Black River · Melrose, Wisconsin

Paddle the
Black River

Canoe and kayak rentals on one of Wisconsin's most scenic paddling corridors — 10 miles of lazy water, white sand beaches, and wild river wilderness. All skill levels welcome.

📞 Call to Reserve — 608.487.2581 View Trip Options ↓

Miles on the River

Hours of Paddling

Deposit Required

Paddle Options

Choose Your Adventure

The lower Black River winds through forests, fields, and open sandbars — perfect for day-trippers and multi-day campers alike. Choose your stretch and we'll handle the shuttle.

The Black River is home to smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, catfish, and more. Bring your fishing gear, your camping gear, or just yourself.

Canoeing on the Black River near North Bend, Wisconsin

All Skill Levels Welcome

Simple, Transparent Rates

No hidden fees. Shuttle service to the Melrose Public Landing is included with all canoe and kayak rentals. Cash only on the day of your trip.

🛶 Equipment Rental

Canoe (2 paddlers)	$50/day
Kayak (single)	$40/day
Tandem Kayak	$50/day
Canoe — 2 Day / 1 Night	$100
Kayak — 2 Day / 1 Night	$80
Canoe — 3 Day / 2 Night	$125
Kayak — 3 Day / 2 Night	$100

🚐 Shuttle Add-Ons

Melrose Landing (Day Trip)	Included
3rd person in rented canoe	$10
Non-renting rider (1st)	$20
Additional non-renting riders	$10 each
Private canoe/kayak	$10
Hansen Landing / Irving	$30/van
Mason's Landing	$35/van
Cormigan / Black River Falls	$40/van

Payment: Cash only on the day of your trip. Receipts available upon request. No deposit required to make a reservation — just call and book your date. Walk-up rentals are not guaranteed; reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends.

How It Works

Getting on the River is Easy

We handle the logistics — you just show up, paddle, and enjoy. Here's what to expect from reservation to exit.

Call to Reserve

Call 608.487.2581 to book your date and choose your trip type. No deposit needed. All paddlers must sign a liability waiver before departure.

Park in North Bend

Park along North Bend Drive near the river — not in front of local businesses. Meet our crew for your equipment and shuttle briefing.

Shuttle to Launch

We load you and your gear and shuttle to the Melrose Public Landing (or farther launch site). Our crew assists with loading and launching on the water.

Paddle to North Bend

All trips end at our self-help exit in North Bend. Pull your canoe onto the mowed grass behind the EXIT sign and leave your gear in the boat.

Launch Sites

Choose Your Starting Point

All trips end at the North Bend exit point. Choose how far you want to go — all route lengths and paddle times are approximate and vary by conditions and group pace.

Launch Site	Distance	Est. Paddle Time	Shuttle Fee	Best For
Melrose Public LandingPopular	10 miles	~5 hours	Included with rental	Day trips, beginners
Hansen Memorial Landing (Irving)	23 miles	~11 hours	$30/van	Overnight trips
Mason's Landing	32 miles	~14 hours	$35/van	2-day adventures
Cormigan / Black River Falls	36 miles	~16 hours	$40/van	3-day expeditions

Sign at Melrose Public Landing — Approx 5 Hours to North Bend by Canoe

Signage at the Melrose Public Landing — your starting point for the Day Trip paddle.

Trip Details

What to Know Before You Go

✅ What's Included

Canoe or kayak rental
Paddles, cushions, and USCG-approved life vests
Shuttle service to Melrose Public Landing
Crew assistance with loading & launching
Self-help exit point at North Bend

📋 Good to Know

Reservations strongly recommended — walk-ups not guaranteed
No deposit required; cash payment on day of trip
Last Day Trip shuttle departs 1pm — plan accordingly
All paddlers must sign a waiver before departure
Reservations subject to weather and river conditions
Safety always comes first — we may cancel in unsafe conditions

🎣 What You'll Find on the River

White sand beaches perfect for breaks and swimming
Lazy, gentle current — beginner friendly
Abundant wildlife and bird habitat
Smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, catfish for anglers
Free first-come sandbar camping for overnight trips

🌿 River Etiquette

Pack out everything you bring in — garbage in, garbage out
Disposal bins available at end of trip
Leave the river as beautiful as you found it
Respect wildlife and fellow paddlers on the water
Park on North Bend Drive — not in front of businesses

Shuttle Service

Group Shuttle for
Any Occasion

NBCR now offers a private shuttle van for hire — available for up to 10 guests, perfect for any group event in the Coulee Region. Adult beverages are welcome on board.

Operating out of Sparta, WI. Book by the hour (2-hour minimum). Price determined at reservation. No deposit required.

Wedding Parties Bar Crawls Ladies Night Out Sporting Events Family Gatherings Corporate Events Bachelor / Bachelorette Any Special Event

🚐 Shuttle Pricing

First hour $100

Each additional hour $60/hr

Capacity Up to 10 guests

Minimum rental 2 hours

Payment Cash preferred

Deposit None required

📞 Reserve the Shuttle

Find Us

Location & Hours

📍

Address

N608 North Bend Drive
Melrose, WI 54642

📞

Phone (Call to Reserve)

608.487.2581

🕗

Hours

Daily, by reservation
First shuttle: 8am · Last launch: 1pm
Overnighters: Shuttle until 5pm (night 1)

📅

Season

May 3 – September 14, 2025
Reservations accepted for any day during season

🅿️

Parking

Park along North Bend Drive near the river. Please do not park in front of local businesses — parking is limited in the business district.

Paddle theBlack River