Riverside Park Landing to Brokaw Mill Landing

Paddle your kayak from Riverside Park to Brokaw Mill Landing along the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway for a easy, relaxing 14 mile journey. This scenic segment takes you through stunning views, serene surroundings, and the rich logging history of Lincoln County. You will have good internet through this whole segment.

Riverside Park Landing to Brokaw Mill Landing

Paddle your kayak from Riverside Park to Brokaw Mill Landing along the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway for a easy, relaxing 14 mile journey. This scenic segment takes you through stunning views, serene surroundings, and the rich logging history of Lincoln County. You will have good internet through this whole segment.

Segment vitals

Segment information:
Start: Riverside Park Landing
45.175744, -89.675105

End: Brokaw Mill Landing
45.033575, -89.660277
Miles: 143 to 157
Segment length: 14 miles

Time required: 7 Hours
Segment difficulty: Moderate
Skill level: Novice to Intermediate
Water level: Good
Gradient: 3.6 Feet/Mile
Trail Type: Scenic
Internet: Good
River Hazard: Remnants of old dam, stay far right

View the Map

Check out the live data

Flow rates

Flow rates play a crucial role in determining the conditions of rivers for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling activities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, being informed about flow rates is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

USGS - Wisconsin River at Merrill, WI - 05395000

Check out live data here!

NOAA - Wisconsin River at Merrill

Check out live data here!

NOAA - Wisconsin River below Alexander Dam

Check out live data here!

Landmarks

Trip description

The put-in is at Riverside Park, Mile Marker 143 in Merrill on this 14-mile segment that meanders through hardwood forest and along a historic Native American encampment. The trail is joined by the Pine River, Mile Marker 148 and Trappe River, Mile Marker 153 respectfully along its journey.

This is an easy paddle with the first four miles being a combination of wooded shoreline and urban development. A number of islands exist in this section with an occasional riffle and exposed boulder.

Around Mile Marker 146.8 and just prior to the U.S. 51 bridge, Mile Marker 147 a group of islands come into view. The largest of the islands is named after Bill Meier, a local conservationist, but the history of these islands goes back to when this area was named Big Eddy. Prior to the white man’s coming, the Ojibwa had occupied a camp in this area, with Julius Posey having a trading post located hereabouts. On the right bank, just beyond the top of the hill, the Ojibwa had an extensive burial ground. The Ojibwa maintained a semi-permanent camp here, with their numbers swelling in the fall and spring on their way south or north due to seasonal change.

At Mile Marker 148, you paddle past a railroad bridge on your left as it crosses the Pine River.

At Mile Marker 151.5 a take-out is located on the left bank at the Wisconsin River Forest. Dispersed, primitive camping is available on both sides of the river for the next 2-miles, with reservations made with the Marathon County Parks Department.

One encounters Trappe Rapids at Mile Marker 152.5 just up stream from the Trappe River, Mile Marker 153. The rapids are Class I and will offer little difficulty to the paddler with an easy-to-spot chute.

The Trappe River was known to early settlers as Dead Falls River. The first steam-operated sawmill in Marathon County was erected just up from its mouth during the 1850s.

The river opens up over the next four miles with wooded banks. The take-out is at Mile Marker 151.5 on the left bank just a bit upstream from the WW County Bridge and historical Brokaw Mills.

Landings

Riverside Park Landing

Experience fun times at Riverside Park Landing! Engage in exciting activities like volleyball, disc golf, and horseshoe games amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Wisconsin River.

Coordinates: 45.175744, -89.675105

Parking: Yes

Wisconsin County Forest Landing

Coordinates: 45.089660, -89.637823

Parking: Yes

Brokaw Mill Landing

Coordinates: 45.033575, -89.660277

Parking: Yes

History

The Great Pinery

Long ago, white pine forests covered much of the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and the expanses of what could yield valuable lumber stretched well into Michigan, Minnesota and Canada. The first white men to travel through the area, early European explorers and fur traders recounted tales of the extensive and impressive pinery

Learn More

History of Brokaw & the paper mill

In 1889, Norman Brokaw of Kaukauna and W.I. Edmonds of Appleton came to Marathon County to investigate reports of excellent and unexploited waterpower. Their idea was to establish a paper mill. After examining several locations along the Wisconsin River, they settled on a spot about seven miles north of Wausau.

