Choose Your Own Adventure: 4 Getaways on Wisconsin's Waterways

This summer, plan a getaway tailored to you and your group’s favorite kind of fun on the water. From heart-pumping thrills to sunbathing on the beach, Wisconsin’s waterways are perfect for spending quality time with your favorite people. Read on to choose your own adventure and find your next ideal outing!

For the Active Travelers

Combine your favorite wellness activities with Wisconsin’s waterways for a vacation that will leave you feeling better than ever. 

For a restorative (and fun!) activity on the water, try a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga class with friends. You can find classes throughout the state, from St. Germain’s YogaPaddler in the north to Paddle Pewaukee in the south. You’ll be able to connect with nature and each other while enjoying an active getaway.

Wisconsin also offers excellent kayaking excursions. For a leisurely experience that passes through towering sandstone bluffs, rent kayaks at the popular Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells. For a lengthier trip, take your crew kayaking in Door County to explore caves and shipwrecks. And for the ultimate excursion, head north to the Apostle Islands. Here, you’ll also find magnificent views of sea caves and sunken vessels, and there’s so much to explore that multi-day trips are encouraged. Find knowledgeable guides and outfitters in the Apostle Islands and start planning your perfect trip.

For the Cocktail Crowd

For a more laid-back experience on Wisconsin’s waterways, take a cocktail cruise and cheers to relaxing with your favorite people.

In Hudson, choose from a Fajita & Margarita Cruise, Friday Italian Dinner Cruise, Sunday Brunch Cruise and many more through St. Croix River Cruises. You and your group will glide down the scenic St. Croix River while enjoying each other’s company and tasty spirits.

Find more delicious sips on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Themes include a Cocktail Cruise, Supper Club Dinner Cruise and Beer Barons of Lake Geneva Cruise that explores the brewing history of the area and includes delicious beer tasting.

For a truly unique experience on the water, try out a paddle pub with friends. You’ll help power the boat along the route while enjoying drinks together. You can find paddle pubs in Madison, Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells.

For the Beach Bums  

Ditch the spa and relax instead on one of Wisconsin’s picturesque beaches. North Beach in Racine has been rated one of the top beaches in America with 2,500 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. You can sunbathe on white sand and go for a swim together when you want to cool off. Further north in Two Rivers, Point Beach State Forest is less populated and equally beautiful, with a view of Rawley Point Lighthouse. 

Another relaxing summer activity is floating down a natural Wisconsin “lazy river.” S&B Tubing facilitates trips on southern Wisconsin's Sugar River, where you can soak up the sun with your feet in the water. Discover more great rivers for tubing in Wisconsin!

For the Adrenaline Junkies

Get your heart pumping and have an unforgettable experience by taking a group surfing lesson at EOS Surf in Sheboygan. Surfing in Wisconsin is mostly a cold weather sport, as that’s when the waves are best, but you can still catch some big Lake Michigan waves in late August and September.

Another heart-thumping adventure is white water rafting on the Wolf, Menominee and Peshtigo rivers. With some sections reaching Class III and IV rapids, your group will scream with delight as you make your way down the wild waterways. You’ll have many options for outfitters that combine camping with rafting, including Kosir’s, Herb’s and Wildman Adventure Resort.

Ready to plan more fun on Wisconsin’s waterways? Check out these islands in the sun!