With Wisconsin offering over 43,000 miles of rivers, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect destination for paddling. While many may explore this state through a Wisconsin waterfalls road trip, kayaking in WI has long been a popular activity for both residents and visitors looking for a relaxing outdoor escape.
As one of the best spring-fed trout streams in the Midwest, the Brule River has always been a popular vacation destination for those traveling from the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Milwaukee, WI.
The Bois Brule River is a delightful choice for canoeing or kayaking with 16 miles along the North Country National Scenic Trail. As one of the best rivers east of the Mississippi, the Brule has a rich history, welcoming five US presidents over the years.
Kayaking the upper Brule between Stone's Bridge to Winneboujou is the classic canoe and kayak route- a rather simple paddle taking you through historic lands, calm waters, and a few chutes of rapids. With excellent fishing conditions and clear, cool waters, the Brule River is the perfect spot for kayaking in WI.
The History of the Brule River
This Wisconsin river's real name is the Bois Brule, which literal translation is burnt wood. This early terminology dates back to an early Anishinaabe Native American language as they saw the Brule as "a river through half-burnt woods".
That fact, paired with the Brule's title of the "River of Presidents", creates a fascinating back-story of this unique kayaking in WI spot.
Formation
Located in Douglas County, Wisconsin, the Bois Brule River (frequently referred to as the Brule River) is nestled near the county's eastern border with neighboring Bayfield County.
With nearly 44 miles of winding waterways, the Brule's stream starts in central Douglas County near the Upper St Croix Lake. It then continues to flow through the Brule River State Forest, eventually draining into Lake Superior.
The Brule River formed a long, long time ago as a small outlet for Lake Superior when the lake was in its glacial form.
Once the glaciers retreated, the river's flow reversed, and springs found along the river's course fed the Brule. This new, continuous water source eventually led to the Bois Brule River flowing north into Lake Superior.
Native American Ties
Quickly after the Brule River's stream reversed to continually flowing north, the river became a notorious pathway for the local natives.
The Bois Brule functioned as a popular travel route during the historic fur trade era as one of the nation's largest fur trading posts was located east in the Apostle Islands.
Ambitious voyageurs would start canoeing in WI up the Bois Brule, and then continue to portage about two miles to the nearby headwaters of the St Croix River. Once on the St Croix, they would then continue their journey towards the Mississippi River.
The Brule River is also well-known historically as the site of the 1842 Battle of the Brule. This battle was most notable for the conflict between the Chippewa and Sioux tribes in the area.
River of Presidents
Like I stated earlier, five US presidents have vacationed and fished on the Bois Brule. Kayaking in WI on the Bois Brule River has been popular throughout history as one of Wisconsin's most famous trout rivers.
The Bois Brule was also home to President Coolidge's summer White House during his Presidential term, as he enjoyed trout fishing around the scenic Wisconsin landscape. President Grant, Hoover, Eisenhower, Coolidge, and Cleveland have all stayed on this underrated Wisconsin river, many of which staying at the world-renowned Cedar Island Estate.
Another fascinating snippet of history includes the very person in charge of CIA counter-intelligence. During the Cold War, James Angleton enjoyed escaping political pressure to his cabin on the Brule. It was later revealed that he enjoyed fishing for Brown Trout during the night on this scenic river.
Generational Estates
Since the Brule River's rise to fame within the political realm, many wealthy families have purchased and maintained the property surrounding the Bois Brule for five generations.
The Cedar Island Estate has since been purchased by the Ordway Family-- early investors in the Twin Cities fortune 500 company 3M.
This massive estate consists of many square miles of land and features a collection of ponds, fishery, with its very own airport landing strip. When President Coolidge stayed here, it was known as the Pierce Estate-- named after a tycoon from St Louis, Missouri.
Another great example of a generational estate on the Upper Brule is owned by the heirs of Arthur Holbrook. This famed doctor's book From the Log of a Trout Fisherman offers discussion on how he traveled the historic Brule River. Written in 1949, Holbrook illustrates how he and his father rode trains from Milwaukee to the Brule in order to catch the best trout in the Midwest.
Comparing the Upper and Lower Brule
The Brule is an incredible river to kayak in Wisconsin, famous for its steelhead, brown trout, and salmon fishing activities. As one of the only true spring creeks in the entire region, this beautiful river is sectioned into two distinct regions, each featuring unique opportunities for kayaking in Wisconsin.
While one may think that the Upper Brule is north of the Lower Brule, you need to remember the Brule flows South to North. This means the Upper Brule is actually south of the Lower Brule, with a decisive division at the town of Brule, Wisconsin.
The Upper Brule
The Lower Brule
Tips for Kayaking the Brule
- 1Make sure you know where you are going. Pack a map of the river to help you understand the river's course and bring your cellphone in case of any emergencies while kayaking in WI.
- 2Inflatables are not allowed on the Brule. This includes inner tubes and inflatable kayaks, so make sure to either rent or bring your own non-inflatable water craft.
- 3Any coolers that you decide to bring with you must be fastened within your kayak or canoe. You also cannot bring any glass on the river under any circumstances. This includes glass bottles.
- 4There is a spot to rent kayaks in the town of Brule, a perfect option that lets you park your car. They will provide transportation to and from the river, so you do not have to worry about how to get home.
- 5If you are renting kayaks or canoes, make sure to book way in advance. Paddling on the Bois Brule is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the summer months.
- 6The Brule River State Forest has plenty of camping facilities to stay at for a minimal fee.
- 7For those looking for more amenities, check out the nearby rental cabins on the Brule or around the area.
- 8Nearby towns for lodging and dining include Iron River, Port Wing, and Cornucopia, Wisconsin.
- 9Depending on the Brule sections you complete, this trip can be an all-day adventure. Make sure to start early in the day to enjoy a relaxing journey along the Bois Brule River.
- 10Once finishing you paddling adventures, check out the nearby hiking trails along the Brule! These paths will bring you right up to the Brule's shoreline, offering spectacular views.
This is my absolute dream to do next time I’m in the States! Thank you for this xx
This place is really an awesome place. For me, not just getting that clear and happy mind for kayaking, but also enjoying the power of solitude of the place. Love this outdoor activity. Thanks for sharing.
Your photos are beautiful! This is a great post!
what a beautiful river, both in summer & winter. I love the houses along the river, how cool to have that as your family’s home… must be so peaceful to just sit outside & relax along the river.
I have fallen in love with kayaking living in Florida now! This area looks so different than what I’m used to here though, so I would absolutely love to explore this!
This is an excellent article. It really captures the spirit of the Brule.
I have been canoeing the Brule since 1971. Each year I feel more reverence for the river and it’s history. It is nice to see the photos of places I recognize and love in the middle of winter. I believe the video is from the pool at the top of the Falls on the upper river.