Paddling the Fox: A three‑hour glide from Rapids des Pères to Green Bay

DE PERE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE

Paddling the Fox: A three‑hour glide from Rapids des Pères to Green Bay

A 3-hour guided kayak journey on the historic Fox River that threads a lock, passes St. Norbert College and offers views toward Green Bay and Lambeau Field.

Paddling the Fox: A three‑hour glide from Rapids des Pères to Green Bay.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
De Pere
Operator
Fox River Kayaking Company
Category
Kayak
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from the old Rapids des Pères and drop into the steady flow of the Fox River for a three‑hour paddle that traces a corridor once fished by Native Americans. The route moves past the stately campus of St. Norbert College, threads a single lock, and lets the river carry you toward the shores of Green Bay—on clear days Lambeau Field appears on the horizon—while guides document the trip with complimentary photos.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Launch at Rapids des Pères
THE HISTORY

Launch at Rapids des Pères

This stretch was originally known as Rapids des Pères ('Rapids of the Fathers') and was a notable fishing spot for Native Americans and early settlers before the lock and dam reshaped the river.

Campus, lock, and the slow run to the Bay
THE ROUTE

Campus, lock, and the slow run to the Bay

Paddlers pass St. Norbert College, navigate a single lock, and then travel with a gentler current toward Green Bay, making for varied scenery across the three‑hour outing.

Guide photos you can download
THE KEEPSAKE

Guide photos you can download

Guides typically take photographs during the tour and make them available to download for free from Facebook after the paddle, though photos are not guaranteed.

What the day feels like

What the paddle feels like

The outing unfolds as a measured three‑hour paddle: launch from the historic rapids, steady strokes past college grounds, a controlled transit through a lock, then a relaxed downstream leg toward Green Bay with opportunities to spot distant landmarks.

Launch at Rapids des Pères

THE HISTORY

Launch at Rapids des Pères

This stretch was originally known as Rapids des Pères ('Rapids of the Fathers') and was a notable fishing spot for Native Americans and early settlers before the lock and dam reshaped the river.

Campus, lock, and the slow run to the Bay

THE ROUTE

Campus, lock, and the slow run to the Bay

Paddlers pass St. Norbert College, navigate a single lock, and then travel with a gentler current toward Green Bay, making for varied scenery across the three‑hour outing.

Guide photos you can download

THE KEEPSAKE

Guide photos you can download

Guides typically take photographs during the tour and make them available to download for free from Facebook after the paddle, though photos are not guaranteed.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this paddle suits — and when to think twice.

1
Active FamiliesSuitable for families—single and double kayaks are available and the activity is described as welcoming to all ages; all kayaks include paddle and PFD.
2
History BuffsA good match for those interested in local history: the launch is at Rapids des Pères, a historically significant fishing site, and the route passes notable landmarks.
3
Beginner PaddlersApproachable for beginners: tours provide equipment (paddle and PFD) and run on relatively calm water below the lock; single and double kayaks are available to suit comfort levels.
4
Photographers & Memory‑MakersGuides typically take photos during the tour and make them available to download after the trip, making this a solid choice for those who want shareable moments without carrying camera gear on the water.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The outing lasts three hours, allowing time for paddling, a lock transit, and the downstream run to Green Bay.

What to Bring

Bring weather‑appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for launching from a riverbank; guides provide PFDs and paddles with each kayak.

Equipment Provided

Single and double kayaks are available and all kayaks include a paddle and personal flotation device.

Photography

Guides typically take photos during the tour and make them available to download for free from Facebook after the trip, though photos are not guaranteed.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the paddle?

The tour is three hours long.

Are life jackets and paddles provided?

Yes — all kayaks include a paddle and a PFD.

Can I bring my own kayak or boat?

The activity description notes single and double kayaks are available; it does not state whether outside craft are permitted.

Will guides take photos during the trip?

Guides usually take photographs during the tour and make them available to download for free from Facebook afterwards, but photos are not guaranteed.

Are there weight limits for the kayaks?

Yes — the maximum weight is 500 lb total per kayak.

Will I see Lambeau Field?

On a clear day Lambeau Field can be seen in the distance from the downstream portion of the route.