Paddle With A Ranger: Vermillion River Bottoms Dates 2025:

10 Start time: Arrival time: 9:40-9:45 AM | Program Time: 10 - 12 AM
June 28, June 29, July 5, July 12, July 13, July 19, July 26, August 3, August 10, August 23, August 30, September 7, September 28

4 p.m. Start time: Arrival time: 3:40-3:45 PM | Program Time: 4- 6 PM
August 16, August 24, September 14, September 20

*Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your program time to ensure parking and a safety talk.

Explore a unique area of your national park with the National Park Service. A park ranger will guide you through the back channels of a floodplain forest of the Vermillion River.

This area is great for observing wildlife. You may spot bald eagles, great blue herons, or prothonotary warblers. We may even sneak up on a muskrat! Routes vary as the summer progresses due to changing water-level conditions.

Each registration includes a ONE SEAT in the selected kayak or canoe, paddle, and personal floatation device (PFD). Canoe and tandem kayak registration should be made with a partner to guarantee appropriate passenger capacity. For your safety, DO NOT book a seat in a tandem kayak as a single individual person.

Events happen rain or shine. Programs are cancelled due to heavy rain or lightning. Decisions are made at least two hours before the scheduled program time. Be prepared for the weather and bring sun protection, insect repellant, rain gear, snacks, and water. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Do not leave valuables in your car.

Due to staffing limitations, we cannot accommodate personal boats.

The program is appropriate for paddlers ready to spend time on a moving river or intermediate/advanced paddlers interested in the social atmosphere of paddling with a park ranger. Attendees must be able to maneuver a kayak on moving water. The program is not recommended for first-time paddlers, 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 with an adult from the same household.

Parking: Free lot at Vermillion River North Public Water Access