Orange jewelweed and coneflower lined its grassy banks, and kingfishers and goldfinches flew overhead. River Kayaking in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posted at 13:15h in Blog , United States , Urban Adventure , Wisconsin by Jenna Kvidt 32 Comments Paddling through the city is a completely different experience than kayaking in the wilds of nature. From the street, there's a steep climb down to the river. Sites are first-come, first-served. On Wisconsin's Kinnickinnic River, paddling is a lot like playing pinball — except your boat is the ball. The car must have a state-park vehicle permit ($8 residents, $11 non-residents), and rangers do check. Tucked between houses on Main Street, Kinni Creek Outfitters does a steady business on the river. Getting there: In light traffic, it's only half an hour east of the Twin Cities. The Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks, Inc. is offering beginner, family-friendly kayak lessons. Soon, our driver was there, but not to pick us up. Near the northeast Wisconsin town of Mercer, paddling is as wild as you want it to be. River Falls, Wisconsin Lower Kinnickinnic Kayak Trip CURRENT SPECIAL for 2021 $80 for 2 Use promo code “RGK-21” when booking. We are privately located along 180 feet of scenic shoreline on the Kinnickinnic River, a Class 1 trout stream. The wild 21-island archipelago around Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula is the preserve of paddlers. The lower canyon of the Kinnickinnic River is a natural spring-fed class I trout stream that runs from River Falls to the St. Croix River. Kinni is a class I or class II river depending on water levels. Swimming, water skiing, sunbathing and wind surfing are very popular. Justin spent the day kayaking and shooting video with Minnesota Board and Boat along with Kinni Kayak. Time and Fuel charges will be … Got a deal that included drinks and apps. It is locally called the "KK River". Think the sport looks cool? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The river is rough on boats, but if you want to use your own, put in at Glen Park in River Falls. Kinni Kayak offers both kayak rentals and shuttle service if you have your own kayak. The outfitter also shuttles paddlers to the Upper Kinni, though it's not as scenic. The Kinnickinnic River is the last major tributary to the Wild and Scenic St. Croix River before its confluence with the Mississippi River. This two-sided map brochure is a high quality map of the Kinnickinnic watershed with all publicly accessible recreation sites identified with a legend to distinguish the type and owner characteristics. During the final session students will paddle down the scenic Kinnickinnic River to the spectacular St. Croix River. Let's just say the river is not for beginners, some mild rapids and drops with downed trees and rocks to dodge, esp the back 1/2 of the float. On a warm summer day, it's the coolest possible place to play. We’re just a short drive from Minneapolis/St. Kayaking the Kinni - a true summer pleasure. A kayaker heads down the Kinnickinnic River. The Kinnickinnic River, called the Kinni for short, is a 22-mile-long (35 km) river in northwestern Wisconsin in the United States.The Kinni is a cold water fishery supporting a population of native Brook Trout and naturally reproducing Brown Trout.The Kinnickinnic River is officially designated as a Class I trout stream by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Kinnickinnic River Guest Author: Sumner Matteson, The River Raptors Date Paddled: May 16th, 2017 Put-in: Glen Park, River Falls Take-out: Hwy F Distance: 8.1 Miles Time: 4.5 Hours Gradient: 13.3' per mile Water Level: Kinnickinnic River @ River Falls 158 CFS or 10.55' I awoke on 16 May to cloudy skies after a night of rumbling storms in the River Falls area of western Wisconsin. On rivers, guided paddle trips offer a one-way ticket with nonstop scenery. Quiet County Road FF leads to River Falls. If you are looking for a whitewater experience the Kinni is not exciting, but it is a great getaway from urban life. The 22-mile, spring-fed river is a world-class trout stream with over 8,000 trout per mile in some stretches. The “Kinni” flows through the City of River Falls and is a popular recreation and natural area within the Wisconsin portion of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. To get there, go through downtown and past the UW campus; turn right at Park Street. River Guide Kayaks: Fun time kayaking the upper Kinnickinnic River - See 362 traveler reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for River Falls, WI, at Tripadvisor. Sometimes, the riverbed was so close to the surface we were barely able to squeeze over it. Quickened by springs and creeks as it flows toward the St. Croix, the Kinni is no lazy river. In central Wisconsin, paddle down a scenic river and return on the 400 Trail. Located in the heart of a river gorge that leads into the St. Croix. Funktion Junktion Antiques, Repurposed, and Local Goods, Points of Interest & Landmarks in River Falls, Health/Fitness Clubs & Gyms in River Falls, Belle vinez winery & Vineyard: Tickets & Tours‎, Kinnickinnic State Park: Tickets & Tours‎. In River Falls, Kinni Creek Outfitters at 545 N. Main St. rents kayaks and canoes, drops clients off at Glen Park and provides a ride back from Kinnickinnic State Park. In southwest Wisconsin, a looping river plays peekaboo. 