Does anything give more ‘summer in Milwaukee’ vibes than cruising on the river or taking in the skyline from a boat on Lake Michigan? We think not.
The only problem? Access to a boat.
If you’re sick of pestering that one nautically privileged friend of yours to take the boat out, Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals could be the solution you’re looking for.
We talked with co-owner Russ Davis to learn how the business took off and what to expect when renting or taking a tour with Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals.
How did Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals get its start? What is your background?
I come from a restaurant background, but photography has always been a passion of mine. Over the years, I traveled extensively for work and noticed how vibrant and active waterways were in cities around the world. When Milwaukee’s Riverwalk began developing, I saw an opportunity to create something similar here and believed this type of business would be a perfect fit for the city.
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges or triumphs while growing your business?
My business partner, Michael Kraus, and I started Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals in 1997 with just four paddle boats and one pontoon boat. Over the years, we’ve steadily grown the business into a fleet of five large charter boats and twenty rental pontoons. Watching the company grow alongside Milwaukee’s riverfront redevelopment has been incredibly rewarding.
What is Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals, and why did you feel it would be a good fit for Milwaukee?
Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals offers self-driven 10-person pontoon rentals as well as five captained charter boats. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages aboard, making it a fun and flexible experience for groups. When we opened, Milwaukee’s rivers were largely underserved when it came to recreational boating experiences, and we felt there was a real opportunity to showcase the city from the water.
What’s the mission behind Riverwalk Boat Tours?
Our mission is to provide guests with a fun, memorable way to experience Milwaukee from a completely different perspective along the river and lake.
What is it like being a small business in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is a great city for small businesses to grow and succeed. Throughout the years, we’ve had many positive experiences working with both city and county officials, and it’s been exciting to be part of Milwaukee’s continued growth and revitalization.
What do you enjoy most about being in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is an incredible city with unique waterways, a strong sense of community, and a vibrant summer atmosphere that makes operating our business especially enjoyable.
What’s your favorite part about what you do?
I love being outdoors and spending time working along the river while helping people experience the city in a unique way.
What can people expect when taking a tour or renting from Riverwalk Boat Tours?
Guests can expect to see Milwaukee from an entirely new perspective while exploring parts of the city and riverfront that many people never get the chance to experience.
*Answered by co-owner Michael Kraus:
Anything else people should know about your business?
We’re located just two blocks from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee County’s beautiful Pere Marquette Park. Our goal is not only to give customers a unique way to experience Milwaukee from the water, but also to remain the most cost-efficient rental option in the city. With 25 vessels, we have the largest rental fleet in Milwaukee, allowing us to offer better per-hour value, longer rental durations, and consistent availability.