Float breathe flow connect with nature. Find inner stillness paddle and meditate.About this Event
Anchored at Sunrise Greet the day with peace, presence, and community. We will paddle out together from the docks at Discovery World with Forward Outdoor and Cathy Stadler into the calm waters behind the Summerfest grounds at Lakeshore State Park.
Once out on the water, we will anchor to sit in shared silence, meditating as the morning sun breaks over the Lake Michigan horizon.
There is a surreal magic to drifting out on the water at the sight of the sunrising over the water.
Join us on 9/17/26 meeting at 6am on the dock setting up. BYO for $10 or register with Forward Outdoor for a paddle board or your choice.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp white lights at twilight to start.
Register or more info: Forward Outdoor Upcoming Experiences Page.
- General Dock Rentals: If you are looking to reserve regular paddleboards, kayaks, paddle boats, or hydro-bikes at the lakefront harbor, use the Forward Outdoor Dock Page.
Please reach out for more information.
Follow me on socials for events, photos and stories.
Outdoor Aura-MKE is an outdoor fitness and yoga community in downtown Milwaukee led by instructor and massage therapist Cathy Stadler.
Cathy Stadler formerly Outdoor Yoga-MKE on Instagram
Outdoor Aura-MKE
formerly Outdoor YOGA-MKE
Cathy Stadler LMT, CYT, SUP Board-YT Massage Therapist / Downtown WAC Certified Stand Up Paddle Board Instructor WAC Group Fitness Instructor WAC Wellness Workshops 414 807-8160 cell
Follow my socials for pictures, stories and like-minded events.
Lakeshore State Park info:
Friends of Lakeshore State Park
At the Park
Lakeshore State Park’s prairies, open spaces and views of downtown and Lake Michigan are your urban oasis to escape the city streets of downtown Milwaukee. The only urban state park in Wisconsin, the Park boasts 22-acres of pristine prairie just south of Discovery World. Nestled between our serene, cerulean Lake Michigan and the romping Summerfest grounds, Lakeshore State Park, formerly known as Harbor Island, hosts a 1.7 mile paved trail connecting the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf bike paths.
Explore Activities
Park Hours:
6AM-10PM daily
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
The Park is located in and along Lake Michigan just east of the Summerfest Grounds and immediately south of Discovery World. A “State Park Sticker” is not required, and free parking is available at marked locations and along the road. Follow the road to the end for parking nearest the south entrance to the Park.
Near the north entrance, there is limited free parking on N. Harbor Dr. near Summerfest's north gate, and along Clybourn St. leading up to Discovery World. Parking near the north entrance is extremely limited during the business week and may be closed off during Summerfest Grounds events.
Paid parking is available at the O'Donnell Parking Garage at 910 E Michigan St, across from the Milwaukee Art Museum. Limited paid parking is available at Discovery World during their regular business hours only.
Register with Forward Outdoor under "special events" or BYO
Bring your own option.
Forward Outdoor is located at the docks at Discovery World.
Parking on the north end of Lakeshore State Park.
Free street parking for unloading and park near by.
There’s no better way to ground yourself than watching the morning sun rise while floating on the water.
Join Forward Outdoor and Cathy Stadler of Outdoor Aura-MKE for Anchored at Sunrise, a peaceful early-morning experience designed to connect you with nature, yourself, and community. Choose your favorite watercraft from our fleet—including single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, hydro bikes, and paddle boats—or bring your own kayak or SUP.
We’ll launch from the Discovery World dock and enjoy a short social paddle through the harbor toward Lakeshore State Park. As the sky begins to brighten, we’ll gather on the water for a guided floating meditation. Let your gaze drift across the lake, listen to the gentle rhythm of the water, and watch the rising sun cast a shimmering path across Lake Michigan.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful start to a busy day or simply a deeper connection with the outdoors, this sunrise gathering offers space to slow down, reset, and start your day with intention.
What's included
- Guiding for every participant
- Properly fitted life jacket for each guest
- Assistance getting in and out of boats as needed
- Choice of paddle boats, hydro bikes, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or stand up paddleboards
What's not included
- Parking (street and garage parking available nearby)
Itinerary
Meet at the Discovery World Dock — Arrive during twilight, approximately 30 minutes before sunrise, to check in and prepare for the water.
Morning Social Paddle — Launch together for a short, relaxed paddle through the harbor toward Lakeshore State Park.
Anchor at Sunrise — We’ll gather and anchor our watercraft as the sun begins to rise over Lake Michigan.
Floating Meditation — Settle into a guided meditation using the sunrise, open water, and gentle movement of the waves as the backdrop.
Paddle Back Together — Return to the Discovery World dock refreshed and ready to start the day.
Highlights
🌅 Watch the Sunrise from the Water
Experience the changing morning sky and sunrise over Lake Michigan from your own floating vantage point.
🧘 Guided Float Meditation
Anchor together for a peaceful guided meditation surrounded by water and the sounds of the morning.
🛶 Paddle + Pause
This isn’t about covering miles. Enjoy a short social paddle followed by time to simply be still on the water.
🌊 Connect with Nature & Community
Share an early morning outside with others while creating space to slow down and reconnect.
🛶 Rent or Bring Your Own
Rent a kayak or SUP from Forward Outdoor with the guided experience included, or bring your own kayak or SUP and join for $10 per person.
Event venue
Forward Outdoor, 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.