Past: Float the Mississippi River

Registration period: July 1 - September 4

To register: Complete the online registration and then call the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center: 573-290-5218 and staff will finalize your registration after a registration briefing. Office hours are Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm

Have you ever wondered if you can canoe or kayak on the Mississippi River? You can and this is an opportunity to float from Trail of Tears State Park to Red Star Access on North America’s largest river. Float, enjoy your lunch on a sandbar, and learn from expert guides.

Navigating the river calls for skill and strength. This program is for experienced paddlers only, with a minimum of one year experience in paddling rivers such as the Current, Missouri, or Black. Participants MUST attend the Friday evening safety briefing covering navigation, river hazards, flows, and other important information. The float is a total of 13 rivers miles, the experience is entirely dependent on weather and river stages. Generally, the river flows at 5mph.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs or lifejackets) are required.

Plan to bring your lunch, snacks, sufficient water, sunscreen, and water shoes (no flip flops) and appropriate clothing for a river float during the heat of September. Your gear should be light enough to be carried in your boat.

A support boat will be present at all times.

The Mandatory Safety briefing is Friday, September 5 6:00-7:30pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | 2289 County Park Dr Cape Girardeau MO 63701

The Float is Saturday morning, September 6. Participants must have attended the Friday safety briefing to participate, full details of time and location will be provided at safety briefing

Ages 16 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult within the same boat.

The department can provide access to a limited number of kayaks and PFDs.