10 ways to get on a boat in Milwaukee this summer, from pontoon rentals to kayaks
Milwaukee, sprawling along the shore of Lake Michigan and with three rivers running through it, is a great place to hang out on the water during the summer.
You don't have to own your own boat, or even have a friend who does, to get on one this summer. The city has plenty of options for rentals, from pontoons and kayaks to themed cruises.
Most rental companies will provide maps, but know that the Milwaukee River north of the Humboldt Avenue Bridge is rocky and has rapids. Both the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers are clear of rapids, according to the Milwaukee Riverkeepers group, but they narrow as they flow west, making it impossible for motorized boats to pass through.
In Wisconsin, anyone born before January 1, 1989, can drive a motorized boat without a license. Anyone born after then must get a boating certificate, which can be acquired by taking an online course and test available at boat-ed.com/wisconsinrental.
There also are various bars and restaurants to dock at on Milwaukee's rivers, but boat drivers may not operate a boat with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater.
More: Here are 13 waterfront patios in Milwaukee to enjoy when the weather allows
With all that in mind, here are 11 unique ways to get on the water this summer in Milwaukee.
Donut Boat from Boat MKE
Boat MKE offers a unique passenger-driven Donut Boat that holds 10 passengers. Everyone can sit in a circle and face each other on the circular watercraft.
Donut Boats cost $400 for an hour-and-a-half cruise.
Find it: Donut Boats docks at 121 E. Mason St.
Duffy Boats
Duffy Boats are electric, zero-emission boats available for rent on the Milwaukee River, making these boats one of the more environmentally friendly boats to rent. The company also boasts that they are easy to drive.
Rentals start at $200 for weekday rides.
Find it: Duffy Boats launch from the Cooperage Building at 818 S. Water St.
Edelweiss Cruises
Milwaukee's Edelweiss cruise line has a series of food and drink cruises, including a fiesta taco cruise and a brat cruise. They host weekly historic cruises, live music cruises, and a "sippin' Saturday" cruise with drink specials.
Check out their schedule online.
Find it: Edelweiss Cruises docks at 205 W. Highland Ave.
Kayak rentals in Milwaukee
There are multiple kayaking companies on the Milwaukee River, giving paddlers a choice of where they want to launch from. All offer both rentals and guided tours.
Brew City Kayaks launches from Boone & Crockett, 818 S. Water St., in the Harbor District. Among the company's guided tours, which range from 1.5 to 4 hours, is one that makes a stop a restaurants along the river for cheese curds.
Milwaukee Kayak Company offers rentals from two spots along the Milwaukee River: 318 S. Water St., in the Harbor District just west of the Hoan Bridge and the confluence of the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers; and 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, in Schlitz Park (open Saturday and Sunday and during the week by appointment, beginning in early June). The Harbor District location offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals.
Milwaukee Kayak Tours to the north launches from The Harp, 113 E. Juneau Ave. The company's Full Moon Paddle takes kayakers on a 2.5-hour tour of Milwaukee's waters under the light of a full moon every month, beginning at dusk.
Milwaukee Boat Line Tours
Milwaukee Boat Line hosts multiple tours on Milwaukee's rivers, harbor and Lake Michigan.
Among the offerings are a sightseeing tour with narration about history and architecture. There's also a storytelling cruise on the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, setting sail at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays from July 12 to August 30.
The company also lends its boats to the Brew City Boat Series, in which guests enjoy a concert featuring local and national house music DJs. The 2.5-hour cruises are offered occasionally in the summer, with one scheduled for 8 p.m. June 30 this year. Tickets cost $50 in advance and $60 day of.
Find it: Milwaukee Boat Line docks at 1124 N. King Drive.
Milwaukee Paddle Tavern
The Paddle Tavern is a water version of Milwaukee's popular Pedal Tavern, giving boaters a chance to pedal their way down the city's rivers on a paddle-wheel boat. A captain drives the boat and a motor does most of the work propelling the boat forward.
Find it: The Paddle Tavern starts at The Harp, 113 E. Juneau Ave., and will usually make one other bar stop.
Pontoon boat rentals in Milwaukee
Many boating companies in Milwaukee offer self-captained pontoon rentals, including Riverwalk Boats, starting at $245 for a half-day, weekday rental. They dock at Pere Marquette Park, 1124 N. King Drive.
Edelweiss also rents out 10-passenger pontoon boat for people to drive themselves. They dock at 205 W. Highland Ave.
Private charters
Milwaukee Boat Line company has large vessels available for charter for corporate events, dinner parties, weddings and more. Their boat Vista King has capacity for 150 passengers and Voyager has capacity for 125 passengers. Prices vary, beginning at $2,699 for two hours for a weekday in the spring or summer. They dock at 1124 N. King Drive.
For a smaller private, captained charter, Riverwalk Boat Tours has a 22-passenger boat available starting at $430 on weekdays and a 49-passenger vessel starting at $640 on weekdays. They dock at Pere Marquette Park, 1124 N. King Drive.
Milwaukee's famous Edelweiss boat hosts private charters starting at $3,000 for their Miss Wisconsin 130-person boat. They also have the Pontiki, a 19-passenger, captained pontoon boat with a canopy, starting at $475 for a two-hour rental. They dock at 205 W. Highland Ave.
GetMyBoat.com also offers various rental options, mostly smaller pontoon boats, driven by a captain so groups don't have to worry about driving.
Retro boats
Two boating companies in Milwaukee rent out stylish, retro boats.
Milwaukee Duffy Boats, 818 S. Water St., has eco-friendly retro boats available that seat four people.
Boat MKE, 121 E. Mason St., has a 1950s original restored cruiser that seats four people available for rent as well.
Sailing in Milwaukee
Sea Dog Sailing allows boaters to take part in a sailboat ride on a 38-foot boat either as a rider, who can sit and relax, or as a sailor, who can help Captain Bob DeVorse sail the boat. Prices start at $250 for two guests on a 90-minute ride in the slower season. They dock at McKinley Marina, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
Milwaukee residents also can learn to sail with a membership at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. Director Holly Church said 95% of their members have no previous sailing experience, and it is a great way for people of all ages to learn.
A membership starts at $420 for adults, giving them access to the sailing center's fleet and equipment. Members who do not know how to sail can take a two-week sailing course that costs $240. Once completed, they can take boats out in light-wind conditions. The Sailing Center is in Veterans Park, 1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pontoons, kayaks and more boat rental options in Milwaukee
