in Waupaca, WI is an exciting 3 hour adventure enjoyed by all ages.  Two people in a canoe go down the scenic river dodging obstacles along the way.

Enroute to the river's beginning in one of our fine launch boats and enjoy your journey through two scenic lakes of the Chain O' Lakes to the Mouth of the Crystal River.

One very unique feature of the Ding's Dock Crystal River Canoe Trip is the free boat ride through two scenic glacial lakes at the start of the trip. Most canoe trips in the United States don't include a free boat ride through two scenic lakes.

The Crystal River Canoe trip is a 3 hour adventure to be enjoyed by all ages.  Two people ride in a specially made canoe and begin the thrilling and scenic journey down the river, which averages about 2.5 feet in depth.  It is fun and exciting to shoot the rapids and dodge the many obstacles that you will encounter.

We have 17 picnic tables, 5 charcoal grills, changing rooms and bathrooms for our customers to use.  Ding's Dock is the only Marina on the Chain O' Lakes that has enough land and shoreline to provide you with a nice lakeside picnic area.  Ding's Dock is also conveniently located in the middle of the Chain, which will save you time getting to and from you favorite lakes and fishing spots.

Many people visit Ding's Dock for a day of canoeing, pontoon boating, fishing, and picnicking.  Here are a few good excuses people use to take a day off and visit us each year: birthday parties, company picnics, retirement parties, church outings, school field trips, class reunions, scout outings, sports team outings, classic car road trips, charitable fund raisers, singles club outings, youth group outings, religious retreats, nonprofit association parties, political campaign parties, and much more.

Now if you want to spend more than a day in the area, you can stay at the Indian Crossing Cottages right on Columbia Lake in the middle of the Chain.  Or if you like camping, we are only 1 mile from Hartman's Creek State Park. If the above cottages and State campgrounds are booked, there are other fine hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and private campgrounds in the Waupaca area.

  Things You Should Know About the "Famous Crystal River Canoe Trip"

• We can accommodate any size group.
• We recommend that you wear bathing suits or old clothes on the trip as well as old shoes since getting wet is often part of the trip and certainly part of the fun.
• Reservations for groups are strongly recommended.
• River trips are available daily from May 1 through September.
• Perfect outing for scouts, church groups, families, school classes, college sports teams and groups of any kind.
• Lakeside picnic area with 17 picnic tables and 5 charcoal grills are available for your relaxation and enjoyment overlooking the beautiful Columbia Lake on the Chain O' Lakes.
• Group lunch specials are available.

  Group Rates 
 

The above prices do not include Wisconsin Sales Tax.  Sales tax will not be collected for NON-PROFIT groups upon the presentation of a TAX EXEMPT NUMBER.  To qualify for group rates, groups must pay in one sum.  Deposits required for groups upon request. Nothing is permitted to be taken on the river.

  Hours of Operation 

Season opening thru May 28nd    10:00 - 2:30 by reservation 

June 1st thru August 22nd     9:30 - 4:30

Labor Day hours Saturday and Sunday   10:00 - 4:30

After Labor Day by RESERVATION ONLY!

Ding's Dock Hot Line
Phone (715)-258-2612

Business Location
E1171 County Trunk Q
Waupaca, WI

Mailing Address
PO Box 12
King, WI 54946

The Famous Crystal River Canoe Trip

Photos of Canoeing the River

Photos of Historic Launch Boats

Chain O' Lakes Boat Rentals

Indian Crossing Cottage Rentals

Indian Crossing Casino Hall Rental

Photos of the Beautiful Chain O' Lakes

Vacationer's Guide