09jul10:45 am 3:00 pm Kayaking on the Kinnickinnic River, River Falls WI TUESDAY WIPEOUTS. Everyone will scrape over rocks, but paddlers who don't weigh much and can avoid most of the rocks will have the most fun. Kayaking Within Reach. A quiet creek like river that winds through forests and a few houses. Other Rivers Kinnickinnic, Apple, and Rush. I've been waiting a week for a response, and have not had one. Call Bonnie Lynn for information or read it in your TWO newsletter. The valleys and bluffs around Prairie du Sac draw paddlers, hikers and Sunday drivers. River Falls: City on the Kinni. more. About halfway down, we spotted a sandy point that was perfect for lunch, and there was a picnic table around the next bend. The Lower Kinni drops over 70 feet through a deep gorge, giving visitors a unique wild experience in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area. The river-liberation movement recently claimed another victory. Carrying the 12-foot kayaks down wooden steps, we put in below a dam, where three fishermen were casting flies; the Kinni is a Class I trout stream, full of native brown trout and, especially on its upper stretch, some brook trout. Thanks to all the guys and gals who volunteered there time to make this a great morning on the Mississippi River. On a fine day, go sightseeing in a canoe or kayak. The last third is the most scenic, with sandstone cliffs and wooded bluffs that shade the water and perfume the air with the scent of pine. From one cliff face, the "weeping cliffs," streams of water fell steadily, seemingly straight out of clumps of moss. The only way I could get any response from Kinni Kayak was by email, and they would take several days or more to respond (if they did respond at all). People who weigh more than 200 pounds will have to get out and pull their kayaks over shallow spots. In a Wisconsin resort town, the wealthy built playrooms on water. Andrew the business owner is the real deal, a former professional kayaker. Filter your search by Category : Tag : Date Category ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Video ★ ★ ★ News Feature … All and all we did enjoy but it was more excitement than we thought it was gonna be. When to go: As always, paddling is best on weekdays or early on weekends. Human-Powered Adventure. Great blue herons stalking the wildflowers along the Kinnickinnic River. The Kinnickinnic River is located in one of the most populated, racially diverse and poorest areas of the city of Milwaukee. In this sporty town on the Wisconsin River, just go with the flow. Time (Tuesday) 10:45 am - 3:00 pm. The outfiittersKinni Creek now has 250 kayaks for rent any time of year. Kinnickinnic River Land Trust (KRLT) is pleased to announce the publication of the Kinnickinnic Watershed Public Recreation Map. Camp on the sand bars in the center of the river along the way. A big paddle-sports expo in Madison is the place to look for a boat of your own. Coming soon will be a video for the beautiful Kinnickinnic River. On weekends, all kayaks and canoes often are rented, so reserve in advance. The upper Kinnickinnic River flows through farm land and great care has been taken to see that fences keep the cattle out of the water. We offer guided fly fishing trips, kayak tours, and longer paddling overnight camping adventures. It doesn't seem like a good river for beer-drinking bubbas. On the Wolf River in northeast Wisconsin, novice kayakers learn the moves at Bear Paw resort. It's a good thing the river is so clear, because that makes it easier to spot the rocks. Might be a fun trip, but getting a hold of them was frustrating to say the least...get a refund now, if you got a daily steal that expires on 9/30/12. In northwest Wisconsin, this lively river is cherished by presidents, paddlers, fishermen and wildlife-watchers. After we had agreed to a pick-up time at Kinnickinnic State Park, our shuttle driver loaded us and two Old Town Otter kayaks into a van and took us down to Glen Park. Midway, we saw two herons; a little farther, we saw two deer drinking from the river. In summer, you can't do any better than that. In the down-home Ozarks, explore paddle rivers and picturesque springs. The communities around the river endure poor water quality, a lack of recreational opportunities, and diminished and unsafe access to the river. He understands kayaks and the river. Self-guided kayaking trips ease past