MILWAUKEE URBAN WATER TRAIL A Canoe and Kayak Guide City of Milwaukee, as seen from the Menomonee River. (Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers) The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail IS A CANOE & KAYAK ROUTE THROUGH URBAN Planning for a Safe Trip Although the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail is not as remote PORTIONS OF THE MILWAUKEE, MENOMONEE, AND KINNICKINNIC RIVERS – WITH MORE as many popular water trail routes, the power and unpredict- ability of the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic riv- THAN 25 MILES OF PADDLING. THE TRAIL ENHANCES PUBLIC RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNI- ers should never be underestimated! It is important to plan ahead before launching. Be aware of water levels, potential TIES, PROMOTES SAFE AND LEGAL RIVER ACCESS, AND ENCOURAGES STEWARDSHIP. hazards, and required and recommended portages. ilwaukee’s Rivers – Past and Present atural Attractions M Milwaukee’s rivers have always been im- N Our local rivers flow through lands that are both pri- Water Levels and Hazards portant cultural, economic, and natural pathways. vately and publicly owned, with most of the latter protected Water levels and flow can vary greatly with rainfall, affect- Native Americans used these water routes for by the Milwaukee County Parks system and other munici- ing safety both on the land and water. Higher water gener- trade and transportation, and sustained themselves pal parks. These parks provide a scenic backdrop along ally increases level of difficulty due to low bridges, snags, with the fish, wildlife, wild rice, and other plants much of the water trail, as well as provide excellent oppor- concealed boulders, low hanging trees, and other hazards. harvested from the rivers and associated wetlands. tunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. It is com- Paddling in high water should be avoided. There are two Traders, trappers, missionaries, and French explor- mon to see kingfishers, herons, egrets, mallards, osprey, and required portages; the falls in Kletzsch Park and Estabrook ers used the rivers for exploration and trade. As migratory birds, as well as the occasional deer, coyote, mink, Park (downstream of the dam). Additionally, Estabrook Dam European settlers moved into Milwaukee, the local raccoon, and frog, among others. Due to improving water requires portaging during most of the summer when the rivers quickly became the main commercial and quality and river restoration projects such as the removal of dam is closed and during high water. The North Avenue shipping arteries of the young community, and the North Avenue Dam, over 30 species of fish can now be rapids upstream of the former dam/new pedestrian bridge is Eddee Daniel were heavily used for transporting wheat, lumber, found throughout much of the water trail area. The DNR is a recommended portage for inexperienced paddlers and dur- coal, and other products. Over time, roads, rail- reintroducing sturgeon, walleye, and other native fish that ing high or low water. Thiensville once thrived in our rivers, and fishing opportunities now abound, especially below Kletzsch Park Falls and Estabrook For water trail updates, information on water conditions, and advisories, visit the FMR website at: www.mkeriverkeeper.org. Mequon 43 Falls and along the Burnham Canal on the Menomonee Riv- er. The water trail flows adjacent to the Milwaukee County To report hazards or obstructions on the rivers, call FMR at Milwaukee INSET MAP Parks’ Oak Leaf Trail and the newly created Beer Line Trail, (414) 287-0207. 100 which provide quality hiking and biking opportunities that Brown Deer could be combined with a paddle trip. River Hills Lake Michigan 181 ultural and Historical Attractions Whitefish Bay C Although Milwaukee and its natural harbor began as a Great Lakes port in 1835, many settlers, fur traders, and Shorewood 41 immigrants were drawn to Milwaukee by the access that MAIN MAP Milwaukee’s three rivers provided into the interior “wilder- ness” by canoe. Although the wilderness is largely gone, General Safety Tips 32 Michael McDowell paddlers can still find connections to our human past along • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flota- 45 Wauwatosa 145 43 Menomonee every stretch and around every corner of the Milwaukee Ur- tion Device (PFD) – a PFD is legally required for each person ways, and air transport gradually replaced rivers ban Water Trail. Boating by Jones Island, now the location onboard and can save your life! as the major transportation routes for most goods. of a sewage treatment plant and the Port of Milwaukee, we • Don’t be left up the creek without a paddle – always bring an 18 94 Milwaukee Milwaukee and other cities gradually turned their are reminded of a marsh island settled by largely Kaszube extra paddle along. backs on the rivers, which had become severely and German immigrants who made their living by fish- • Consider seeking formal boating instruction, attend a boat- polluted. Buildings that had once opened out to ing Lake Michigan. Floating through the Third Ward and ing safety class, and practice paddling and rescue skills. 