Paddle peacefully along the Milwaukee River with Milwaukee Kayak Company's 2-hour kayak rental at Schlitz Park. Perfect for beginners and casual paddlers alike, this experience offers stunning views and easy river access.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners or those with basic fitness; paddling at a relaxed pace is expected.
Wildlife
History
The Milwaukee River has been central to the city’s development since the 19th century, supporting industry and recreation alike.
Conservation
Milwaukee Kayak Company promotes eco-friendly paddling practices to help protect the river’s health and local wildlife habitats.
Milwaukee Kayak Company
Paddle peacefully along the Milwaukee River with Milwaukee Kayak Company's 2-hour kayak rental at Schlitz Park. Perfect for beginners and casual paddlers alike, this experience offers stunning views and easy river access.
Milwaukee Kayak Company is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin outfitter offering guided kayak tours, instructional classes, and short-term rentals. The business operates multiple launch sites and rental locations including a main location with 2- and 4-hour kayak, canoe, and paddleboard options, Twisted Fisherman downtown rentals, and Schlitz Park weekend rentals.
Guided experiences include seasonal offerings such as the Moonlight Paddle, Rise 'N Shine Morning Paddle, Lunchtime Kayak Tour, and the Menomonee River Valley Kayak Tour — an educational outing led in partnership with Menomonee Valley Partners. Trips highlight local landmarks like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Lake Michigan shoreline, the Historic Third Ward, and the Harley-Davidson Museum when routes pass downtown waterways.
Milwaukee Kayak Company provides all necessary gear and includes brief lessons or safety orientation with rentals and many guided tours. The Introduction to Recreational Kayaking class is a 2.5-hour session focused on fundamentals, safety, and paddling technique for beginners. Rental options list 2- and 4-hour durations and accommodate kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards depending on location.
The company’s offerings are positioned for a range of visitors — beginners, families, friends, or date nights — with guided instruction, educational tours, and flexible rental periods. Partnerships and clearly described trip formats aim to make paddling accessible and straightforward for people exploring Milwaukee waterways.
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Launches from multiple downtown locations
Rental Durations
2 & 4 hours
Flexible 2- and 4-hour rentals
Tours Offered
11
Guided paddles and educational tours
Beginner Class
2.5 hours
Intro kayaking class, 2.5 hours
Choose a guided tour, sign up for a beginner class, or book a 2- or 4-hour rental — gear and instruction provided.
Wear water-friendly clothing
Choose quick-drying clothes and water shoes to stay comfortable on and off the kayak.
Use sunscreen generously
Protect your skin from sun exposure as the river offers little shade on open stretches.
Listen carefully during the safety briefing
The brief lesson covers important paddling techniques and river rules to keep everyone safe.
Secure your belongings
Use waterproof bags or leave valuables onshore to avoid losing items during your trip.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Provides safety and is mandatory for all paddlers on the water.
Water-resistant sunscreen
Protects your skin from harmful UV rays during sunny afternoons on the river.
summer
Quick-dry clothing
Keeps you comfortable in case of splashes or light rain during your paddle.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Provides grip and protects feet when entering/exiting the kayak on rocky or muddy banks.
summer