Where can you kayak in downtown Milwaukee? Public boat, kayak, paddleboard launches
Whether you're new to the water or experienced, people are always looking for places to launch their watercraft. Luckily, the county offers a number of places to launch large boats and kayaks and canoes with ease.
If you're looking to get out on the water, here is what you should know.
Boat Ramps on Lake Michigan
There are four boat ramps to access Lake Michigan in Milwaukee County. These boat ramps can handle most vessels that fit on standard boat trailers like jet skis, pontoons, jon boats and other motorized watercraft.
McKinley Marina (1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee): Boat Ramp located at the north docks.
Bender Park (4503 E. Ryan Rd., Oak Creek): at the end of Fitzsimmons Road, launches into a small inlet with direct access to Lake Michigen
Riverfront Launching Site (600 S. Water St., Milwaukee): Though technically launching onto the river, this boat launch is where the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers converge right next to the Hoan Bridge. Important note: The launch itself has extremely limited parking as do the streets around it.
South Shore Park (2900 S. Shore Dr., Milwaukee): This Bay View launch has two slits and a good-size parking lot.
Do I need a permit to launch a boat at the Milwaukee boat launches?
Yes. Any watercraft, motorized or not, launching from these boat ramps requires a launch permit. Costs depend on type of watercraft and size. Permits can be purchased in-person at the launching sites either with on-site personnel or at self-pay stations, or online.
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How much a Milwaukee boat launch permit cost?
For Milwaukee County residents, launch permit costs are:
Jet Ski: $12 daily / $120 seasonal / $100 season for ages 60+Non-Motorized Vessel: $8 / $80 / $55Vessel Under 20 feet: $12 / $120 / $80Vessel 20-26 feet: $16 / $160 / $110Vessel Over 26 feet: $18 / $180 / $140
For non-Milwaukee County residents, launch permits costs are:
Jet Ski: $13 daily / $130 seasonal / $125 season for ages 60+
Non-Motorized Vessel: $8 / $80 / $70
Vessel Under 20 feet: $13 / $130 / $125
Vessel 20-26 feet: $20 / $200 / $140
Vessel Over 26 feet: $26 / $260 / $160
You can find more information on the county website.
Where can you launch a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or similar watercraft in Milwaukee?
There are several kayak and canoe launches through the three rivers through run through Milwaukee County and as part of the city's Urban Water Trail. The trail map shows places to dock up or launch from downtown to Ozaukee County.
Apple Blossom Boat Launch (5900 block of Apple Blossom Lane, Glendale)
Badger Meter River Park (3829 W. Brown Deer Road, Brown Deer)
Emmber Lane Public Boat Launch (201-263 N. Emmber Lane, Milwaukee)
Harbor View Plaza (600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee)
Kiwanis Landing (2134 N. Riverboat Road, Milwaukee)
Kletzsch Park (6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale)
Kletzsch Park Waterfall North and South Launches (6400 block of N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale): Two launches up and down stream of the Kletzsch Waterfall.
Lincoln Park (1301 W. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee)
Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee)
Riverside Park (1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee)
Three Bridges Park Boat Ramp (610 S. 35th St., Milwaukee)
You can find more launches on the Urban Water Trail map.
Are there rapids or other obstructions along the Milwaukee River?
Yes. According to Cheryl Nenn, the Milwaukee Riverkeeper's riverkeeper, there are rapids, dams and waterfalls along the rivers in Milwaukee County. There are ways to portage around these areas like the Kletzsch Park Waterfall but not always. It is best to check weather, water flow and other conditions ahead of time to ensure it is safe for your skill level to paddle or boat certain areas.
Milwaukee Riverkeeper is in the process of finishing a new website for the Urban Water Trail that will have updated river conditions and show hazards like logjams or rapids.
Are there tips for paddling Milwaukee's rivers?
Nenn recommends:
Be aware: Especially in smaller watercraft and in tighter spaces, Nenn recommends being aware of larger vessels on the water and sticking to the side walls if in a kayak or canoe. She also recommends having brighter colors whether that's your kayak or your clothes.
Wear a lifejacket: A personal flotation device (PFD) saves lives, and it's better play on the safe side, Nenn said.
Check weather and water conditions: The river is ever changing. The strength of the current changes, the weather changes, the temperatures changes and more. Low water levels mean you might run aground. Stronger currents can produce rapids like the ones near the North Avenue bridge on the Milwaukee River. Always check before you head out, Nenn said.
Leave No Trace: "Make sure you are disposing of waste properly and picking up waste downtown if you see it," Nenn said. "Make sure you're leaving the rivers and lakes better than we found them and be respectful of wildlife."
What rivers run through Milwaukee?
Three rivers converge in Milwaukee as they enter Lake Michigan. They are: the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee rivers. The rivers and canals downtown are ideal for no-wake boating, kayaking and canoeing in an urban setting. The lake is ideal for boating, jet skiing and sea kayaking for experienced boaters. The lake can have strong currents and sizeable waves, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.
Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Public boat launches on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic rivers
