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Kayaking is an awesome and rewarding water sport to invest in. There is no better way to explore the waters and natural beauty of Wisconsin. If you’re a beginner at the sport, not to worry. Wisconsin’s waters will accommodate! Check out the best spots to go out with a kayaking guide or self-teach—once you learn, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Madeline Island is the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands off of Northern Wisconsin and also a great place to launch your beginner kayaking trip. Waters are mostly calm and experienced kayakers recommend shadowing the shoreline. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the sea caves, sand stone caves, and rock formations. The distance is about three miles from the launch site.
This is the perfect place to begin practicing for some heavy-duty kayaking. The river itself is very peaceful, making it the ideal place to practice your technique. Put your kayak in at Governor Bend Park, travel around five and half miles, and take out at Highway O. There are no hard obstacles or currents to worry about, just a beautiful place to do some recreational kayaking.
At Neenah Creek, enjoy a couple of tight turns and a small current. As you continue on your outing the current slows and the creek doubles in size. Practice working the corners of the bend in a slow environment. It’s a guarantee that you’ll see tons of wildlife. After a peaceful three-mile journey, take your kayak out by Muskrat Road.
The Montello River has clear water and is an overall easy paddle. You’ll view tree overhangs and a largely wooded landscape. As the trip goes on, you’ll notice the current lessens and the river widens. Put your kayak in by the bridge access at 11th Road and take it out at the public boat ramp located off of Lake Street, for a total of over three and a half miles of pure kayaking fun.
The Mecan River is a lovely spot for an afternoon kayaking adventure. You’ll see tons of Wisconsin plants, animals, and terrain. Put your kayak in at the Germania Marsh Dam and take out at the Highway J bridge. While it’s a relatively easy paddle, it’s a very scenic one at that. Check it out for yourself!
