Adventure Collective
Kayak the Milwaukee Riverwalk at Schlitz Park - Milwaukee

Kayak the Milwaukee Riverwalk at Schlitz Park

Milwaukeeeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for beginners or those with basic fitness; paddling at a relaxed pace is expected.

Overview

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, Wisconsin

MKC @ Schlitz Park Riverwalk - 2 Hour Rental (Kayaks)

Closed for the season - see you next Spring!

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About This Adventure

Experience the tranquility of kayaking on the Milwaukee River at our Schlitz Park location. Open weekends, enjoy flexible 2 or 4-hour rentals, perfect for leisurely outings or lunch stops. With included gear and a brief lesson, it’s an ideal adventure for paddlers aged 12 and up. Embrace the summer outdoors!

Our Schlitz Park location is our additional weekend location located on the north end of Downtown Milwaukee on the Milwaukee River. This location is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-6pm throughout summer and during the week by appointment.

The river by our Schlitz Park location is residential, quiet and has the TapYard on site. Schlitz Park is a 5-10 minute paddle downriver from Lakefront Brewery.

We offer 2 and 4 hour rentals from all of our locations. For this 2 hour rental, some paddlers stay out for an hour, some stay out for 2 hours – it’s all up to you. Two hour rentals are perfect for a nice kayak outing. If you plan on stopping along the way at one of the public docks for lunch or a beverage, you may want to consider a 4 hour rental, which will provide a bit more time to enjoy your day and not rush back.

All rentals includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket and brief paddle lesson. We have a limited supply of dry bags you can borrow.

DURATION:

Up to 2 hours

LOCATION:

Milwaukee Kayak Company @ Schlitz Park 1555 North RiverCenter Drive Milwaukee, WI 53212

PARTICIPANTS:

• All participants must be 12+ to paddle their own kayaks. All participants under the age of 12 can share a tandem kayak or canoe with someone age 18 or older. • All participants must know how to swim (unless child is with a parent/guardian) • Our main location in Jerry's Docks has tandem kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. • Our Schlitz Park location has single kayaks only. • Our Twisted Fisherman location has single and tandem kayaks.

WHAT TO BRING:

• You! • Water bottle filled with water • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat • Small coolers are okay (soft sided are the best) • Dress for the weather – consider bringing a windbreaker (do not wear jeans or heavy cotton) • Camera • Money, ID • Towel to sit on (just nice to have)

WHAT TO WEAR:

• Lightweight clothing (no jeans or heavy cotton) • Sandals, flips or thin soled shoes • Rain jacket/windbreaker • Sunglasses, hat

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE:

• Kayak, tandem kayak, paddleboard and/or canoe • Life jacket • Paddle • Dry-bag (limited supply available) • Water, snacks and sunscreen are on-hand • Safe and fun atmosphere

MKC LOCATIONS SUMMARY:

Our three locations are about a 25 minute paddle from each other. They're kind of shaped like a triangle with MKC @ Jerry's Docks on the south end of Downtown in the Harbor District, MKC @ Schlitz Park on the north end of Downtown and MKC @ Twisted Fisherman just west of the confluence of the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers in Downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Kayak Company @ Jerry's Docks • This is our main location where we've been located since we opened in Spring 2013. We are open 7/days a week here. Single kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboards and canoes available. Parking located inside the boatyard by us and free parking on the street.

Milwaukee Kayak Company @ Schlitz Park • This is our additional weekend location open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-6pm and during the week by appointment. Single kayaks available. Parking available by us in the parking lot.

Milwaukee Kayak Company @ Twisted Fisherman • This is our additional weekend location open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-6pm and Wednesday evenings for The Funk Club Milwaukee River Roundup. Single kayaks and tandem kayaks available. Parking available by us and in the Sigma parking lot directly west of us.

Thank you for finding us - we look forward to seeing you on our rivers soon!

Adventure Tips

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.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Great Blue Herons
  • River Otters

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.

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Adventure Hotspots in Milwaukee

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Personal flotation device (PFD)

Essential

Provides safety and is mandatory for all paddlers on the water.

Water-resistant sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin from harmful UV rays during sunny afternoons on the river.

summer specific

Quick-dry clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable in case of splashes or light rain during your paddle.

summer specific

Water shoes or sandals

Essential

Provides grip and protects feet when entering/exiting the kayak on rocky or muddy banks.

summer specific