Paddling & Kayaking Adventures in Beloit, WI
Paddling and kayaking in Beloit and the surrounding area is amazing! Beloit is halfway on the Rock River Trail and has beautiful landscape and wildlife — perfect for water sports. In addition, Beloit has access to Turtle Creek and the Rock River.
The Rock River Trail is a National Water Trail, and it also offers 10 other trails to discover! Winding its way through Wisconsin and Illinois, 11 scenic counties and 41 charming communities. The trail is also utilized to promote recreational use and areas of scenic and historic interest and significance.
WATERCRAFT RENTALS IN BELOIT
The Surf Shack LLC
Located in Beloit (2 locations)
(608) 910-0679
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The Rotary River Center and John Rose Canoe & Kayak Launch offer kayak rentals. To rent a kayak, simply visit one of the Beloit locations and use the self-serve kiosk for a quick online rental. Paddlers can choose from single or tandem kayaks and will be provided with the essential equipment for a fun adventure, including life jackets and paddles! Click here for more information.
Riverside Park
Harry C. Moore Pavilion
1160 Riverside Drive, Beloit
(608) 364-2890
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Every summer, the Riverside Park lagoon transforms into a hub of outdoor recreation with paddle boat, kayak, and tandem bike rentals. Located in the lower level of the Harry C. Moore Pavilion, these rentals provide a perfect way to explore Beloit’s picturesque riverfront. Concessions are also available for before or after your adventure!
Paddling and kayaking in Beloit with a Guide
Sugar River Adventures
Located in Rockton
(815) 629-2020
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Sugar River Adventures can help you plan your group outing. Whether it’s a special occasion, team building activity, or group function they are here to make it a great adventure. You will have a blast on your individualized river tubing or kayaking event.
Welty Weeknight Paddle
Buccaneer Boathouse
1876 S Riverside Dr, Beloit, WI
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Get some water time on the Rock River even if you don’t have a kayak or paddle board, although you can always bring your own. The Welty Environmental Center has teamed up with Beloit College to offer free paddle nights two nights a month during the summer.
These limited evenings are intended for adults. There is no lifeguard and minimal instruction, so familiarity with kayaks and strong swimming skills are encouraged. Waivers are required before using any equipment (available at the Boathouse). Pre-registration is required. Click here to register.
Need a Launch for Your Own Kayak or Canoe?
Beloit has several great spots to launch your canoe in and around the city.
Nature at the Confluence (NATC)
306 Dickop Street, South Beloit, IL 61080
An outdoor urban ecology center dedicated to making the historic confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek in South Beloit, NATC is a place of gathering, exploration, recreation, learning, and inspiration for people of all ages and abilities. There are trails for hiking, wildlife including eagles and deer, and a spot to launch kayaks. In winter, they offer candle-lit hikes and snow shoe instruction events.
John Rose Canoe & Kayak Launch
136 West Grand Avenue, Beloit, WI 53511
Located in downtown Beloit, this riverfront canoe/kayak launch is in a convenient location to enter the Federally-recognized “Rock River National Water Trail.” The site has a small, landscaped river walk which is great for watching ducks and geese.
Lake Victoria
400 Winnebago Avenue, South Beloit, IL 61080
The South Beloit City Park Lake Victoria hours are 6 AM to dusk. There is a $6 daily launch fee for kayaks and canoes. Annual launch permits are available at South Beloit City Hall. Swimming and wading prohibited.
Schollmeyer Park
2767 East Trail Drive, Beloit, 53511
The park has a canoe and kayak launch just up the Turtle Creek River, a perfect place to paddle down through the Turtle Creek Floodplain Preservation and Park, which has idyllic scenery.
The Rock River
A great deal of the Rock River south of Nature at the Confluence is wooded and scenic. You can paddle down river until Rockford, but you will need to portage at the Rockton Dam, so look at the Water Trail map link above for details. Explore the Beloit area with Welty Weeknight Paddles or rent kayaks from the Surf Shack kiosks located on the Rock River. Check Rock River water levels.
Turtle Creek- Sweet Allyn Park
7149 S. Co. Trunk Hwy Shopiere, WI 53511
Sweet Allyn Park in Turtle, WI has the best launch to view the Tiffany Bridge located one or two miles up the Turtle Creek River. Furthermore, the park has a softball diamond, playground equipment, picnic shelter, places to go fishing along the creek, and much more! Check Turtle Creek water levels here.
Ready to beat the heat and spend another glorious day on the water? Be sure to check out the listings above before you head out and have fun!
For more great ideas to help you plan your visit to Beloit, check out our blog.