these and more dramatic sites, which typify the undeveloped riverbanks throughout eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. On the once-gritty St. Louis River, boaters and birders enjoy the scenery. By then, we liked River Falls quite a lot, and I made a mental note to come every summer. Kinnickinnic is an Ojibwe word which literally means "what is mixed", referring to the mixing of indigenous plants and tobaccos. A little nervous about that. Next to it, a pretty bowstring bridge crossed the Kinni to the site of two 1858 mills, now parkland laced with trails. responded back. But we spent most of our time a little farther down, where there was a sandy bank and a deep stretch where we could swim in the cool water, dog-paddling against the current or floating on top of it, letting it twirl us like oak seeds. To shuttle yourself, leave a car at the Angler's Lot in Kinnickinnic State Park, off County Road F just north of its junction with County Road FF. When requesting a pick-up time, allow three hours for paddling and plenty of time for picnicking and swimming. We have kayaked before but would still probably be a half step above beginner. Its pristine water and its banks, so far unmarred by development, are zealously guarded by the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Trout Unlimited and the many others who want to preserve it. He was very professional and prompt. Tried several times to schedule on weekends and they were always busy. The river will narrow, but depending on the water level, you might be able to make it all the way to Miller Park – rivers tend to be higher in spring and lower in fall. Olson offers six kayaking trip options through her lodge at 545 Main St. Four of the trips are for beginners and are on the upper Kinnickinnic River. It has a very high population of self-sustaining, stream-bred brown trout. The ride is about 4 hours down a beautiful stream with high bluffs and sheer cliffs, tall trees and lots of birds. Benefits of the Kinni. "There are two tricky places," he said. Air Date: 08/27/2016 - 08/28/2016. Or, leave bicycles in the lot and ride the seven miles back to River Falls on County Road FF, a lovely and lightly traveled road with wide shoulders; the hill out of the park is the only steep part. Location. They need to hire more people to ensure prompt response to calls/emails. Camping: On the east side of River Falls, Hoffman Park has electric hook-ups, bathrooms and showers. We could contract out for multiple day voyages. "One is where the current pushes you into a tree, and one is where it goes straight into a rock wall, and you have to paddle out of the current.". Duration of excursions range from 1 hr to 8 hr trips. The video below should give us […] River Guide Kayaks offers kayak rentals on the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, WI. At the junction with Wisconsin 35/29, there's a paved bike trail that takes riders to Cemetery Road; from there, use sidewalks or the street. But then we rode along peacefully, watching our shadows on the cornfields, cast by the sinking sun. Paddling festivals on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are good places to mingle and learn. She shuttles guests and kayaks upriver depending on how long they want to paddle. Quickened by springs and creeks as it flows toward the St. Croix, the Kinni is no lazy river. July 9-12, River Falls Days. Off Ontario's Superior coast, a lighthouse is an irresistible destination. We have already recommended to all our friends. Kayaking along the lower stretches of the river has become popular, with three businesses shuttling kayakers to the launch point below the lower dam and picking them up at the takeout at the County F bridge near Kinnickinnic State Park. MidwestWeekends.com — Your Travel Guide to the Upper Midwest. From June through October, there's a farmers market Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays 3-6 p.m. We really did feel like pinballs, swerving this way and that after spotting telltale plumes of water but often getting banged anyway. The takeout was easy to spot; there's only one bridge, and that was it. On Wisconsin's Kinnickinnic River, paddling is a lot like playing pinball — except your boat is the ball. River Falls to Kinnickinnic State Park ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Hands down, one of the cleanest, clearest, most beautiful and exhilarating rivers to paddle in all of Wisconsin, the “Kinni” is just incredible, as it swiftly wends its way around one stunning bluff and cliff after another, with peppy rapids all along the way, but hardly any development. If you'd like to hit the waterways this summer, you'll find lots of encouragement. Hi Guys, This week I take a kayak trip down the Kinnickinnic River in Wisconsin along with some good friends of mine. As we rode through downtown, we heard music and followed it to Veterans Park, where families