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Rating Star

5 (28)

Location Icon Milwaukee

Kayak Milwaukee River: Rentals & Brews!

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Milwaukee Kayak Rental offers a fun way to see the city from the water. Brew City Kayaks lets people explore the Milwaukee River at their own speed. It's a great way to see Milwaukee's skyline and stop at riverside spots.

Rent a single kayak for up to 4 hours. People can paddle by the city and even get out to visit places along the river. Many people like to stop at the local beer places or restaurants. The kayaks are made so they are easy to use and safe. They also have room for a cooler! Life jackets and help on how to kayak are given to everyone.

Paddle past the Hoan Bridge and Bronze Fonz, seeing city highlights. The kayaks launch from the "Paddle Shack" at 820 S. Water St. People can take their time and enjoy the city views. Remember to leave enough time to paddle back to the launch. This kayak rental provides a unique way to experience Milwaukee's blend of urban beauty and riverside attractions. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore Milwaukee by Water: See the city skyline and famous spots from a kayak.

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Easy and Safe Kayaks: Sit-on-top kayaks are simple to use and hard to tip over.

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Perfect for Breweries: Stop at riverside breweries and restaurants along your paddle.

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All Gear Provided: Life jackets, paddles, and instructions are included.

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive Highlight Icon Staff is very friendly and helpful.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Kayaks are good quality and easy to use.

  • Positive Highlight Icon The location is right on the river and very convenient.

  • Positive Highlight Icon It’s a great way to see Milwaukee.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some reviewers note that not many accessible restaurants have a public dock.

  • Negative Highlight Icon One reviewer with a 'middle aged body' needed extra cushion

The Journey

1

Brew City Kayak

The starting point of your kayak adventure, located at 820 S. Water St. Brew City Kayaks provides kayak rentals and essential equipment for exploring the Milwaukee River. They offer free parking for customers.

2

Milwaukee River

The scenic waterway you'll navigate by kayak. It offers views of the city skyline and access to various breweries and restaurants along its banks. The river flows through downtown Milwaukee and past several notable landmarks.

3

Hoan Bridge

A prominent bridge along the Milwaukee River, recognizable by its unique design and architecture. It's a well-known landmark in the city and a highlight of the kayak tour.

4

Bronze Fonz

A bronze statue of the iconic character Fonzie from the TV show 'Happy Days'. It is a popular photo opportunity and a symbol of Milwaukee's connection to the show.

5

Downtown Milwaukee

The central business district of Milwaukee, offering a mix of modern architecture, historic buildings, and cultural attractions. Kayaking through this area provides a unique perspective on the city's urban landscape.

Know Before You Go

This kayak rental includes the use of a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and basic instructions. It does not include food, drinks, or alcoholic beverages, but these are available for purchase at various locations along the river. Gratuity for the staff is also not included. The meeting point is at Brew City Kayak, located at 820 S. Water St., Milwaukee, WI.

Hot Tip

Many people suggest bringing a waterproof bag for phones and money. Also, plan your stops ahead of time and consider wearing swimwear bottoms, as you might get a little wet.

Review Summary

Travelers consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff along with well-maintained and easy-to-use kayaks. Most guests find the four-hour rental duration ideal for exploring the scenic Milwaukee River and visiting local breweries. Positive notes include the free parking and convenient downtown location. Some minor drawbacks mentioned include occasional closure of nearby food trucks and the potential for light wetness, so changing clothes is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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From $55 Price

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