Come paddle with us in the calm backwaters of the Mississippi River! Try out your skills and learn how to safely paddle in a kayak or canoe, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board, or take a guided kayak tour at this ACA-sanctioned event. Kayaks, paddles and USCG life jackets provided for all. All participants must complete this waiver prior to paddling:

CLICK HERE FOR WAIVER:Paddle Festival 

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak or voyager canoe. If you are registering a participant under the age of 12, please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org

RESERVATIONS & WAIVER REQUIRED. No late arrivals will be allowed for the guided tours.

Guided Bay Tour: 

Group A   10:00-11:30 AM 

Group B  10:30-12:00 PM

Group C   11:00-12:30 PM

Group D  12:30-2:00 PM

Group E   1:00-2:30 PM

Group F   1:30-3:00 PM

Paddle and Play (PP) Area

Enjoy a small roped area where you can try various paddle craft of choice. 

PP1 10:30-11:30AM

PP2 11:30-12:30PM

PP3 1:30PM-2:30PM

PP4 2:30-3:30PM

Voyager Canoe w/ Biggy Muddy Adventures (Also, 12 and under can ride with parent or guardian.)

V1 10:15-11:00am

V2 11:15-12:00pm

V3 1:00-1:45pm 

V4 2:00-2:45 

Weight Limits:
Our boats are typically limited to 300 lbs. Please contact board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org if you weigh 250 lbs or above, so that we can accommodate with the appropriate kayak. Email: board@mississippiriverwatertrail.org to inquire more.

What to Wear: We highly recommend you wear synthetic fabrics only (no cotton) and that you are prepared to get wet. Closed toe shoes are required.

*This event is being held in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers and on USACE property, but is not a USACE sponsored event.*