Best White Water Rafting Near Chicago
Wildman Adventure Resort
N. 12080 Allison Lane
Athelstane, WI 54104
(715) 757-2938
www.wildmanranch.com
The Menominee River whitewater rafting trip runs daily for three hours of riding some of the feistiest whitewater rapids in the Midwest. Wildman's Ken Neuman says, "The great thing about the rapids through Piers Gorge is that the water levels are controlled by a dam so we have great rapids all through the summer months when people are looking to travel." You'll be in a raft with up to eight of your friends with an experienced guide piloting you through the rapids. The Menominee River Wild Ride, unique to Wildman, takes place in a four person raft, so the rapids are even more thrilling. Spend half the day on the river and the other half riding zip lines, rock climbing, playing paintball or attempt the mud obstacle course. Stay in a cabin or a riverside campsite before your five hour drive back to Chicago.
N. 2765 Highway 55
White Lake, WI 54491
(715) 882-4461
www.shotguneddy.com
A family-owned business since 1972, Shotgun Eddy takes its name from the rapids located just a piece up river from its office. The Smokey Falls excursion, rated highly for Midwestern rafting, is a 12-mile trip of Class III-IV rapids meaning strong to extreme currents, high whitewaters and big drop plus waterfalls to maneuver. The Wolf River is undeveloped and offers an authentic wilderness experience. There's a very rustic campground along the Wolf River, otherwise you can snooze in a local motel.
Kosir's Rapid Rafts & Campground
Co Road C
Athelstane, WI 54104
(715) 757-3431
www.kosirs.com
Try your stamina on a series of Class III rapids appropriately named Horse Race, First Drop (a real doozy), S-Curve and Five-Foot Falls on the Peshtigo River. In the business of whitewater rafting on the Peshtogo and Menominee Rivers since 1975, Kosir's staff has encyclopedic knowledge of rafting, safety and the gorgeous northern Wisconsin woods and water. The size of the raft is determined daily according to water levels and summer trips on the river are super affordable - $25-$30 per person including helmets, paddles, life jackets and a lift to to the put-in point on the river.
N. 4017 US Highway 2
Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801
(906) 563-5450
www.michiganrafts.com
Whether you're a first-timer or an advanced whitewater rafter, Northwoods' guides make the half-day trip on the Menominee River even better: each boasts at least 3000 river miles and 600 hours and many are naturalists and historians, so you're in for a mental, physical and emotional adventure. Northwoods also offers stand up paddleboarding and duckie rentals (inflatable kayaks) allowing for a solo adventure on the river.
700 Riverside Drive
Charles City, IA 50616
(641) 228-4234
www.ccwhitewater.com
Riverfront Park, which opened in 2011, has three features. There's a Dam Drop that's appropriate for beginning to intermediate paddlers; Doc's Drop, which is described as a "powerful and aggressive freestyle hole," so leave the kids and newbies behind for this one; and the Exit Exam, which is another fine choice for less experienced paddlers. The course is free, open year round 24/7, but you need to bring your own gear and watercraft.