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Float a gentle ten-mile stretch of the Bois Brule River from Stones Bridge to Winneboujou. This family-friendly, spring-fed run offers clear water, quiet wildlife viewing, and easy shuttles from BRCR, INC.
Float a gentle ten-mile stretch of the Bois Brule River from Stones Bridge to Winneboujou. This family-friendly, spring-fed run offers clear water, quiet wildlife viewing, and easy shuttles from BRCR, INC.
Book with Brule River Canoe Rental
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brule River Canoe Rental · Brule, Wisconsin
Stones Bridge to Winneboujou on the Bois Brule River in Brule, Wisconsin, is a gentle, family-friendly paddle that unpacks the Northwoods without demanding technical skill. This A1 run—A1: Stones – Winneboujou (Easiest)—covers roughly ten miles of slow-moving water and typically takes four to six hours, making it ideal for half-day excursions from nearby towns. Begin at Stones Bridge and let the current carry you through clear spring-fed channels that reveal the river’s limestone and sandy bed. The route threads coniferous bogs and cedar fringes, past marsh grasses and stands of maple, ash, tamarack, red and white pine. Look for the river’s most dramatic arboreal landmark: the enormous white pine that towers above the canopy. Natural springs keep the water refreshingly cold and feed a healthy trout population, so anglers often float along in quiet pursuit. Roughly an hour paddling from Stones Bridge you’ll pass the historic cedar island estate where President Calvin Coolidge summered in 1928; that site is one of several reasons this corridor is nicknamed the River of Presidents. Between Cedar Island and Winneboujou the current eases into playful riffles and a sequence of small drops called Big Twin, Wildcat and Little Twin that add variety without jeopardizing casual paddlers. Big Lake and Lucious Lake open the river into wide, slow basins where loons, herons and osprey are frequently seen. Brule River Canoe Rental and shuttle operator BRCR, INC. has run non-guided rentals and shuttles here since 1962, making their office the standard check-in: Head to Brule River Office. Rentals include one- and two-person recreational kayaks, sit-on-tops, and traditional two-person canoes with shuttle service to Winneboujou. Bring water, sun protection and a dry bag; if you own a boat BRCR offers shuttle-only rates. Along the final miles the riverbanks change from silty bog to sandy shores lined with historic early-19th and 20th-century boathouses and river homes preserved by families who’ve kept the character of the place intact. Wildlife viewing is undisturbed here; be patient at marsh edges to catch glimpses of deer, mink, or otter. The mix of accessible water, significant natural springs, living history and reliable rentals makes this stretch a standout day trip for families, mixed-skill groups, and anyone seeking a low-stress paddle in a remarkably intact northern river ecosystem. What sets this stretch apart is the combination of reliably clear spring-fed water and a parade of living-history river homes. The river’s slow pace makes it accessible to beginners and families while still offering pockets of wildlife and quick riffles that keep experienced paddlers engaged. Whether you launch in a tandem canoe for conversation or paddle a single recreational kayak, the Stones–Winneboujou run showcases why the Bois Brule remains a waterway in Wisconsin’s outdoor scene.
Most rental bookings include shuttle service between Stones Bridge and the Winneboujou take-out; BRCR, INC. also offers shuttle-only passes for guests with their own boats.
Head to Brule River Office — that is the listed meeting point and check-in location.
The trip is family-friendly with slow currents; no strict age minimum is listed, so use personal judgment about a child’s comfort in a canoe or kayak.
Yes—clear, spring-fed water supports trout and shore fishing; follow Wisconsin fishing regulations and practice quiet casting to avoid disturbing wildlife.
No technical skills are required; basic paddling ability and balance are sufficient for this easy A1 run.
Yes—BRCR provides discounted shuttle-only rates for guests who bring their own boats.
Brule River Canoe Rental operates in Brule, Wisconsin, offering guided and self-guided paddling trips on the Bois Brule River. The outfitter provides canoe, kayak, and whitewater options along varied routes that range from easy family floats to multi-day camping adventures. Trip choices include short scenic floats, rapids runs, and extended camping itineraries that finish at Lake Superior. Rentals include required gear and shuttle service for many trips, with options for two-day and three-day camping trips. The company features popular runs such as Stones – Winneboujou, Highway 13 to Lake Superior, Winneboujou to Town of Brule, and multi-day routes like Stones Bridge to Pine Tree Landing (2-day) and Stones Bridge–Lake Superior (3-day). Many trips pass historic bridges, scenic homes, bogs, meadows, and fast currents suitable for paddlers seeking thrills or relaxed exploration. The river’s combination of crystal-clear water, towering pines, and varied rapids attracts families, anglers, birdwatchers, and whitewater enthusiasts. Safety and convenience are emphasized through provided gear, shuttle logistics, and clear trip classifications so paddlers can select routes that match experience levels. On multi-day camping adventures, the outfitter provides camping gear and route support. Located in the Brule area, the business serves day visitors and overnight paddlers seeking access to the “River of Presidents” and Lake Superior. Brule River Canoe Rental focuses on reliable rentals, accessible entry points, and a range of trips that make paddling the Bois Brule River approachable for diverse skill levels. Reservations are recommended during peak season to secure preferred routes, equipment availability, and shuttle timing for groups.
Book with Brule River Canoe Rental