24th Annual Milwaukee River Challenge Will Host Elite Collegiate, Club and High School Rowers from Across the Midwest October 4th

(MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, August 28, 2025) – The 24th Annual Milwaukee River Challenge will take place on Saturday, October 4th beginning at 9 am and will conclude by 2 pm. The race features men’s and women’s teams of fours and eights on a very difficult 3-mile course on the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers attracting high school, collegiate and club teams from throughout the Midwest. All the races start at 25th and Canal Streets on the Menomonee River where the rowers head east towards the Milwaukee River where they make a sharp left turn north. The race requires teams navigating narrow passageways under eighteen bridges which makes this race particularly challenging for competitors. The course passes through the downtown along Milwaukee’s Riverwalk with the finish line south of Pleasant Street adjacent to Schlitz Park. Women’s 4s begins the day followed by men’s 8s, women’s 8s and concludes with men’s 4s in the early afternoon.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering team, a fan favorite, welcomes competition on their home course. The Milwaukee River Challenge also will host the University of Wisconsin Women’s Crew team, traditionally a national powerhouse. Some of the midwest’s best high school crews will face off against The Milwaukee Rowing Club.

There are excellent vantage points for spectators including the Harley-Davidson Museum grounds, the exciting 90 degree turn at Water Street in the Historic Third Ward or in Pere Marquette Park. Restaurants and bars along the Riverwalk provide a fun place to catch the action while enjoying brunch, lunch or a beverage. The Riverwalk in Schlitz Park is an excellent spot to cheer teams on as they make a push to the finish. Visitors can hear a running commentary throughout the day at Schlitz Park provided by seasoned race veterans as well as the opportunity to purchase food and beverages and mingle with race teams.

The regatta is presented by Schlitz Park and sponsored by the Milwaukee Riverwalk District in conjunction with The Milwaukee Rowing Club. Other 2025 partners include: Beer Capitol/Molson Coors, Wisconsin Preservation Fund, Inc., Sunflower Investments, Riverwalk Dentistry, Gilbane Building Company, Titan Building Company, CG Scmidt, KEI – Kujawa Enterprises, Inc., Mandel Group, MSOE – Milwaukee School of Engineering, La Lune Collection, Westown Association and Baird.

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WHAT: 24th Annual Milwaukee River Challenge Crew Race for high school, collegiate and club crews of 4s and 8s

WHEN: Saturday, October 4, 2025 beginning at 9 am and running up to 2 pm.

WHERE: The race begins on the Menomonee River at 25th and Canal Streets and heads east to the confluence of the Milwaukee River where the course makes a sharp left turn through downtown with the finish line just south of Pleasant Street adjacent to Schlitz Park. Schlitz Park serves as race central for all competing teams.

WHO: 800+ rowers from high school, collegiate and club teams from throughout the midwest including crews from MSOE, Marquette University, The Milwaukee Rowing Club and University of Wisconsin Women.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.