Short on time but craving water and whitewater? This four-mile Brule River float from Winneboujou to Brule delivers pine-lined scenery, named rapids, swimming holes and shuttle service—an ideal half-day paddle for families and mixed-ability groups.
Short on time but craving water and whitewater? This four-mile Brule River float from Winneboujou to Brule delivers pine-lined scenery, named rapids, swimming holes and shuttle service—an ideal half-day paddle for families and mixed-ability groups.
Book with Brule River Canoe Rental
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brule River Canoe Rental · Brule, Wisconsin
Float four miles down the Brule River from Winneboujou to the town of Brule in northern Wisconsin, where swift water, pine-lined banks, and a handful of playful rapids combine for a compact river day trip. The B4: Winneboujou – Pine Tree run threads through a landscape of towering red and white pines, passes under a picturesque footbridge, and drops through named pockets of whitewater - Hall Rapids, Swift Water Farm, Little Joe and Doodle Bug - before easing past the s-curve stone wall at Halls Rapids and past Bois Brule State Campground. It's a short, scenic section that gives paddlers a real taste of the Brule without a full-day commitment. This trip suits families and mixed-ability groups: rentals include tandem recreational kayaks, sit-on-top boats, and canoes for two to three people, and shuttle service is included for most options. Expect an intermediate skill rating; the current is brisk enough to move you along and deliver a few exciting boils and eddies, but not technical enough to require advanced whitewater techniques. Bring a swimsuit for the many swimming holes that line calmer pockets, and pack a picnic to enjoy on a sandbar or at the campground launch. Practical details are simple: check in at the Brule River Office, allow roughly 4 to 4.5 hours for the float and shuttle, and budget from about $38 for shuttle-only options up to roughly $80 for weekend rentals. If you're bringing your own boat, discounted shuttle fares are available. The river's tree canopy, stone walls and exposed bedrock reveal a northern hardwood and pine transition; birders should watch for bald eagles and kingfishers, and keep an eye out for river otters slipping along the shoreline. What makes the B4 run special for the Brule corridor is its combination of accessible whitewater and varied scenery in a compact package. You'll get rapid names and memorable features in a short distance - perfect for a quick adventure between longer hikes or as a family afternoon. The stretch also threads past Bois Brule's public campground, linking water recreation with established land-based amenities. Respect the river: pack out trash, avoid trampling shoreline vegetation, and treat swimming holes and campsites lightly. For photographers, low sun angles and reflections off the water make early morning or late afternoon best. Reserve a shuttle or rental via the booking link to secure your slot, then paddle light, move fast, and enjoy four miles of classic northern Wisconsin river running. Families with children should wear snug personal flotation devices and plan for frequent stops; strong swimmers will find places to splash and play while newer paddlers can hug the banks. Local outfitters at the Brule River Office provide brief orientation and shuttle logistics, making this a straightforward, memorable half-day escape.
moderate.
4–4.5 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; able to paddle for several short stretches and re-enter a boat if needed
Head to the Brule River Office to check in before your float.
Plan on roughly 4 to 4.5 hours including shuttle time for the four-mile run.
Most rental options include shuttle service; discounted shuttle fares apply if you bring your own boat as part of a group booking.
Yes—families can do this float, but children should wear snug PFDs and be supervised at swimming holes and rapids.
The section is rated intermediate due to current and small rapids; basic paddling skills and river awareness are recommended.
Yes, there are multiple swimming holes along calmer sections; choose sandbars or sheltered eddies away from current.
The Brule area carries French-Canadian place names—'Bois Brule' means 'burnt wood'—reflecting early voyageurs and the region's logging past.
Pack out all waste, avoid trampling shoreline vegetation, and use established launch points to reduce erosion and protect aquatic habitat.
$38 – $80 • All ages • 4.5 Hours
Book with Brule River Canoe Rental