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton where there is parking and the pavilion offers a take-out site for drivers. Launch windows can vary with flow, so check current Milwaukee River levels before you go. Dress in quick-dry layers, wear closed-toe water shoes, and secure phones in waterproof cases. Families with children will appreciate the short distance and manageable current, and instructors or guides—if booked—often run a quick briefing on basic strokes and river etiquette.
easy.
2.5–3.5 hours.
Suitable for beginners in reasonable health; basic balance and ability to paddle for a few hours required.
Meeting location is Veteran’s Memorial Park in Grafton; both routes end there for easy take-out.
Option 1 launches at Ehlers Park in Saukville (8 miles). Option 2 launches at Peninsula Park in Saukville (5.7 miles).
The longer route takes about 3.5 hours; the shorter route takes about 2.5 hours depending on flow and stops.
Ehlers Park and Peninsula Park have porta potties; Veteran’s Memorial Park has flush toilets in the new pavilion by the launch.
Yes—this section is rated beginner-friendly and works well for families, but boat type, supervision, and PFDs are required.
Mostly easy with a few riffles and one short Class I+ rapid on the longer route; stable recreational boats are recommended.
This suburban stretch of the Milwaukee River has long served as a local recreation corridor connecting neighborhood parks and small river towns like Saukville and Grafton.
Stay on durable shorelines when landing, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing nesting birds to limit erosion and protect riparian habitat.
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