Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386

Overview

This 2 hour intermediate class (pre-requisite required) will begin by parking at the National Great Rivers Museum on the Illinois-side of the river, participants will then be shuttled to a launch point on Ellis Bay in West Alton, Missouri. Mississippi River Water Trail Association and Audubon staff will discuss water safety guidelines and review the basics to kayaking on Ellis Bay and the main channel of the Mississippi River. Participants and guides will then launch their boats and set off to paddle to the Melvin Price Lock-and-Dam.  Session will be accompanied by a Riverlands environmental educator that can interpret and highlight the diverse wildlife that can be viewed along the Mississippi River.  Group will lock through and pull out at the National Great Rivers Museum. 13 years old and up, participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian present.

Pre-requiste required: Particpants must have experience kayaking on open water, and must have participated in a paddling program as part of the Riverlands Wellness Series or Mississippi River Water Trail program prior to this event such as the Cinco de Mayo Paddle on May 5th.

Class Limit: 30 

Class Fee: $ 30

Weight Limits:

Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact Emily if you weigh 260 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak. Email: Emily.Connor@Audubon.org to inquire more.

What to Wear/Bring:

• We highly recommend you wear synthetic fabrics only (no cotton).
• Closed toe shoes are required
• We recommend wearing sunblock and sunglasses
• Hats are also recommended
• Water for hydration