About Kiwanis Landing
Kiwanis Landing serves as a versatile and beautiful public access point on the Milwaukee River downtown, primarily praised for its easy kayak and canoe launching, fishing opportunities, and scenic hiking trails. It's a dog-friendly location with picnic tables, offering a blend of water activities and land-based recreation for families.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a natural escape within a downtown setting.Parents with children who enjoy active outdoor pursuits like kayaking, canoeing, or hiking.Fishing enthusiasts looking for a riverbank spot.Families planning a picnic combined with outdoor activities.Dog owners looking for a pet-friendly recreational area.
Why families love it
- Easy and convenient put-in/launch for kayaks and canoes directly into the Milwaukee River.
- Multiple entry/exit options for boats, including stairs and shallow water access.
- Features a beautiful open space with picnic tables for outdoor dining or relaxation.
- Offers trails through the woods to the north, suitable for hiking with varied terrain.
- Excellent spot for fishing from the riverbank.
- Location is dog-friendly.
Insider tips
- Arrive early to secure street parking, especially on busy days.
- Wear proper, non-slip shoes when heading down the gravel hill to the water, as it can be uneven or slippery.
- Be prepared to carry your kayak or canoe approximately 150 feet from the street to the launch point.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak times if easy parking is a priority.
- If family members have significant mobility challenges, due to the gravel hill and the need to carry gear.
- Forgetting appropriate footwear, especially if planning to go down to the water.
- Requires carrying kayaks or canoes approximately 150 feet from parking to the water.
- The gravel hill leading down to the river can be uneven and/or slippery, especially depending on weather conditions.
- Crowds
- Parking can become busy, indicating potential crowd levels, especially during peak times. Arriving early is suggested to mitigate this.
- Food
- Picnic tables are available in an open area, strongly suggesting outside food is permitted. No explicit restrictions are mentioned.
- Accessibility
- Not explicitly mentioned as accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to the presence of a gravel hill and the requirement to carry gear 150 feet. Stairs are an option for water access, but the hill remains a factor.
- Safety
- Reviewers highlight the gravel hill as potentially uneven/slippery, implying a need for caution and proper footwear. No explicit staff-monitored safety features (e.g., lifeguards, first aid station) are mentioned, consistent with a public access point.
What parents say
"Great place to launch your kayak or canoe."
9 months ago
"Beautiful space. Open area with picnic tables above, and down a minimally steep gravel hill there are perfect spots to drop in a kayak, canoe, or a fishing line in the Milwaukee River. Trails through the woods to the north. Dog friendly. Have proper shoes if you plan on heading down the gravel hill; it can be a bit uneven and/or slippery depending on the weather."
5 years ago
"I love this put in for kayaking the Milwaukee River downtown. You'll have to carry in for maybe 150 feet. Street parking can get busy so get here early!"
3 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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