Paddle the Chain O' Lakes: A Family-Friendly Pub Route Through the World's Largest Freshwater Chain

EAGLE RIVER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE

Paddle the Chain O' Lakes: A Family-Friendly Pub Route Through the World's Largest Freshwater Chain

A customizable 3–8 hour paddle from Wildwood Outdoor Adventures that lets you choose craft, pit stops, and your ending location for a true north-woods outing.

Paddle the Chain O' Lakes: A Family-Friendly Pub Route Through the World's Largest Freshwater Chain.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Eagle River
Operator
Wildwood Outdoor Adventures
Category
Kayak
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience the Chain O' Lakes — billed here as the world's largest freshwater chain — by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe. The Chain O Lakes Pub Paddle is a customizable excursion from Wildwood Outdoor Adventures that threads channels and lakes in the Eagle River area; you pick your ending location and the pit stops for food and drinks, making it a versatile, family-oriented day on the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WATERWAY

The world's largest freshwater chain under paddle

Paddle a connected series of lakes and channels that make up the Chain O' Lakes, taking in wide-open water and narrow linking channels as you move between stops.

THE ROUTE

Design your own day: stops for food, drink and sun

The trip lets you select your ending location and choose pit stops at established spots for food, beverages and relaxation, so you can build an outing that suits your group's pace and appetites.

THE FLEET

Multiple craft options and orientation provided

Choose a kayak, SUP, or canoe; life vest and paddle are included, and staff provide boat, map and gear orientation to make sure you’re comfortable before you launch.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

This is a true north-woods paddle that balances open-lake stretches with sheltered channels: you launch from the operator's base, follow connecting waterways through the Eagle River chain, stop where you like for a meal or a drink, and finish at the location you selected when you booked.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this paddle suits

1
FamiliesDescribed as great for the whole family, this paddle is organized to accommodate family groups with flexible stops and kid-friendly craft options.
2
Multi-generational groupsThe customizable itinerary and choice of craft make it a good match for groups spanning ages who want a shared outdoor experience.
3
Casual outdoor explorersThose seeking a relaxed day afloat with opportunities for food, drink and short paddles between stops will find this format well suited to their pace.
4
Groups focused on social stopsIf your priority is visiting waterfront pubs and lakeside eateries, the trip’s emphasis on selectable pit stops and ending locations supports that itinerary.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring

Operator includes your choice of kayak, SUP or canoe, a life vest and a paddle, plus a map and gear orientation; bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and any personal items or snacks you want between pit stops.

Trip length & intensity

Typical excursion options range from about 3 to 8 hours and are described as moderate in intensity; choose your route and stops to match your group’s stamina.

Launch point

The meeting and launch point is Wildwood Outdoor Adventures in the Eagle River area.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Chain O Lakes Pub Paddle?

Trip options are advertised in the 3–8 hour range and are described as moderate in intensity.

Where do I meet for the paddle?

Meet at Wildwood Outdoor Adventures, the operator’s location in Eagle River.

What craft and gear are provided?

You can choose a kayak, SUP, or canoe; a life vest and paddle are provided, and staff offer boat, map and gear orientation before launch.

Can I stop for food and drinks during the paddle?

Yes — the experience is built around selectable pit stops at lakeside locations for food, beverages and relaxation; you choose the stops as you plan your route.

Is this paddle appropriate for children or novice paddlers?

The outing is described as great for the whole family, and orientation is provided to help groups feel comfortable before they launch.

Who runs the Chain O Lakes Pub Paddle?

Wildwood Outdoor Adventures operates the outing and is the stated meeting location for the trip.