Way up in the northwest corner of the state there are two rivers that provide some of the very best whitewater rafting opportunities this side of the Rockies. Both the Peshtigo and Menomonee Rivers provide rapids up to class IV and Kosir’s Rapid Rafts is ready to take you on to enjoy them. For more than 40 years, these folks have been outfitting, guiding and rafting this part of the state and leading people on unforgettable rafting trips.
Kosir's provides all you need to have a safe and exciting rafting trip down some of the wildest river miles in the state.
The size of the boat taken out is dictated by things like the height of the water. Everyone will have life vests and helmets, as well as paddles and after an introduction, you head out on the river.
The Peshtigo River is home to the premier whitewater run in the Midwest. Known as the "Roaring Rapids," this five-mile stretch has six major rapids with multiple holes, waves and eddies. From start to finish, this five-mile trip is pretty much continuous rapids.
The Menomonee River trip takes you on a large volume river which has one of the greatest flows in the Midwest, with rapids and hydraulics similar to those of great western rivers. Rapids range from stage I to stage IV and include a 10-foot waterfall drop. The river contains numerous beaches and pull outs that the guides here take advantage of to allow paddlers to get their breath and regroup. They also allow you to get some stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Prices are incredibly reasonable, with the summer Peshtigo trip running $25 Monday through Thursday and $30 on the weekend. The Menominee trip is $45 during the week and $50 on weekends.
While the rivers do have some challenging parts, Kosir's is for rafters of all experiences. They do require a minimum age of 12 on the Peshtigo River and a minimum age of 16 on the Menomonee River.
Though the paddling can be difficult work, Kosir's does all it can to ensure you have a brilliant and fun time. They choose the boat size in accordance with how the river is running and their excellent guides and instructors make sure you're as ready as you can be to hit the water.
This is a stunning and unique way to see some gorgeous Wisconsin countryside - the Menomonee trip starts going through 200-foot cliffs in a valley created by the very river you are rafting.
Rafting isn't for the faint of heart, but it is a totally amazing way to spend a summer day in Wisconsin. You'll be exhausted in the end, but it will have been so, so worth it.
Maybe the best thing about Kosir's is that their Peshtigo office is right where you take your boat out of the water. No waiting for a shuttle bus - just head right inside or off to your car to clean up and dry off. It's a totally underrated bonus of using this amazing company.
Maybe the best part of this trip is that once you're done, you're in one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Kosir’s is nestled between the Nicolet National Forest, the Marinette County Forest and the Peshtigo River State Forest, so once you're done rafting, there's a ton to see and explore.