were sitting on limestone risers or wrought-iron benches, listening to a blues concert, part of the weekend Music in the Park series. Inexperienced paddlers may tip if they allow the current to steer them into trees or rock walls. The Kinnickinnic River near River Falls, Wisconsin, is a true wilderness paddling experience with occasional rapids, spectacular cliffs and a gorge. River Falls WI. 2020 events: April 17-19, Roots and Bluegrass Festival. Check in and waiver signing was easy, then they shuttle you to the drop in site. Known as the “Kinni” by those who enjoy it, the Kinnickinnic River is a spring fed, cold-water stream 22 miles in length surrounded by a picturesque watershed of 174 square miles. Bring a heavy cooler and you scrape; fail to pay attention, you get a snoot full of water. Cold and insistent, it scoops up a boat and gives it a ride, slapping it between boulders, bumping it over rubble and shooting it over rapids. Sept. 19-20, Bacon Bash. It is clear, cold, and shallow different than most local rivers. River Falls is a vibrant city situated on the beautiful Kinnickinnic River. Delightful! Camp Along the Way on the Sand Bars. After the road met Wisconsin 29/35, a paved bicycle trail took us to the edge of town. Enjoy the video and let’s go kayaking! Please Contact me if your interested in kayaking other rivers. Here's what I suggest 1) better explanation up front on what to expect on the water, 2) kids have to be over 15 or so....our kids were a little young, 3) get some double kayaks so parents and kids ride together. The Kinnickinnic River watershed is characterized by scenic bluff lands, rare oak savanna, original prairie, farm land, white pine forest, wooded coulees, sedge meadows, rare and endangered plant species, beautiful stands of white pines and plenty of open space and scenic vistas. Boating, canoeing and kayaking The park includes a beautiful sand delta alive with boats and people enjoying the St. Croix River. Traveling by both bike and boat, a river trip is twice the fun. After years of neglect, this urban waterway has become a place to play. Tried scheduling on a weekday, and they never. The Kinni is a hidden treasure just 30 minutes from the Twin Cites. We had been able to kayak, swim, bike and listen to music, all in one day. He'd brought our bikes, so we could ride them seven miles back to River Falls. Event Details. So one August, my husband and I drove to River Falls, a college town that calls itself "The City on the Kinni.". The Kinnickinnic The Kinnickinnic Tour and Rental Description: The Kinnickinnic is the perfect blend of relaxing wilderness and high energy rapids. The Kinnickinnic River originates from a series of springs upstream of Interstate 94 in central St. Croix County and flows through the City of River Falls into Pierce County and eventually enters the St. Croix River south of the City of Hudson in Kinnickinnic State Park. The Kinnickinnic River is one of three primary rivers that flows into the harbor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Lake Michigan, along with the Menomonee River and Milwaukee River. My wife and I both flipped our boats, which we then had to drag to shore to dump the water out of....meanwhile our daughters go floating down the river out of our sight. Trout leaping out of the water to feed. The owner was great and really wanted to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. Information: River Falls chamber, 715-425-2533. It’s more than three miles from the confluence to the stadium, so make sure to bring plenty of drinking water for … Each outing begins at a select meet-up point, from which guides provide shuttle service to and from the launch sites. If you would like to paddle it we’ll make it happen. They say they are busy, but give me a break, if you want your company to succeed you need to respond back within 24 hours. It's easy to get your feet wet. Send sign-up check to Bonnie Lynn. When we weren't shooting over rapids — exhilarating when there wasn't a boulder in our way — we could look around and admire the river valley, known as the Canyon. Whether it’s fly fishing and kayaking or art fairs and music festivals, the city on the Kinni has so much for visitors who enjoy recreation and culture. All the person in the boat has to do is sit tight and steer. For canoeists, this vast wilderness is the promised land. The Kinnickinnic River is an exceptional natural resource in western Wisconsin. Kayaking the Kinnickinnic River Posted at 10:30h in Blog , Outdoor Adventure , United States , Wisconsin by Jenna Kvidt 20 Comments Located in western Wisconsin, the Kinnickinnic River, or Kinni for short, is a 22 mile long river, and we were paddling a three-hour portion of the river. Boat camping is a popular activity on the Kinnickinnic delta. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The fly fishing and kayaking are done mostly on the Kinnickinnic River.