Best Places to Kayak Near Milwaukee, WI

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Milwaukee, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby22 Lakes7 Rivers1 Canal
← All paddling in Wisconsin

Top Picks Near Milwaukee

person in gray jacket standing on dock during daytime1

Wind Lake Canal

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

CanalBeginner17 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Merton Millpond

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
a boat traveling across a large body of water3

Pleasant View Drive (Lake #9)

Just 14 miles from Milwaukee — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away
A person on a boat in the water at sunset

River Front

Wisconsin · 0.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person on a boat in the water at sunset

McKinley Park Marina

Wisconsin · 2.0 mi

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Calm water stretches under a blue and cloudy sky.

South Shore Park

Wisconsin · 3.1 mi

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a rock formation in the middle of a body of water

Bender Park

Wisconsin · 12.2 mi

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A row of canoes sitting on the shore of a lake

Durham Drive

Wisconsin · 12.9 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Idle Isle Park

Wisconsin · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat traveling across a large body of water

Pleasant View Drive (Lake #9)

Wisconsin · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm water stretches under a blue and cloudy sky.

Boxhorn

Wisconsin · 13.8 mi

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Riverview Park Canoe Launch

Wisconsin · 13.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Thiensville

Wisconsin · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Village Grove Park

Wisconsin · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hillview Drive

Wisconsin · 14.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat traveling across a large body of water

Oak Court

Wisconsin · 14.8 mi

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person in gray jacket standing on dock during daytime

Wind Lake Canal

Wisconsin · 17.1 mi

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Fix River Parkway North Canoe Launch

Wisconsin · 18.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm water stretches under a blue and cloudy sky.

Denoon Park

Wisconsin · 18.3 mi

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a boat traveling across a large body of water

Long Lake

Wisconsin · 18.9 mi

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a boat traveling across a large body of water

Pewaukee Lake

Wisconsin · 19.1 mi

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A person on a boat in the water at sunset

Wind Lake

Wisconsin · 19.4 mi

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A person on a boat in the water at sunset

Waubeesee Lake (Channel)

Wisconsin · 19.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large rock formation in the middle of a river

Grafton

Wisconsin · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large rock formation in the middle of a river

Horlick Park

Wisconsin · 19.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Etter Lake

Wisconsin · 20.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Merton Millpond

Wisconsin · 21.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat traveling across a large body of water

Tichigan Lake

Wisconsin · 21.7 mi

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A row of canoes sitting on the shore of a lake

Lake Keesus

Wisconsin · 21.8 mi

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a group of people standing on a dock next to a body of water

Pewaukee Lake

Wisconsin · 22.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
trees on calm body of water under clear blue sky at daytime

General John J. Pershing Park

Wisconsin · 22.2 mi

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Frog Alley Boat Landing

Wisconsin · 22.5 mi

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Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Wild Marsh

Wisconsin · 23.5 mi

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Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Milwaukee.

Cudahy, WI6 miGreendale, WI8 miElm Grove, WI9 miSouth Milwaukee, WI9 miButler, WI9 miHales Corners, WI9 miBrookfield, WI9 miOak Creek, WI10 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Milwaukee, WI?

Top picks near Milwaukee include Wind Lake Canal, Merton Millpond, Pleasant View Drive (Lake #9). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Milwaukee?

Near Milwaukee you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Milwaukee?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Milwaukee are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.