Chamber brings kayak rental station to Grafton

The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a new self-serve kayak station on the Milwaukee River at Veterans Memorial Park.

The eight-unit station is funded by the Chamber’s Tourism Development and Promotion Committee to encourage outdoor recreation in Grafton, allowing beginners and experts alike to borrow a kayak and explore the river. 

“The Chamber is proud to be part of bringing a modern, self-serve kayak rental option to our riverfront,” Chamber Executive Director Elizabeth Mueller said. “It’s a fun, family-friendly amenity that fits right into our vision for a vibrant, active downtown.”

The initiative is part of a five-year contract with Rent.Fun, a Michigan-based company with more than 100 locations across the country that will maintain the station. 

Mueller called the station a “key project” for her personally. She was appointed to the executive director position in June 2023, after a year serving as the special events and tourism promotion coordinator.

“It’s an incredible way for community members and visitors alike to immerse themselves in our natural resources and enjoy the serenity of the river,” Mueller said.

The equipment can be rented from sunup to sundown for $25 for less than two hours or $40 for less than four hours.

Visitors check out and return equipment through the Rent.Fun app, uploading a photo of the equipment upon leaving. It also requires users to sign a waiver to unlock equipment. 

“Bringing the kayak station to Veterans Memorial Park is another way we’re working to make Grafton a destination for outdoor recreation,” Mueller said. “It supports local tourism, encourages healthy activity and highlights the incredible natural spaces we’re lucky to have here.”