Join us on the mighty Mississippi River for an urban wilderness experience. Explore the river and its history in 24-foot Voyageur canoes, which hold 6-10 paddlers. Your adventure is based at Picnic Island in Fort Snelling State Park. You'll set up camp as a group and circumnavigate historic Pike Island traveling by canoe on both the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. View Osprey overhead and learn about this historic highway used by Native Americans for food, trade, and water supply long before Europeans visited the “New World." Back at Picnic Island, listen to bird calls, flowing water, and the crackling of your campfire as you relax. A fantastic way to explore the wilderness right outside your own back door.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
Day 1: Your trip begins at 1 p.m. at Picnic Island in Fort Snelling State Park. Participate in a large group activity before breaking into small groups to learn the basics of setting up camp. Once you are settled in, take part in a paddling orientation before you begin your adventure on the Mississippi River. While on the paddle, watch for eagles, hawks, herons, and other wildlife. You will paddle to the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, the “center of the universe” for the Mdewakanton Dakota people. Learn the rich cultural history of Pike Island and Fort Snelling. Prepare dinner as a group back at camp, followed by an interpretive presentation from a National Park Service Ranger. End the night with s’mores and story telling around the campfire.
Day 2: Wake up to the morning sounds of birds and frogs as you begin breaking camp. After a breakfast feast, share your thoughts in a final reflection and participate in group activities for the remainder of the morning. Your trip officially ends at 11 a.m.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The Mississippi River is a great river for both experienced and first time paddlers. You will be paddling downstream, following the river’s 3-4 mph current as it winds along the shoreline.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 24-foot cedar strip voyageur canoes. The voyageur canoes hold 6-10 paddlers. They are fast and stable boats, designed specifically for trips on big or moving water. An average day’s travel consists of 1-3 hours of paddling, depending on weather conditions. Travel distances are 2-6 miles. To protect the environment, WI uses “minimum impact” travel techniques.
To see a short video on the first UWCA trip go to:
www.startribune.com/video/26934499.html?elr=KArksUUUU
WEATHER: Temperatures can vary greatly throughout the season. Precipitation can also vary so you should expect the possibility of rain.
LODGING: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in comfortable Eureka Timberline tents. Typically, there are 3 people per 4-person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them).
GROUP SIZE: Groups consist of 15 - 50 participants, plus a Wilderness Inquiry and other staff for each boat. Each voyageur canoe holds up to 10 paddlers.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: A detailed clothing list will be sent upon confirmation of your participation in the event. Clothing requirements for this trip are dependent upon weather and specific activities. Contact Wilderness Inquiry if you cannot secure the proper clothing for the trip.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to participate in this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
Since the U.S. Congress established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988, more and more has been written on the geology and history of the river that flows through heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mississippi River National Park includes 72 miles of the Mississippi River stretching from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey to just south of Hastings.
For some interesting and entertaining reading we suggest you click on the links below.
For more information, visit these links:
Geology and History of the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
UWCA: Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures
Friends of the Mississippi River
Telling River Stories: People and Places Along the Mississippi River
Water levels at the Ford Lock and Dam #1
Don Shelby talks about the UWCA and the Mississippi River
[ Dates & Fees ]
