During our summer getaway to Janesville, Wisconsin we ventured outside the city limits to to Edgerton and Milton for fun with the family. We spent the day kayaking the clear waters of the Yahara River and ended the day with good eats, live music, and the beach. Read all about our adventures in Edgerton and Milton.
Disclosure: A big thanks to Janesville Area CVB and their partners for hosting us.I was not required to express a particular point of view. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links.
Kayaking Adventure
Our day trip outside Janesville started with a guided kayak tour with Paddle Time. Our 3-hour guided tour was led by husband-and-wife duo Ken and Chelsea along with their adorable kids. Not only were they some of the friendliest people we’ve met, but they are huge advocates of kayaking with the family. As a matter of fact, their operations started when they couldn’t find a family-friendly option for kayaking in area. To fulfill that need, Paddle Time was born.
The waters of the Yahara River (Yahara means catfish) were clear and shallow. I’ve never seen so many dragonflies in my life. We saw turtles sunbathing, a fawn eating leaves, and even saw an eagle’s nest. In fact, the duo mentioned that they usually see eagles soaring above. Our surroundings provided an idyllic setting for our adventure and exactly what we needed to escape the worries of everyday.
Pro tip: Think 3 hours in a kayak is too long for kids? Ken and Chelsea make a couple of stops so kids can stretch their legs and swim.
Chow Down and Beach It Up
After our exhausting bout of kayaking, we were beyond famished and needed nourishment. We headed to the nearby town of Milton to Pettit’s Lakeview Bar and Campground. We followed the sounds of live music to the back patio overlooking the beach and Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin’s second largest lake. Sounds of the live band That Gurl reverberated through the air, while we munched on appetizers of nachos, cheese curds, and pretzels. All quite tasty and enough to curb my hungry kids’ hunger. Our main entrees included sweet chili salmon, a mushroom burger, Italian beef, and a steak. Everything was so delicious!
Tip: They have a great selection of cocktails that help transport you to the tropics.
Once the kids were done eating, they jetted straight to the beach. My only regret was not having the kids wear their swimsuits. We did however, dip our toes in the warm lake, relaxed on the chairs, and listened to the music. What a perfect way to end our day!
