Milwaukee River kayaking with Forward Outdoor

There’s no better way to experience summer than with time spent on the water. We got to experience something new: a Milwaukee River kayaking trip with local outfitter Forward Outdoor.

Thanks to Forward Outdoor’s River Kayaking experiences, Chad and I got to spend a beautiful and sunny day outside, paddling down the Milwaukee River between Thiensville and Brown Deer, Wisconsin.

It was a self-guided kayak adventure along—this stretch of the river offers a peaceful blend of urban charm, parks, and wildlife. It was fun, beautiful, serene, and easy from start to finish.

Here’s what to expect from your Milwaukee River kayaking trip.

About Forward Outdoor

First and foremost, Forward Outdoor is a Milwaukee-based outfitter known for their outdoor adventure trips. They offer river shuttle services and kayak rentals, and self-guided, beginner-friendly trips.

Forward Outdoor emphasizes sustainability, Leave No Trace principles, and community engagement through programs like Paddle Passports, team outings, and their Basecamp events.

Milwaukee River Kayaking: how it works

Forward Outdoor offers river shuttle trips on one section of the Milwaukee River per weekend day from spring through fall—with 10 total options of the river to explore. They include West Bend, Newburg, Saukville, Grafton, Mequon, Thiensville, Brown Deer, Glendale, Shorewood, and Milwaukee.

They rent sit-on-top kayaks, with options for tandems or sit-insides if available.

First, you’ll select which section of the Milwaukee River you’d like to kayak, and reserve that date online. On the day-of, you’ll:

• Park your car. Park your car at the take-out (where you’ll finish your trip).
• Hop in the van. Forward Outdoor will transport you upriver to the put-in.
• Get geared up. Either rent a kayak or bring your own! They also provide PDF and water bags. The experts will give your a quick orientation, which is especially helpful if you’re new to that section of the river.
• Paddle back. Float or paddle the river at your own pace, no need to worry about any vehicle logistics! Enjoy your self-guided time on the river! When you get out, Forward Outdoor will take care of the gear, and you can get in your car and go.

It’s a simple and easy process!

Milwaukee River: Brown Deer Section

During our Milwaukee River kayaking trip, we paddled on the Brown Deer section of the river.

This section is incredibly beautiful and peaceful, lined with trees, gorgeous backyards, and wooded stretches.

The water was very still, which made for a pleasant and mellow float. Chad and I saw more wildlife than I expected: a turkey flew straight across the river in front of us, plus we saw turtles, birds, and deer throughout.

Our trip reminded me of a scene from early settlers canoeing, wearing flowy white tops, eating juicy fruit, lounging on tree trunks, lazily dipping fingers into the water and reading poetry. It also evoked imagery of what the land used to look like, when Native Americans were the primary stewards.

From start to finish, the trip was delightful.

Distance and time	4.5 miles, about 1¾–2 hours
Put‑in	Village Park, Thiensville
Take‑out	Badger Meter River Park, Brown Deer
Facilities	Flush toilets at put‑in; porta‑potty at take‑out
Difficulty	Easy; mild current with no rapids
Wildlife	Expect herons, turtles, occasional deer

Pricing

• $55 per single kayak rental (includes shuttle)
• $95 per tandem kayak rental (includes shuttle)
• $25 to shuttle you and your own boat

Tips for your trip

• Schedule in advance: book easily online, and plan in advance!
• Pack the essentials: dress for water; bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. They have small dry bags and phone cases to borrow.
• Check conditions: watch Milwaukee River water levels and weather; while they try to go rain or shine, if conditions are unsafe Forward Outdoor will reach out to reschedule or refund.
• PDFs are required: life jackets (PFDs) are included with all rentals and must be worn while on the water.
• Note: paddlers must be 12 years or older to rent a kayak solo, though younger children can ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. Children must weigh at least 50 pounds due to life jacket regulations.

Ready to paddle?

Make Milwaukee River kayaking with Forward Outdoor your next local adventure in nature.

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