Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/873452
10 • News Graphic • September 12, 2017 Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce • 262-377-1650 • www.grafton-wi.org Town of Grafton Canoe Launch 2400 N Green Bay Road This area off of CTH O near the Grafton/Saukville border allows for non- motorized boat access into the Milwaukee River, as well as fishing access. This launch offers paved parking and wooden landing deck. The deck provides river access for canoe, kayak, and other carry-in users, and also accommodates fishing, picnicking, or even a place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the river. The river is predominantly Class 1 flat water, with some Class 1.5 rapids. Shallow riffles are present in some areas when the water level is low. Check the Saukville water level gauge through Ozaukee County's website: www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/230/River-Levels The route runs about 4.5 miles; 2-3 hours by canoe at summer normal water level without stops. River Island Park 1650 Nancy Lynn Court This launch is tucked just south of the River Island golf course. Park your car in the cul-de-sac off 17th Ave and prepare to launch! The launch is located near the cul-de-sac, don't go over the bridge! River Front Park 1119 15th Ave Riverfront Park is located on 15th Ave just northeast of downtown. Catch a glimpse of Veterans Memorial park as you paddle. Be cautious of the dam south of launch, past the bridge! Veterans Memorial Park 1000 13th Ave Another convenient canoe launch located across the stream from Riverfront Park and right off Highway 60. Parking is available at the park edge along 13th Avenue. Be aware of the dam just downstream from the bridge! Lime Kiln Park 800 S Green Bay Road Lime Kiln is a Swiss Army Knife of recreation opportunity. Follow the road through the park until you find the riverside parking lot. The launch is located just steps away from your vehicle. Follow route M-11 through scenic dells and wildlife occupied woodlands all the way to Garrison's Glen. Cedar Creek Access Sites (From North to South) Grafton Lions Park 1121 Keup Road Located right off Highway 60, Lions Park has ample space for fishing, picnicking, and exercise. Follow the path to the west end of the park where you will find an entrance to Cedar Creek. Canoeing/Kayaking Let the Adventure Begin! Find an interactive map of all launches at http://bit.do/PaddleGrafton Milwaukee River Access Sites (From North to South) Here are a few: Paddle for Exercise - There are few activities that offer this degree of aerobic exercise mixed with the upper body conditioning. Both canoes and kayaks will offer you this benefit regardless of the type of paddling you choose to do. Paddle to be Close to Nature - Paddling definitely affords you the ability to be closer to nature than a lot of other activities do. In many cases you will be able to travel to and see sights only accessible to a very small percentage of the population. Canoeing or kayaking definitely allows for a connection with the nature surrounding a person that cannot be found elsewhere. Paddle for Relaxation - There are few things more relaxing than sitting in a kayak or canoe and watching the sunset over a lake. It is hard to beat having a picnic hundreds of yards from the shoreline as you look on at the panoramic view of the landscape surrounding you. Yes, paddling can offer stress relief like no other. You know what they say, "Even a bad day of paddling is better than a good day at work." Paddle to be with Friends - The bond that fellow paddlers share is one that enhances friendships and builds camaraderie. Whether you and your friends share a competitive streak or just like to hang out, paddling is for you. The stories from just one weekend of paddling often provides for a lifetime of reminiscing, tale-telling, and laughter. So why not invite a friend on your next paddling trip? Paddle to Stay Cool in the Summer - On those hot summer days when it seems like there is no relief from the scorching rays of the sun and everything inside of you says to stay in the air conditioning you have somewhere to turn. You can go paddling. There are few things more refreshing in the summer months than feeling the spray of brisk waters or the fresh, invigorating air while on a canoe or kayak. Paddling is a Sport for All Ages – Whether a person is just a few years old or upwards of 60, they can enjoy paddling. Canoeing is just one of those activities that offers the many benefits already mentioned to all age groups. It is never too early to expose your children to these great sports! Paddling reaches across these generational lines and simply does not discriminate. Paddle because it's Fun! - That's right, paddling is fun. Do we really need a reason to paddle besides this one? It is true that paddling is great exercise, can be relaxing, provides a sense of adventure, and a whole list of other things but when it is boiled all the way down to the essential reason why people paddle it all comes back to this one reason. Paddling is fun! Need a reason to hop in a canoe or kayak? And let's face it, we ALL know someone who has one sitting in their garage that would be more than willing to let you borrow for the day!