MILWAUKEE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Moonlight Paddles: Kayaking Milwaukee’s Rivers by Full Moon
A guided, two-hour evening kayak tour from Milwaukee Kayak Company that runs on or near the full moon and includes all necessary gear and instruction.
Moonlight Paddles: Kayaking Milwaukee’s Rivers by Full Moon.
Experience the rivers of downtown Milwaukee under the moonlight on a guided Moonlight Paddle. Launching from the company dock before sunset, these calm, social evening outings pair a short paddle lesson and full equipment with slow, purposeful navigation upriver and back as the moon rises.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Milwaukee Kayak Company: a proven downtown presence
Milwaukee Kayak Company welcomes guests from its downtown dock and is celebrating its 14th season guiding people on Milwaukee’s rivers, emphasizing safe, fun experiences for groups and couples.
Full-moon launches, headlamps and city reflections
Moonlight Paddles are scheduled on the full moon (or a day or two before or after); groups launch before sunset, paddle upriver as time allows, then return with the moon and supplied headlamps lighting the route.
Everything you need—supplied and instructed
The experience includes kayak, life jacket, paddle, headlamps, a paddle lesson and guided instruction, making it suitable for beginners comfortable on evening water.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
You check in at the dock, receive a brief paddle lesson and safety orientation, then launch as a group before sunset. The guide sets a relaxed pace—either upriver or along the Menomonee River as time allows—turning toward the harbor and back as the moon rises and headlamps punctuate the darkened water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening fits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Moonlight Paddles occur on the full moon (or a day or two before or after); outings are scheduled in the evening with a roughly two-hour duration.
Essential flotation and paddling gear—kayak, life jacket, paddle and headlamps—are provided along with a paddle lesson; participants should bring weather-appropriate layers.
Meet at Milwaukee Kayak Company’s main dock (MKC @ Jerry's Docks, 318 South Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204). The trip runs approximately two hours; call ahead with any questions at (414) 301-2240.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When do Moonlight Paddles run?
Moonlight Paddles take place on the full moon or a day or two before or after the full moon.
How long is the trip?
The paddle lasts approximately two hours.
Where do I meet for the paddle?
Meet at MKC @ Jerry's Docks, Milwaukee Kayak Company’s main location at 318 South Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204.
What equipment is included?
The trip includes kayak, life jacket, paddle, headlamps, a paddle lesson and guided instruction.
Are life jackets required?
Yes—paddlers are required to wear life jackets on all guided tours, and life jackets are included in your rental.
Can minors attend?
Moonlight Paddles are recommended for people over the age of 18; families with children may attend provided there is a parent and/or guardian acting as chaperone.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please call Milwaukee Kayak Company at (414) 301-2240 with any questions.