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Milwaukee County Parks
 

kayakers and canoers waving from the river trail

Milwaukee Urban Water Trails

The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail is a route for canoes, kayaks, and other small non-motorized boats on the “urban” portions of Milwaukee's three rivers - Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, and Kinnickinnic River. The Water Trail has several access points in Milwaukee County Parks.

Get A Map from Milwaukee Riverkeeper

 

Parks' Designated Launch Sites

  • Kletzsch Park Sluiceway – site near picnic area #5
  • Lincoln Park Fishing Pier - 2 launch locations on the East Bank of the river, north of Hampton
  • Riverside Park - East Bank access near the Urban Ecology Center
  • Pere Marquette Park - West Bank access
  • River Front Boat Launch - site at South Water and Bruce Street (pay launch fee at the self-pay station) 

Know Before You Paddle

  • You must not land or trailer your watercraft across parkland outside of designated launch sites.
  • Watercraft are not allowed on park lagoons without the written permission from Milwaukee County Parks.
  • Know your ability. Be aware that water/weather conditions can change rapidly.
  • Let someone know your plan (when you will leave, your route, when you expect to return).
  • Know about hypothermia and wear appropriate clothing to insulate your body, such as a wet or dry suit.
  • Have the proper safety equipment, including a personal flotation device, hand-held pump, flares, reflective tape, and a sound-producing device such as a whistle or air horn.