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Milwaukee County Parks
 

moored boats at McKinley Marina

Boating On the Water

Milwaukee County Parks are the gateway to Lake Michigan and the county's rivers, lagoons, lakes and waterways.

sail boats on Lake Michigan

McKinley Marina

McKinley Marina is the gateway to Lake Michigan. Transient and seasonal berths are available as well as daily and seasonal permits for launching motor boats, jet skis and non-motorized boats. New to sailing? The nearby Community Sailing Center offers lessons.

Riverside Boat Launch Site, people in pontoon boat returning to pier, with Milwaukee's iconic Hoan Bridge in the distance

Boat Launches

Get on the water at boat launches at McKinley Marina, South Shore Park, Bender Park and the downtown Milwaukee River launch site. Seasonal and daily launch permits are available.

canoes on the water

Kayak & Canoe

Exploring Milwaukee from the water provides a unique perspective on the City and our parks. Portage your own kayak or canoe to paddle along the Milwaukee River Trail or visit the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park to rent a canoe for a paddle on the lake.

Fishing near McKinley Marina in a motor boat near the government pier on Lake Michigan

Fishing

About 20 park lagoons are stocked with fish from the Hunger Task Force fish hatchery. To fish you'll need a fishing license and inland trout stamp from WDNR. A fish cleaning station is available at South Shore Park.

pedal boat in the shape of a swan, on the lagoon in Veterans Park

Pedal Boating

Spend a day on the water by renting a swan pedal boat at Veterans Park Lagoon. Head to the Wheel Fun rental booth during the summer season.