Tag Archives: Milwaukee

Kayaking in Milwaukee, Along the Historic Third Ward

I never get bored of kayaking, it is my favourite water-based activity.

Even when you’re smack in the middle of a city, when I’m gliding along the surface of the water it is a peaceful, calming experience. plus, you’d be surprised how much urban wildlife lurks around the edges of rivers that snake their way through cities like Milwaukee!

Kayaking in Downtown Milwaukee
Kayaking in Downtown Milwaukee

I was able to explore the Milwaukee River with the good people at MKC (Milwaukee Kayak Company). We got a different perspective of some of the buildings along the waterfront of the Historic Third Ward and had a fun time exploring this cool city. I did spot a good amount of wildlife too! Mostly birds, like ducks and herons.

The kayak gear shack at MKC
The kayak gear shack at MKC
Getting a Kayak Lesson
Getting our paddling plan at MKC

Paddling along, we went along the Milwaukee River to the confluence with the Menomonee River. There are quite a few rivers in Milwaukee, which I didn’t know before. Going in the other direction, the Milwaukee River joins the Kinnickinnic River, which outlets into Milwaukee Bay in Lake Michigan. There are a ton of paddling options around the city, which made me a bit jealous. In Toronto, we can’t paddle some of our downtown rivers.

Let the Kayaking Begin!
Let the Kayaking Begin!

With some interesting restaurants and even breweries along the river, I kind of wanted to turn the kayaking trip into a bit of a bar-hopping adventure. How fun would that be to pull up to a brewery in your kayak and order a pint at the Milwaukee Ale House? Dockside delivery, anyone? I’ve seen more than my fair share of kayaks with cup / beer holders on them!

MKE Ale House on Milwaukee River
Contemplating stopping for beers at MKE Ale House on the Milwaukee River

As fun as that may sound, being responsible, we paddled up and down the river and waited to enjoy our drinks after the kayaking adventure. Even without any crazy white water rapids, or jungle scenery, this was a great way to spend part of an afternoon discovering Milwaukee.

Scenery along the Milwaukee River
Scenery along the Milwaukee River

On the walk back to my hotel after this fun adventure in the midst of Milwaukee, I strolled along the walkway beside the river. There is an impressive riverfront area here for walking too. Our kayaking actually went along what is part of the Milwaukee Urban Water trail.

Boats and Bridges in Milwaukee
Boats and Bridges in Milwaukee

Of course I stumbled upon a famous Milwaukee landmark too – the Fonz statue! A classic cool character from the 80s show Happy Days. Love finding random things like this while travelling!

Bronze Fonz Statue in Milwaukee
The Bronze Fonz Statue in Milwaukee