Four-Hour Single Kayak Rental

Milwaukee River Kayak Rental runs through Brew City Kayak LLC. Rated 4.9 across 32 reviews. Runs 4 hours. From $55.

Overview

This rental puts a kayak, paddle, life jacket and some basic instruction in your hands, then leaves the next four hours to you. Brew City Kayak runs it from a dock in the Harbor District at 820 S Water St, with a 10:00 start. There is no guide setting the pace and no fixed route to hold, which is the main appeal for people who would rather drift, stop and explore than keep up with a group.

The Milwaukee River runs past breweries, restaurants and riverside blocks, so paddlers can pull out mid-float for a beer, a pretzel or a wander. One reviewer described exactly that: time on the water with a stop at Lakefront for drinks and a snack. Staff also pass on recommendations about where along the river it is worth stopping to shop and sightsee.

Families have done well here. A party with two adults and two teenagers managed fine, with one teen towed part of the way rather than paddling solo. Four hours was enough for that family, and the group is capped at twenty travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the dockArrive at the Brew City Kayak dock at 820 S Water St in the Harbor District. The location sits at the back of a parking lot, so look for the dock rather than a storefront.
2. Gear and instructionStaff provide the kayak, paddle and life jacket, plus instruction and safety guidance before you launch.
3. Paddle at your paceYou have four hours on the river, with no set route. Staff can recommend spots along the river to stop for shopping or sightseeing.
4. Optional river stopsFood, drinks and alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased along the way. Reviewers have stopped at Lakefront for a beer and a pretzel.
5. Return to the dockThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the four hours go smoothly.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to 820 S Water St. One reviewer warned the address points to an abandoned building, and the rental is in the back of the parking lot next door. Public transportation runs near the site.
• What to wear. Dress for the weather. The listing suggests bringing water, and optionally sunscreen, a hat and a change of clothes, since you may get a little wet.
• Pace and effort. You set the pace. One family towed a teenager who did not want to paddle the whole time.
• Staff and guidance. Several reviewers praised the staff as friendly and helpful. They give safety guidance and recommendations on where to stop along the river.
• Food and drink. Nothing to eat or drink is included. Breweries and restaurants line the river and purchases are on you, and gratuity is not included either. One reviewer arrived hoping for the taco truck at the dock and found it closed.
• Timing and weather. The rental starts at 10:00 and lasts four hours, which one family called the right amount of time. The activity can be canceled due to inclement weather, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Common issues. The meeting point is genuinely hard to find: one reviewer reported that 820 Water St is an abandoned building and the rental sits in the back of a parking lot next door. The whole thing depends on weather, and the operator may cancel for inclement conditions. Alcohol, food and drinks cost extra, and gratuity is not included. Groups are capped at twenty travellers. The rental is wheelchair accessible according to the listing, though getting in and out of a kayak on the water is its own matter.

Frequently Asked Questions