Explore a unique portion of this national park with a National Park Service ranger who will guide you through the back channels of a floodplain forest!

This area of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is great for observing wildlife. Participants may see bald eagles, great blue herons, or prothonotary warblers--we might even sneak up on a muskrat! Routes vary as the summer progresses due to changing water-level conditions.

Registration includes a kayak or canoe, paddle, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) provided by the National Park Service.

The program is appropriate for newer paddlers ready to try the river or the intermediate/advanced kayaker interested in the social atmosphere of paddling with a park ranger.

Events happen rain or shine. Program cancellations due to heavy rain or lightning will be made at least two hours before the scheduled program time. Be prepared for the weather and bring sunscreen, hat, bug spray, rain jacket, snacks, and water. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Do not leave valuables in your car.

Due to staffing limitations, we unfortunately cannot accommodate people bringing their own personal boats.

Attendees must be able to maneuver a kayak or canoe on moving water. The program is not recommended for beginners, and we recommend participants have some paddling experience. The Pickerel Lake Paddle Share station is a great alternative for beginners to improve their techniques.

Attendees must be 18+. A person under 18 years old may attend if they are in a tandem kayak or canoe with an adult from the same household.

Free parking at the Vermillion River North Public Water Access parking lot.

If you make a reservation within 24-hours of a scheduled paddle program, you must email
miss_info@nps.gov
so program staff can provide you with additional details about the program.