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Short on time but craving water and whitewater? This four-mile Brule River float from Winneboujou to Brule delivers pine-lined scenery, named rapids, swimming holes and shuttle service—an ideal half-day paddle for families and mixed-ability groups.
Short on time but craving water and whitewater? This four-mile Brule River float from Winneboujou to Brule delivers pine-lined scenery, named rapids, swimming holes and shuttle service—an ideal half-day paddle for families and mixed-ability groups.
Book with Brule River Canoe Rental
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brule River Canoe Rental · Brule, Wisconsin
Float four miles down the Brule River from Winneboujou to the town of Brule in northern Wisconsin, where swift water, pine-lined banks, and a handful of playful rapids combine for a compact river day trip. The B4: Winneboujou – Pine Tree run threads through a landscape of towering red and white pines, passes under a picturesque footbridge, and drops through named pockets of whitewater - Hall Rapids, Swift Water Farm, Little Joe and Doodle Bug - before easing past the s-curve stone wall at Halls Rapids and past Bois Brule State Campground. It's a short, scenic section that gives paddlers a real taste of the Brule without a full-day commitment. This trip suits families and mixed-ability groups: rentals include tandem recreational kayaks, sit-on-top boats, and canoes for two to three people, and shuttle service is included for most options. Expect an intermediate skill rating; the current is brisk enough to move you along and deliver a few exciting boils and eddies, but not technical enough to require advanced whitewater techniques. Bring a swimsuit for the many swimming holes that line calmer pockets, and pack a picnic to enjoy on a sandbar or at the campground launch. Practical details are simple: check in at the Brule River Office, allow roughly 4 to 4.5 hours for the float and shuttle, and budget from about $38 for shuttle-only options up to roughly $80 for weekend rentals. If you're bringing your own boat, discounted shuttle fares are available. The river's tree canopy, stone walls and exposed bedrock reveal a northern hardwood and pine transition; birders should watch for bald eagles and kingfishers, and keep an eye out for river otters slipping along the shoreline. What makes the B4 run special for the Brule corridor is its combination of accessible whitewater and varied scenery in a compact package. You'll get rapid names and memorable features in a short distance - perfect for a quick adventure between longer hikes or as a family afternoon. The stretch also threads past Bois Brule's public campground, linking water recreation with established land-based amenities. Respect the river: pack out trash, avoid trampling shoreline vegetation, and treat swimming holes and campsites lightly. For photographers, low sun angles and reflections off the water make early morning or late afternoon best. Reserve a shuttle or rental via the booking link to secure your slot, then paddle light, move fast, and enjoy four miles of classic northern Wisconsin river running. Families with children should wear snug personal flotation devices and plan for frequent stops; strong swimmers will find places to splash and play while newer paddlers can hug the banks. Local outfitters at the Brule River Office provide brief orientation and shuttle logistics, making this a straightforward, memorable half-day escape.
Head to the Brule River Office to check in before your float.
Plan on roughly 4 to 4.5 hours including shuttle time for the four-mile run.
Most rental options include shuttle service; discounted shuttle fares apply if you bring your own boat as part of a group booking.
Yes—families can do this float, but children should wear snug PFDs and be supervised at swimming holes and rapids.
The section is rated intermediate due to current and small rapids; basic paddling skills and river awareness are recommended.
Yes, there are multiple swimming holes along calmer sections; choose sandbars or sheltered eddies away from current.
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