Waupaca, Wisconsin · Kayak adventures

Find Your
Kind of Water.

Quiet lakes. Winding rivers. A whole new view of Waupaca. We’ll help you find the paddle that feels like you.

A paddler in an orange kayak surrounded by autumn trees

A little time on the water.

Your day. Your pace.

There’s a Paddle for You.

Compare the routes, find your comfort level, and make a day of it. Equipment is included with each adventure.

Planning a paddle? Call 715-258-0775 for seasonal availability. Confirm current rates and departure times when booking.

Winding river · Scenic variety

Crystal River

5 milesAbout 2 hours

Start on a broad, quiet stretch, then follow wooded bends and narrower channels before finishing across Shadow Lake. A little variety around every turn.

Some kayaking experience helpful

Meeting point & trip details

What to expect

Get ready for an unforgettable 5-mile kayak adventure on the Crystal River that blends ease, excitement, and pure serenity. Your journey begins on a calm, lake-turned-river stretch—perfect for warming up and finding your rhythm. Soon, the river tightens and twists, pulling you into a fun, engaging middle section where trees surround you and quick maneuvering keeps the paddle lively as you weave through bends and duck under branches. The final miles slow things down, offering a peaceful, remote glide before a stunning finish across Shadow Lake.

Expect small rocky areas and fallen trees to maneuver around or under. River conditions can change the trip and the time it takes.

Where to meet

South Park, lower shelter area on Shadow Lake. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your confirmed departure.

What’s included

Kayak, paddle, life jacket, pre-trip instruction, and river transportation.

View Trip Details →

$35+ tax / person

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Flat-water exploring · Set your pace

Upper Chain O’ Lakes

Five connected lakes2-hour outing

Explore quiet lakes joined by narrow channels, with wooded shores and the turquoise water of Marl Lake. Choose a kayak or ask about a paddleboard.

A lake alternative to river paddling

Meeting point & trip details

What to expect

Slow down and soak up summer on this peaceful flat-water kayak adventure through the Upper Chain O' Lakes. Glide across five crystal-clear lakes connected by charming, narrow channels that make every transition feel like a discovery. Paddle Pope Lake, completely free of homes, where the quiet makes you feel miles from everything. Be amazed by Marl Lake’s stunning aqua-turquoise water—one of the most beautiful sights in the area. Take a break at Whispering Pines Park for a swim or some sun. With no motorboats and endless calm, this is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and enjoy summer from the water.

Explore the lakes and return to the same landing.

Where to meet

Knight Lake boat landing (N2417 Knight Lane, Waupaca). Arrive 10–15 minutes before your confirmed departure; return to the same landing at the agreed time.

What’s included

Kayak, paddle, life jacket, and paddling instruction. Confirm paddleboard availability when booking.

View Trip Details →

$35+ tax / person

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More challenge · More river

Upper Waupaca River

8 milesAbout 3–3½ hours

A longer paddle through narrow channels, around boulders, and beneath bridges, including the Covered Bridge. Finish at Brainard’s Bridge Park.

Prior river kayaking experience recommended

Meeting point & trip details

What to expect

If you’re looking for the ultimate Waupaca River adventure, this 8-mile paddle delivers nonstop excitement and unforgettable scenery. Plan for 3+ hours of action as you navigate a river packed with character—boulders, tight channels, fallen trees, and multiple stretches of fast-moving rapids that will test your kayaking skills. Paddle beneath bridges, including the iconic Covered Bridge, as the river keeps you alert and engaged around every bend. This trip blends challenge and beauty from start to finish, wrapping up at Waupaca’s stunning Brainard’s Bridge Park—perfect for relaxing with lunch or a snack. It’s adventurous, rewarding, and absolutely worth it.

Our most challenging river outing includes fast water, rapids, rocks, and fallen trees. You may need to get out or lift your kayak. Expect to get wet.

Where to meet

Brainard’s Bridge Park, 711 Bailey Street, Waupaca. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your confirmed departure.

What’s included

Kayak, paddle, life jacket, pre-trip instruction, and river transportation.

View Trip Details →

$40+ tax / person

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A little less time. Plenty to explore.

A Shorter River Escape.

A quieter river escape

Lower Waupaca River

4 milesAbout 1½ hours$35 + tax / person

Follow a remote stretch of winding river with high banks and opportunities to spot wildlife. The published route has no challenging rapids.

