Only a few meters from the city center of Mülheim there is a wonderful recreational area with two islands in the Ruhr - the lock island and the Dohne island.
Since its construction in 1927, it serves (hence the name) as a starting point for the excursion boats of the White Fleet, which drive from here the Ruhr up to the Kettwiger reservoir. In good weather definitely recommended and quite affordable. Furthermore, there is a restaurant and a club in the water station, in summer also with outdoor catering.
Between the water station and the building behind, the house Ruhrnatur an old steam engine pump from the year 1896 is established. A phenomenal part that reveals new motifs for those who love detail from every angle. In the already mentioned house Ruhrnatur (a former boathouse from the 20s), children and adults can learn something about water, currents and the living beings in it by many experiments. And the huge aquarium with fish based in the Ruhr is also worthwhile.
And on we go, from Lock Island to the Ruhr Island. The transition marks a hydroelectric power plant from the 20s with the adjacent pumping station. At the end of the Ruhr island we have the choice. It goes left over a pretty pedestrian bridge on the towpath and then back to the starting point, or a little further right over the Kahlenberger weir, the imposing structure, which controls the amount of water of the underlying parts by means of two huge steel rollers.