Discover the hidden gems of the Midwest.
Have you ever imagined finding the best places to paddle board in Milwaukee and gliding across tranquil waters with picturesque views around you?
The time has come to embark on a journey through Milwaukee’s serene waterways.
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of urban and natural beauty waiting for you in Wisconsin’s largest city.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Milwaukee
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Milwaukee River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Milwaukee Riverwalk downtown or Schlitz Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate current, moderate wind possible
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, herons, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Milwaukee skyline, historic buildings, murals, bridges
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local regulations
The Milwaukee River flows through the heart of the city, offering a unique urban paddle boarding experience. Gliding past the Milwaukee skyline, historic buildings, and stunning bridges, you get to see the city’s charm up close.
The Riverwalk sections provide great access points for launch and other amenities.
#2 Veterans Park Lagoon
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Veterans Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Milwaukee skyline, Lakefront, and nearby festival grounds
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local park rules and regulations
Veterans Park Lagoon, located along the Milwaukee lakefront, is a calm water oasis perfect for paddle boarding.
With the city skyline and festival grounds as a backdrop and excellent park amenities, it’s a popular spot for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
#3 Lake Michigan
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Bradford Beach or McKinley Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Can be choppy, strong currents, and wind possible
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Milwaukee skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in choppy conditions, follow beach rules and regulations
Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, offers vast expanses of water for adventures on your paddleboard. With numerous beaches and shoreline spots to launch from, it’s a popular paddleboarding destination.
Be prepared for potentially choppy waters and strong winds, but enjoy the stunning views along Milwaukee’s lakefront.
#4 Pewaukee Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Lakefront Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic shoreline, surrounding homes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local boating rules and regulations
Pewaukee Lake is approximately 20 miles west of Milwaukee, offering a picturesque and serene paddleboarding experience amidst a scenic shoreline.
With calm waters and nearby amenities at Lakefront Park, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day out on your paddleboard.
#5 Menomonee River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Valley Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate current, moderate wind possible
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Industrial Milwaukee history, Miller Park Stadium
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local regulations
The Menomonee River is a tributary of the Milwaukee River, and it flows through the storied industrial heart of Milwaukee.
Paddling through this urban landscape, you’ll witness an intriguing blend of history and modernity, including views of the iconic Miller Park Stadium. Valley Park provides easy access for launching your paddleboard.
#6 Oak Creek
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Bender Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle current, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese, herons
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded areas, marshlands
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local park rules and regulations
Oak Creek, located just south of Milwaukee, offers paddlers a lush, natural paddleboarding environment.
The winding waterway is surrounded by wooded areas and marshlands, creating a peaceful and scenic experience. Bender Park provides easy access to the creek and other amenities for a day out on the water.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Milwaukee?
Bradford Beach, Big Bay Park and Veteran’s Park Lagoon are some popular spots for paddle boarding in Milwaukee.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee, paddle boards do not require registration.
When is the best time to paddle board in Milwaukee?
The best time to paddle board in Milwaukee is during the summer months when the weather is warmest.
