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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.
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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Operated by Forward Outdoor · Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SECTION 5: Mequon is a compact river run on the Milwaukee River in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, that threads between Lime Kiln Park in Grafton and Garrison’s Glen in Mequon. This 1.5-hour, roughly 3.3-mile paddle feels like a pocket-sized Wisconsin Dells: steep rock walls and narrow channels give way to tree-lined shorelines, a few playful riffles, and long, reflective stretches of water that make it ideal for families and paddlers who want scenery without committing to a full-day expedition.
You put in at Lime Kiln Park in Grafton, where a short descent drops you into a gorge-like corridor. Rock faces here show banded sedimentary layers—local sandstone and dolomite etched by centuries of water—so geology fans will enjoy reading the river’s history in the stone. The channel tightens, current picks up, and for a handful of minutes you drift through a series of small chutes and eddies that feel like a scaled-down whitewater run; these are Class I rapids, relaxed but lively. After the “dells” the river splits and ripples through light rapids before flattening into a calm glide as it approaches the take-out at Garrison’s Glen in Mequon.
The route is short but varied: rocky corridors, braided channels, riffles, and peaceful pools are concentrated into one accessible outing. Bathrooms are available at Lime Kiln (flush toilets in the pavilion) but not at the Garrison’s Glen landing, so plan accordingly. Operators recommend water levels of at least 350 CFS for a smooth trip. The business meets guests at Garrison’s Glen in Mequon and runs shuttles to the put-in; park in the east overflow lot when possible.
Safety note: upstream of Lime Kiln toward the Grafton dam the river can jump to Class II–III in high water and has produced multiple Search and Rescue incidents in summer 2024. That stretch is reserved for experienced paddlers with specialized gear and is not part of this recreational shuttle.
Why this short run stands out: it compresses dramatic river scenery into a manageable window of time, making it perfect for visitors based in Milwaukee who want a nature hit without a long drive. It’s a reliable choice for families, geology buffs, and photographers who prize striking rock lines and sun-splashed reflections. For a half-afternoon adventure that reads big despite its small footprint, this section of the Milwaukee River delivers memorable scenery, mellow rapids, and an efficient shuttle that gets you back to town before dinner.
moderate.
1.5 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; able to paddle continuously for 90 minutes and handle brief current.
Meeting location and parking are at Garrison’s Glen in Mequon; park in the east overflow lot if available.
Approximately 1.5 hours and about 3.3 river miles from Lime Kiln Park to Garrison’s Glen.
Flush toilets are available at Lime Kiln Park; there are no restrooms at the Garrison’s Glen landing.
Easy/intermediate: suitable for beginners with some paddling experience; expect short Class I rapids.
No—sections above Lime Kiln can reach Class II–III in high water and are not offered by this shuttle due to safety concerns.
Operators recommend a minimum flow of 350 CFS for a comfortable trip.
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.
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 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