Trip Info

Water Activities

  • We recommend reservations to guarantee a spot on any trip. Reserve online or call. Reservations require payment at time of booking.
  • We will not allow walk ups if trips are at capacity.
    Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. All waivers must be completed prior to check-in, if all party members have not completed the waivers and check-in by the departure time, management reserves the right to postpone or reschedule the party’s departure time.
  • Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals include a PFD and paddle. Pedal boats include a PFD. River and tube trips include shuttles to the starting point and pick up from the docking location, if required.
  • Enjoy your trip, but make sure to complete your trip by the required complete time all river trips must be completed by 5:00 pm (except for 1:00 pm and later start time trips). Late or lost parties may be subject to additional search party charges.
  • Check river levels prior to your trip (river gage link here). High water levels increase the level of difficulty and risk of accidents or injury. It may result in cancellations or age restrictions. Low water levels reduce the flow rate of the river, increasing total trip time and the amount of portages (getting out of the boat to get around shallow areas). Plan accordingly.
  • Glass and styrofoam are prohibited on all river trips.
  • Do not litter on the river. Pack out all the trash.
  • Do not use profane language or behave inappropriate on vehicles. Respect other people on the water.
  • Water hazards such as downed trees should be avoided.
  • We are not responsible for accidents.
  • Capsizing is a common occurrence on the river. To minimize the damage incurred in a capsize, secure valuable items to your boat. You are responsible for any lost items or equipment.
  • Bystanders can assist capsized boats by retrieving paddles, PFD’s and valuables from the river.
  • We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What To Bring

  • Always dress for the water temperature. In early spring and late fall, wear layers of quick drying clothes. Pack an extra layer in a dry bag. In summer wear clothing for sun protection.
  • Shoes – water shoes, old shoes or sandals (not flip flops) work well. The river is gravel bottom, making walking barefoot dangerous and painful.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection is advised.
  • Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.
  • Medications.
  • Water and snacks

What To Leave Behind

  • Wallets, jewelry and car keys. Anything valuable that can be lost on the river. Car keys can be left with Kickapoo Adventures staff.
  • Cell phones. If you plan to bring your phone, understand that phones are lost either due to water damage due to not being secured in a floating container and sinking below the water surface. If you use a plastic bag, remember that it probably will not float. Dry bags or pouches provide floatation to prevent this. Also make sure to secure the phone to your craft so that it is not separated during a capsize.

Bicycles

  • We recommend reservations to guarantee a spot on any rental. Reserve online or call. Reservations require payment at time of booking..
  • All waivers must be completed prior to check-in.
  • Bicycle rentals include a bike helmet and gloves, if desired.
  • Enjoy your trip, but make sure to complete your trip by the required complete time. All rentals must be completed by 5:00 pm (except for 2:00 pm start times). Late or lost parties may be subject to additional search party charges.
  • We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Check trail conditions prior to your trip (found on kickapoo.bike). Wet conditions can close trails. When encountering wet conditions, avoid wet areas and ruts.
Ride in control and within your ability. If you are riding too fast for trail conditions, the capability of your bike, or beyond your skills, you are putting yourself and others in danger.

Stay in control at all times and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice. If you encounter an obstacle or trail that is over your ability, please dismount and walk your bike.

We are not responsible for accidents. You are responsible for any lost or damaged items or equipment.

FAQ

Yes, PFD’s and paddles are included. Transportation is also included on all river trips.

Yes. A $3 passenger fee is charged for any pets on the shuttles and dogs must be leashed on all vehicles.

Yes, we shuttle private boats for a fee. Please use our online reservation system to choose the trip, then select ‘Shuttle Customer’s Personal Boat’ from the list of boat options.

Yes, we carry PFD’s for the following size ranges: up to 30 pounds, 30-50 pounds, 50-90 pounds.

One person for a single kayak or SUP, two people for a tandem kayak or canoe. We do allow pets or small children to accompany adults on single kayaks or SUPs. For canoes, a pet or child can be added to a canoe. A maximum of two additional children can be added to a canoe if the total weight does not exceed 120 pounds. Management approval is required for all exceptions.

The pedal boats have 4 seats or can hold up to 5 people or 1,400 pounds.

It depends on the water level. At normal levels there are lots of gravel bars to pull off and relax. During high water periods, however, these bars are usually covered.

No swimming is allowed in the lakes. On the river, you are able to get out in the water. The Middle Fork and Vermilion Rivers are both shallow rivers, with the average depth only a few feet deep.

While the Middle Fork is considered a ‘family friendly’ river at normal water levels, river hazards likely to contribute to capsizes and accidents are common. There are several areas of fast moving riffles; areas that are not quite rapids but may feel like it to a beginner paddler. During higher water levels, the force of the water is dramatically stronger; some paddling experience/boat control capability is recommended.

Tubing at higher water levels can also present hazards at the finish points. Swift moving water can make exits difficult or contribute to lost tubes and personal items.

The times provided in the trip descriptions are average times that include breaks. Your trip time will vary depending on water levels (higher levels=faster trips), level of effort and number/duration of breaks. Tube trips are especially affected by water levels.

Several trips use the same vehicles for shared departure times. Sometimes the vehicle space reaches its limit before the trip does. If this happens, please contact Kickapoo Adventures.

Yes. However, no glass is allowed nor styrofoam coolers. Please use moderation in the amount you bring; management reserves the right to refuse transport of excessive amounts or people demonstrating inappropriate behavior.