Meeting point & trip details

What to expect

Escape into river solitude on this 4-mile kayak adventure that feels a world away from everyday life. Over approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll paddle through a winding, remote stretch of river filled with graceful bends, towering high banks that rise like natural bluffs, and beautiful scenery around every corner. Along the way, the river adds a little adventure as you navigate narrower passages, maneuver around fallen trees, and occasionally duck beneath overhanging branches. With no challenging rapids, this stretch offers a wonderful balance of peaceful paddling and just enough excitement to keep things interesting.

Disclaimer: the "take out" area will require you to climb over some rocks to get on shore.

Where to meet

Riverside Park, 1600 Royalton Street, Waupaca. Confirm your arrival time when booking.

What’s included

Kayak, paddle, life jacket, and river transportation.

View Trip Details →

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Booking links open Recreogo in a new tab. Trip times are approximate and depend on your pace, stops, and conditions.

View from a red kayak along a leafy river with overhanging branches and sunlit water

Less planning. More paddling.

We’ll Bring the Gear.
You Bring the Adventure.

Before you head out

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way.

Dress for possibly getting wet. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for afterward.
Pack the outdoor essentials. Sunscreen, bug spray, and sunglasses are useful on the water.
Choose suitable footwear. River shoes (old tennis shoes or water shoes) are recommended for all river trips; flip-flops are not.
Check your meeting point. Trips meet at different landings and parks. Use your booking confirmation and arrive early.

Need help choosing?
Talk with our downtown team at 106 S. Main Street, or call 715-258-0775.

Good to know

Before You Dip
Your Paddle.

Have a question about your group, your experience, or the right route? That’s what we’re here for.

Ask the shop

Which trip should I choose if I’m new to kayaking?

Call us about your experience before booking. The Upper Chain offers a flat-water alternative to a river trip. The Crystal River and Lower Waupaca River have obstacles to maneuver around, and the Upper Waupaca is our most challenging option. We’ll help you choose a kayak adventure that fits best for you. Just give us a call at 715.258.0775.

Will a guide paddle with us?

Pre-trip instruction is included with the Crystal River, Upper and Lower Waupaca River, and Upper Chain adventures. The guide does not accompany you on the trip. They are there to help get you started safely and pick you up as you finish.

Can children join the adventure?

We have minimum age requirements depending on the adventure you choose. Minimum ages are as follows for the kayak adventures: Upper Chain O’ Lakes — 8 years old; Crystal and Lower Waupaca Rivers — 9 years old; Upper Waupaca River — 12 years old. These age minimums are established for the safety of the kids. Tandem (two-person) kayaks are available if you have children too young to go in their own kayak.

Do I need a reservation?

Advance reservations are recommended, ideally at least a day ahead. Walk-ins depend on a scheduled trip and available equipment. Book online or call 715-258-0775 to confirm availability.

What happens if the weather changes?

Trips depend on weather and water conditions. Call us if conditions are uncertain, and review the cancellation terms in your reservation before booking.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Policies differ by trip. The river trips restrict food and beverages; however, personal water bottles are permitted to stay hydrated when necessary. The Upper Chain permits food and nonalcoholic drinks, with all trash carried out. Ask us about your trip’s water and food arrangements before departure.

Can I rent equipment for my own outing?

Call the downtown shop at 715-258-0775 to discuss equipment availability, rental length, and pickup arrangements.

Make a day of it

Your Next Good Day Starts Here.

Pick your paddle, bring your people, and explore Waupaca from the water.

Choose your paddle Explore the Adventure Report

Tuesday–Friday	10 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–2 PM
Sunday–Monday	Closed

Find YourKind of Water.

There’s a Paddle for You.

Crystal River

What to expect

Where to meet

What’s included

Upper Chain O’ Lakes

What to expect

Where to meet

What’s included

Upper Waupaca River

What to expect

Where to meet

What’s included

A Shorter River Escape.

Lower Waupaca River

What to expect

Where to meet

What’s included

We’ll Bring the Gear.You Bring the Adventure.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way.

Before You DipYour Paddle.

Your Next Good Day Starts Here.

Find Your
Kind of Water.

We’ll Bring the Gear.
You Bring the Adventure.

Before You Dip
Your Paddle.