Learn More

Wildlife

Canada Geese

The Canada goose is a familiar sight across Wisconsin, especially near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Known for their distinctive honking and V-shaped flight formations, these large birds are often seen grazing in fields or swimming in family groups along the water.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are one of the most common and harmless snakes in Wisconsin, often found in gardens, grasslands, and near water sources. Easily recognized by their slender bodies and striped patterns, they play a beneficial role by keeping insect and rodent populations in check.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits

The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is a common sight throughout Wisconsin, often seen in fields, woodlands, and even suburban yards. Recognized by its fluffy white tail, this quick and cautious rabbit is most active during dawn and dusk.

Dark Fishing Spiders

The dark fishing spider is a large, harmless spider commonly found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Wisconsin. Despite its intimidating size, it plays a helpful role by hunting insects and even small aquatic creatures along the water’s edge.

Muskellunge

The Muskellunge, or muskie, is Wisconsin’s official state fish and a prized catch among anglers for its size and fight. Found in northern lakes and rivers, muskies prefer clear waters with abundant vegetation, making them both elusive and exciting to pursue.

Wildlife

Canada Geese

The Canada goose is a familiar sight across Wisconsin, especially near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Known for their distinctive honking and V-shaped flight formations, these large birds are often seen grazing in fields or swimming in family groups along the water.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are one of the most common and harmless snakes in Wisconsin, often found in gardens, grasslands, and near water sources. Easily recognized by their slender bodies and striped patterns, they play a beneficial role by keeping insect and rodent populations in check.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits

The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit is a common sight throughout Wisconsin, often seen in fields, woodlands, and even suburban yards. Recognized by its fluffy white tail, this quick and cautious rabbit is most active during dawn and dusk.

Dark Fishing Spiders

The dark fishing spider is a large, harmless spider commonly found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Wisconsin. Despite its intimidating size, it plays a helpful role by hunting insects and even small aquatic creatures along the water’s edge.

Muskellunge

The Muskellunge, or muskie, is Wisconsin’s official state fish and a prized catch among anglers for its size and fight. Found in northern lakes and rivers, muskies prefer clear waters with abundant vegetation, making them both elusive and exciting to pursue.

Nearby attractions and activities

Know Before You Go

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Safe & Smart

Check the weather and water temperature before going paddling.

Wear a Lifejacket

Don’t be a statistic.

Know Your Limits

There are old paddlers and bold paddlers, but no old bold paddlers! Know your skill level.

Don’t Drink and Paddle

Water and booze don’t mix.

Have the Right Gear

Footwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, trail map, water, snacks, water tight bag for personal items and your cell phone, bilge pump, and first aid kit.

File a Float Plan

Communicate to family and friends your put-in and take-out, and when you are paddling.

Water Levels & Obstacles

Be aware of water levels, rapids, and dams before you get into the water.

In Case of Emergency Call 911

Remember your mile markers and landmarks.

Have a Map or App

Take a map or download an app to know where you are at on the water.

No Glass on the Wisconsin River

It is illegal to have glass on the Wisconsin River. If you are caught, the DNR will fine you up to $749.

Know Before You Go

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Safe & Smart

Check the weather and water temperature before going paddling.

Wear a Lifejacket

Don’t be a statistic.

Know Your Limits

There are old paddlers and bold paddlers, but no old bold paddlers! Know your skill level.

Don’t Drink and Paddle

Water and booze don’t mix.

Have the Right Gear

Footwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, trail map, water, snacks, water tight bag for personal items and your cell phone, bilge pump, and first aid kit.