Milwaukee Urban Water Trail
Explore the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail
Keeping Local Wonders Accessible to All
Thanks to the Milwaukee River Basin, Lake Michigan, and all the rivers and waterways that flow through Southeastern Wisconsin, locals don’t need to travel long distances to go canoeing or kayaking. To help encourage more thoughtful and safe recreation, we developed the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, a unique map designed to help the citizens of Milwaukee and surrounding areas gain safe and legal access to the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers.
Explore the Map!
The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail is a trail and map for canoes, kayaks, and other small non-motorized boats on the “urban” portions of our three rivers.
Get Important Information For:
- Access Points
- Portages
- Hazards
- Resting Sites
- Points of Interest
Get Your Own Copy of the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail
Anyone can request a physical copy of the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail map! While, the map is free, we encourage a small donation of $5 to help us continue to expand the water trail and print new copies of the map! This is a nonprofit led initiative supported by volunteers which makes your support a crucial part of maintaining the trail and map!
What is a Water Trail?
A water trail is a designated route on a river, lake, or other waterway that is designed for non-motorized recreational use, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Water trails, also known as blueways, function similarly to hiking or biking trails on land but are focused on providing safe, legal, enjoyable, and environmentally conscious exploration of waterways.
Why Use the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail?
- Get to Know Our Waterways
Our water trail is managed a series of key partnerships, with volunteers acting as the key supporters and advocates of the trail, all working to make our waters accessible to our communities. They’ve put in the work, so it’s your turn to enjoy it! - Preserve Our Waterways for Generations
Using the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail demonstrates your dedication to properly stewarding and conserving our natural waterways for generations to come and promotes a focus on “Leave No Trace” code of outdoor ethics. Get out there and explore responsibly! - Reconnect with Nature
Water trails are known to encourage wellness, well-being, and accessibility for all. The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail is home to some of the most beautiful nature in Wisconsin and it’s a great place to reconnect, rest, and restore!
- Visit New Places
Our trail connects locals and visitors alike with unique places, both natural and human-made, giving you access to a whole new world to explore. - Navigate Boats Safely
The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail also plays a key role in supporting boaters in our watersheds, helping them to navigate waters safely and effectively with minimal impact to the environment. - Stay Safe on the Water
Our trail has signage clearly marking put-in and take-out locations, portages, and safety concerns so you can have a great time on the water, and stay safe while doing it!
How Can I Help Care for the Water Trail?
You can help care for the water trail by recreating responsibly:
- Pack it in and pack it out, don’t leave trash or litter behind when out on the water.
- Use designated access points to launch and land your watercraft and paddleboards.
- Respect the neighbors and fellow paddlers. Minimize noise and avoid private property.
- Report issues, such as litter, safety concerns, or signs of pollution, to us.
- Join us for a guided tour to learn more about how to become a steward of our rivers.
- Get involved! You can further help by volunteering to keep our access sites and waterways clean!
Developing the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail
Milwaukee Urban Water Trail is a project of Milwaukee Riverkeeper. The project is funded by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office for Coastal Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act, Grant #NA16NOS4190108. Thank you to Midwest River Expeditions and our Milwaukee Riverkeeper members and volunteers.
PROJECT SUPPORTERS
