Float the Brule: 12.5 Miles from Stone Bridges to the Town of Brule

On the Brule River, where pines press close to the channel and water shimmers off weathered stone, the A2: Stone Bridges to Town of Brule paddle cuts a satisfying daytrip: 12.5 miles of river that most groups cover in 4–7 hours. This route links the stone-arched bridges and wide backwaters above Cedar Island to the Highway 2 takeout at Brule, threading through a sequence of features both gentle and lively. Expect more than a dozen class I–II rapids—Hall’s Rapids, The Falls, Wildcat and Little Joe deliver the brief thrills, while Big Lake and Lucius Lake open the valley into long, reflective flats perfect for a picnic or a swim.

You’ll pass preserved 19th and 20th century homes and boat houses whose peeling paint and original docks recall generations of river life. One estate on Cedar Island is locally famous as the place President Calvin Coolidge spent time in 1928, giving the Brule its nickname, the “River of Presidents.” Between private shorelines, the river widens into expanses of undeveloped state land—more than 6,000 acres where sandbars, marsh grasses and old growth pines host otters, beavers and hunting bald eagles.

BRCR, Inc., operating since 1962, runs hassle-free shuttle service and maintains a fleet of quality canoes, tandem and sit-on-top kayaks. The company’s non-guided format is ideal for families and small groups who want to set their own pace: read the current, pick a calm cove for lunch, then paddle through a stretch of riffles that let you practice basic whitewater skills. Rentals come with life jackets and paddles; shuttle-only options are available if you bring your own boat.

Practicalities matter on a day like this. Water levels can shift after spring runoff or heavy rains, turning easy rapids into more athletic moves; carry a dry bag for sunscreen, layered clothing and river shoes. Leave no trace on the sandbars and respect private property along the banks—this river survives because locals and visitors value preservation.

For travelers based in Brule or driving through northern Wisconsin, the Stone Bridges to Brule run is both accessible and memorable: a compact wilderness corridor with tangible history, approachable whitewater and long sunlit stretches that invite relaxation. Book a shuttle or rental, head to the Brule River office, and plan for a full afternoon of paddling, swimming and river-side stories that keep paddlers returning year after year. Bring binoculars to spot osprey over the lakes, a small waterproof first-aid kit for scrapes and a printed map in case phone reception fades. Friendly staff at BRCR will advise on river flow and best put-in times; early starts avoid crowds and maximize wildlife viewing as mist lifts off the flats and extend summer evenings ashore.