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Blackhawk River Runs
"The Best Kept Secret On The Lower Wisconsin River"
About Us
Blackhawk River Runs, nestled between Mazomanie and Sauk City, WI, is your premier family-owned choice for canoe rentals and sandbar camping on the Lower Wisconsin River. Since 1970, we've been the area's best-kept secret for outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in canoeing, kayaking, or experiencing the unique sandbar camping, we're here to help create unforgettable memories. We're proud members of the Better Business Bureau and the Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and our team includes fully licensed CDL bus drivers. Get in touch to explore the scenic Lower Wisconsin River with us!
Areas Served
Spring Green, WI | Dodgeville, WI | Middleton, WI | Portage, WI | Wisconsin Dells, WI | Baraboo, WI | Okee, WI | Waunakee, WI | Lodi, WI | Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Our Professional Associations
- Better Business Bureau
- Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Our Certifications
- CDL Fully Licensed Bus Drivers
What We Offer
Our Specialties include:
- Canoe Rentals
- Shuttle Service
- Fishing Trips
- Final departure time for day trips is 12:30.
- Reservations required for overnights and car shuttles leaving after 12:30 Monday through Friday.
- Call for information anytime - even in the off season!
Our Services include:
- No motors of any kind are allowed on rented equipment!
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Day or Overnight Trips
- Sandbar Camping on the Lower Wisconsin River
- Cater to Large or Small Groups
- Reservations After 12:30pm are for Overnight Trips and Car Shuttles Only.
- Final Departure @ 12:30pm
- Shuttle Service
- All Trips are Weather and Water Level Permitting
- No Glass Containers Allowed
Testimonials
On 8/11/2024
Sara Kneevers
had this to say:
Our third year sandbar camping and we went through Blackhawk River Runs. Fantastic service! Bought our ice and firewood right at the launch area and took off. Canoes were large enough for all the gear and PFDs were new and clean. Met them at Peck's Landing right on time and they brought us, our dogs, and all our gear back to the vehicles. Major bonus- we were able to dispose of our garbage with them, it wasn't a huge amount, but I didn't want to haul it the 2 hours back home. Everyone was very friendly and professional. This was the easiest outfitter we have worked with so far. Zero complaints, all the stars. We will absolutely go through them again.
Testimonial written by Sara Kneevers on this site.
On 8/7/2024
Kevin Sanchez
had this to say:
Our yearly canoe trip has used these folks for over a decade. Great people, great experiences. We've never had a problem with their equipment either. Highly recommend
On 7/30/2024
Mike Beuche
had this to say:
They make the river as perfect as it can be. For 11 years we've used their services of rentals and shuttling. Great every time.
Trusted by 22 of us this year.
On 7/26/2024
Matt Wingrove
had this to say:
Had a great time, the owner is hands-on and very helpful and they were flexible with our changing schedule. One of the canoes leaked so they met us down river and swapped it out. They gave us some free firewood for our troubles. Highly recommend, and they were honestly the most affordable option in the area to where it wasn't worth us bringing our own canoes this time, but they also offer a service where they drive your vehicle down river for you so you don't need to bring two vehicles when you do bring your own boats which is great!
On 8/17/2023
Jessica Riphenburg
had this to say:
These guys are the best! I've taken about 20 trips down the Wisconsin River using Blackhawk River Runs equipment and shuttle service. The family that owns the business is so warm, friendly and accommodating, and the location is the perfect starting point if you want to soak in gorgeous scenery in a quiet, peaceful setting.
Contact Us
Blackhawk River Runs
10032 CR Y Mazomanie, WI 53560
Phone: (608) 643-6724
Public Parking. Close to Other Attractions and Restaurants
Where To Find Us
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Payment Types Accepted
Personal Checks, Cash
News
☀️ Get summer-ready with Blackhawk River Runs’ thrilling water trips! 🛶 Plan your day or overnight trip with us and enjoy the freedom of sandbar camping or the comfort of our shuttle service. Perfect for groups of all sizes, our adventures promise unforgettable summer days on the water! 🌅Blackhawk River Runs is now booking group outings for church groups, company team building, and family or friend trips. Enjoy scenic day or overnight canoe and kayak adventures with the option to camp on peaceful sandbars. It’s the perfect way to bond, unwind, and create unforgettable memories on the river. Reach out today to start planning your trip.
🌼 Spring is almost here, and we at Blackhawk River Runs are getting ready to open for an incredible season of paddling! Our Canoe and Kayak Rentals will soon be available, perfect for both solo adventurers and group outings. We will be open weekends beginning May 3-4 and will be open Memorial Day weekend. Daily operations start Monday, June 9! We can't wait to welcome you for a rejuvenating experience on the water. 🌊
We are excited to share this story of Amy and Jay, who first met on a Blackhawk River Runs canoe trip, and who are now engaged to be married! Amy shared:
“We met on a canoe trip in 2008. My closest guy friend, Justin, brought his best friend, Jason, along on our second annual canoe trip to be his canoe partner and that is how Jay and I met. The day he proposed had been incredibly hot, I think upper nineties all day and absolutely no cloud cover at all.
Just as Jay was figuring out how to make his move, it began to rain, but not just a little rain, oh no, we got a deluge! Wind whipping, black clouds overhead, lightning flashing and just a massive amount of rain coming down.
Jay and I climb into our tent. However, he is unusually quiet, so I look over at him and ask if he wants to watch a movie or something to pass the time.
…Then he pulled the ring from his pocket and asked me to be Mrs. Kuffel. It was kind of perfect. It's looking like we're aiming for the weekend before our wedding for this year's canoe trip, which is pretty perfect in my mind!”
Thank you for sharing your story with us, and we are honored to be a part of it!
FAQ
2. Please adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles by ensuring you leave no trash behind. Bring back all waste with you, including cold and dry charcoal, and we'll dispose of it for you.
3. Camping is only allowed on sandbars and islands. The shoreline beyond these areas is private property, so please respect land ownership and ensure you camp appropriately.
4. Campfires are permitted on sandbars and islands unless there is a burn ban in effect. You'll be informed of any such bans on your trip. Ensure all fires are completely doused and left uncovered.
5. Everything we offer is dependent on water levels and weather conditions. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we may shut down operations during severe weather or high water levels. Stay informed by checking weather updates before your visit.
6. Fishing is allowed and the river is teeming with fish. Enjoy the opportunity to catch a variety of species as you explore the river.
7. When securing your tent, use 10-inch plastic sand stakes as aluminum ones are ineffective on sandy terrain.
During Memorial Weekend (May 23rd-26th), we're open every day.
From June 13th through Labor Day, we're open 7 days a week.
Saturdays and Sundays only post-Labor Day.
If you're interested in trips outside of our standard hours, feel free to call ahead to discuss possibilities. If we can make the trip happen, we will!
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