894 Kinnickinnic West Allis the river now looked to the streets. Downtown Milwaukee, we are reminded of a past where • Dress appropriately for the weather and anticipate weather shipping and commercial vessels lined our shores, teaming changes, especially when paddling in cold water. Bring extra Over recent decades, people are once again em- with wheat, lumber, coal and other supplies. Paddling up- dry clothes, stored in a waterproof bag. bracing their rivers. This change in perception is stream of the former North Avenue Dam, we can envision • Wear brightly colored clothing to improve your visibility to Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers is a non-profit organiza- the result of improved water quality, a surge in a lake that was once a popular recreational area lined with other boaters. tion working to protect water quality and wildlife habitat building and redevelopment along riverfronts, in- swimming schools, passenger ferries, boat liveries, rowing • Review your exit points and portages before launching and and to advocate for sound land use in the Milwaukee, creased interest in recreation, and improved public clubs, and even a theme park! As we pass the old Schlitz be aware of hazards. Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River Watersheds. Friends access. The rivers are now used largely for recre- • When paddling along the inner harbor and Milwaukee Estu- of Milwaukee’s Rivers is a member of the Waterkeeper ation — from the more natural reaches meander- ary, exercise extreme caution and stay in marked channels Alliance, a national coalition dedicated to protecting and ing through parkland enjoyed for their beauty and to ensure your safety and minimize conflicts with motorized restoring our nation’s waterways, and is the licensed wildlife, to the more urban portions welcoming boats. Riverkeeper® for Milwaukee. boaters to dock along the RiverWalk to enjoy a • Bring water and safety equipment, including a first aid kit, local beer, dinner, or entertainment. While Native sunscreen, rain gear, extra lashing line, and dry bags or stor- For more information on Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers or Americans, traders, and trappers are rarely seen age containers. the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, or if you would like to on our rivers today, modern day explorers can be Wisconsin Department of Tourism • Avoid contact with contaminated sediments, especially in make a donation please contact: found in canoes and kayaks seeking tranquility, Estabrook and Lincoln Parks upstream of the Estabrook Park Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers relaxation, and a natural connection to the past in dam. PCB levels are high in these areas and pose a potential 1845 N. Farwell Ave., Suite 100 the midst of an increasingly busy world. threat to human health. Milwaukee, WI 53202 • Do not paddle under the influence! Breweries are “take-out” (414) 287-0207 ater Trails – Making Connections and not “put-in” access points! In a recent report by the www.mkeriverkeeper.org W Water trails are liquid “pathways” that are American Canoe Association, alcohol was found to be a being developed in communities across the country. causal factor in 25% of canoeing deaths and 9% of kayaking For additional maps, please send a self-addressed They enable non-motorized boaters to find legal fatalities from 1996-2002. stamped envelope or download a copy from our website access points, resting sites, and nearby cultural, (click on water trail). historical, and natural attractions. Water trails In case of emergency, please contact the U.S. Coast Guard at connect people with places, both natural and hu- (800) 321-4400 or (414) 803-5807 or hail them or other near- man-made, connect past to present, and bring the by boaters on channel 16 if you have a marine VHF radio. The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail Project received technical sup- boater into contact with the rivers and surround- port from the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of ing lands. These connections help provide “a sense For more information on safety, please visit the FMR water the National Park Service and financial support from the Wisconsin of place” within our watersheds, promote steward- trail website at: www.mkeriverkeeper.org. For real-time flow Coastal Management Program and National Oceanic and Atmospheric ship, and bring us together as a community. levels check the USGS website at: http://www.usgs.gov Administration. Additional technical support was provided by Wiscon- sin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee County Parks, Mil- waukee Department of City Development, PDI Site Engineering, and ilwaukee Urban Water Trail Leave No Trace other cooperating organizations and interested citizens (see website People increasingly recognize that they The Milwaukee Urban Water Trail promotes the following M Paddling on the Milwaukee River. for complete list). This map was developed with additional financial don’t need to travel long distances to go canoe- elements of the national Leave No Trace Code of Outdoor assistance from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wiscon- sin Energy Foundation, the Bert L.