Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Mississippi backwaters in this area is an untouched natural habitat. No other canoe/kayak rental company will put you into the heart of this wonderland. Take a day tour or overnight camping trip on the river. The sound of nature will calm you. Stop and listen. Visit an island with a sandy beach. Thousands of lily pads bloom huge yellow flowers in late summer. Large flocks of water fowl stop by in spring and fall. Turtles are common sights. Tall trees grow on numerous islands.
Max capacity of canoe (people): 695 lbs.
Max capacity of canoe (total weight including equipment): 775 lbs.
Max wt. of individual person in canoe: 250 lbs.
Max number of people in canoe: 5 persons
Max capacity of both Pelican kayaks: 225 lbs
Mac capacity of both Quest kayaks: 275 lbs
We have one canoe and four kayaks so we can accommodate up to 9 people (within weight limits).
Available options
Canoe/Kayak Rental - 4 hrs
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Canoe or Kayak
Canoe/Kayak Tour -2 to 4 hrs
Duration: 4 hours: Tour guide accompanies you for the first 2 hrs. You can choose to return with the guide or stay another 2 hrs. on your own.<br/>Canoe / Kayak
What's included
Boat(s), paddles, life preservers, whistle, maps
What you'll see
Take an adventure through Mississippi river backwaters surrounded by islands teeming with life and full of beautiful tall trees. There is an island with a sandy beach about a mile from the launch site (great place for a picnic). Islands and trees break the current and winds in this area. Even on windy days the ride is normally smooth and easy, and current is always slow.
Many species of birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife make this place home. Early spring and Fall bring huge flocks of migrating waterfowl. There are several Bald Eagle nests in the area. In late summer acres of lily pads bloom huge beautiful yellow American Lotus flowers.
Start times are flexible and may need to change based on weather.
We have one canoe and four kayaks.
Max wt. limits.
One Canoe:
Max wt. passengers: 695 lbs.
Max wt. passengers and cargo: 775 lbs. (guide weighs 200 lbs)
Max wt. individual passenger: 225 lbs.
Max no. passengers: 5 (139 lbs. avg.)
If you want the canoe book two kayaks. In other words, to book three kayaks and the canoe you would pay for 5 kayaks. The canoe is twice the cost of the kayaks.
Two Kayaks (Pelican): Max wt. 225 lbs.
Two Kayak (Quest): Max 275 lbs.
Required: Boat safety education card or Coast Guard's 16 minute safety video. Liability Waiver.
Tour guide is available for an additional $50.
What's not included
Tour guide is available for an additional $50
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
From Galena, take Blackjack road toward Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort. Go 6 miles and turn right at the "Goldmoor Inn" sign. Pass the Goldmoor Inn and go all the way to the bottom of Sand Hill Road. Turn right on River Road. Meet at the railroad crossing. We will drive a short way to the launch site.
About Illinois
Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse landscapes. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene landscapes of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Cloud Gate, also known as 'The Bean,' is a iconic public sculpture located in Millennium Park in Chicago. The reflective surface of the bean-shaped sculpture creates a distorted reflection of the city skyline and visitors.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It is the home of the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere and experience for baseball fans.
Sports
2-4 hours (depending on the game)
Ticket prices vary
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest is a beautiful natural area in southern Illinois, offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The forest is known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and unique rock formations.
Nature
Multiple days for a full experience
Free or low-cost
Must-Try Local Dishes
Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago staple and a must-try for any visitor.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A steamed all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, served on a poppy seed bun.
Snack
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It can be dipped in the juices for extra flavor.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in Shawnee National Forest
Rock climbing at Starved Rock State Park
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Spa treatments in downtown Chicago
Picnicking in Millennium Park
Yoga classes in Lincoln Park
Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago
Exploring the Museum of Science and Industry
Best Time to Visit
May to October
This period offers warm weather and is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The summer months are particularly popular for beach visits and city events.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Illinois is generally safe for travelers, with most visits being trouble-free. However, like any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some areas, particularly in Chicago, can be more dangerous, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
Getting there
By air
- O'Hare International Airport • 26 km from downtown Chicago
- Midway International Airport • 13 km from downtown Chicago
By train
Chicago Union Station
By bus
Chicago Bus Terminal, Peoria Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago, with eight color-coded lines serving the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Loop
Wicker Park
Lincoln Park
Day trips
Naperville
45 km from Chicago • Half day to full day
Naperville is a charming suburban town located just outside of Chicago. It offers a mix of historic architecture, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Starved Rock State Park
130 km from Chicago • Full day
Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful natural area located in northern Illinois. The park is known for its stunning sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Galena
260 km from Chicago • Full day to overnight
Galena is a charming historic town located in northern Illinois. It's known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, wineries, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Galena is a popular destination for those interested in history, wine, and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Lollapalooza • Early August
Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September
Chicago Marathon • Early October
Pro tips
- Visit the Skydeck at Willis Tower for a breathtaking view of the city, especially at sunset
- Take an architecture boat tour to learn about Chicago's iconic buildings and their history
- Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, each with its own unique character and attractions
- Try deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other local specialties at iconic eateries
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
