Ages 12 • 1.5 Hours • Scenic Milwaukee River paddling with gentle current and light rapids
A compact, scenic 1.5-hour paddle from Lime Kiln Park (Grafton) to Garrison’s Glen (Mequon) that delivers rock-walled channels, light Class I rapids, and a pocket-sized Wisconsin Dells experience—ideal for families and geology lovers.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; able to paddle continuously for 90 minutes and handle brief current.
Wildlife
History
The exposed sedimentary rock along the corridor records ancient shallow-water deposits common to the region; local guides often point out layered sandstone and dolomite.
Conservation
Stay on the river and land at designated take-outs only; use carry-in/carry-out principles to protect banks and nesting habitat.
Forward Outdoor
Ages 12 • 1.5 Hours • Scenic Milwaukee River paddling with gentle current and light rapids
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.
Tours Offered
10 sections
Ten named river sections on the Milwaukee River
Trip Durations
1.5–6 hours
Short 1.5‑hour to longer 3–6 hour trips
Skill Range
Beginner‑friendly
Routes suitable for beginners and varied levels
Wildlife Views
Herons, turtles, deer
Frequent sightings along multiple sections
Pick a section, match a skill level, and plan a scenic float or rapids run — book a trip with Forward Outdoor today.
Check river levels
Confirm flow is at least 350 CFS before launching for an easy, safe paddle.
Pack for one-way shuttle
Bring a small dry bag and leave valuables in your vehicle at the take-out—operators meet at Garrison’s Glen.
Use appropriate craft
Stable recreational kayaks or tandem kayaks are best for the narrow channel and brief rapids.
Plan restroom stop
Use Lime Kiln Park facilities before launch—there are no toilets at the Garrison’s Glen landing.
Recreational kayak or 10–12' tandem
Stable platform for narrow channels and Class I rapids.
PFD (USCG-approved)
Required for safety on moving water.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry during the shuttle.
Waterproof map or phone with offline map
Helps confirm take-out and shuttle meeting point at Garrison’s Glen.