Kayak & Canoe Program

Spend two hours on a relaxing kayak trip, taking in wildlife, scenic views, and the peaceful beauty of nature. This trip has the same starting and ending pond.

$60 per kayak or Canoe (Only park rented kayaks and canoes can be used on pond 5)

Fishing is not allowed out of kayak on pond 5

Enjoy a 3 mile kayak trip on Tippecanoe River.

• Starting point: "The Wall" Historic Park (17101 Birch Rd, Bourbon, IN 46504)

• Ending Point: Potawatomi Wildlife Park (16998 IN-331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570)

Time to complete trip

• Typically time with casual paddling 2 hours

• Typical time with mainly floating and only paddling when necessary 3.5-4 hours

Rental Rate:

• $60 per kayak or canoe with transportation upstream by park staff

• $40 per kayak or canoe if you transport yourself and kayak and canoe upstream. (This option is most often chosen by groups renting just 1–2 boats to join a larger group that already owns their own kayaks or canoes.

Enjoy a 9 mile kayak trip on Tippecanoe River.

• Starting point: Etna GreenPublic Access Point (964 IN-19, Etna Green, IN 46524)

• Ending Point: Potawatomi Wildlife Park (16998 IN-331, Tippecanoe, IN 46570)

Time to complete trip

• Typically time with casual paddling 6

• Typical time with mainly floating and only paddling when necessary 8.5-9 hours

Rental Rate:

• $60 per kayak or canoe with transportation upstream by park staff

• $40 per kayak or canoe if you transport yourself and kayak and canoe upstream. (This option is most often chosen by groups renting just 1–2 boats to join a larger group that already owns their own kayaks or canoes.

Email: At least 48 hours in advance email potawatomiwildlifepark@gmail.com to check availability and reserve kayaks and canoes. We currently have 8 kayaks available and 6 canoes. We highly recommend reserving in advance. In email please include.

• 1. Date wanting to reserve

• 2. Time you would like to start your kayak trip

• 3. # of Kayaks and canoes needed

• 4. Phone number

Park: Day of your scheduled kayak trip park at Potawatomi Wildlife park visitor center. Here you will meet the park staff.

Waiver: Everyone will be required to sign waiver. If under 18 legal guardian must be present to sign. At least 1 adult 18+ must be present on the river or pond with the group on the kayak trip.

Pay: At this time you will also pay the park staff for rentals in cash or check. We do not have change so please bring exact amount.

Ride: Potawatomi will transport you up to kayak trip starting point.

Enjoy: Take your time and enjoy your kayak trip.

Departure:

• River Trips: You will depart the river at Potawatomi Wildlife Park on your right hand side. Pull kayak up on bank by park shed. This exit is less than 1 minute from the parking lot you arrived. You will text park manager you are back and head to your vehicle.

• Pond Trip: You will depart pond 5, pull kayak on bank and walk back to car. It is a 3-5 min walk back to your car.

Sun shirt: We suggest a long sleeve sun shirt to protect from sun and insects.

Bug spray: We recommend a product that includes deet that can be reapplied during trip if needed.

Water proof bag and phone case: If you choose to take your phone, keys, wallet a waterproof case is very helpful

Snacks: Pack easy to access snacks. Please do not liter on the river.

Kids Toys: Bubbles, Sticky Hands, Ball, pop it

Additional helpful lists

• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayaking-with-kids.html

• https://www.watersportswhiz.com/kayaking-with-kids/

• https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/kayaking-checklist/

The river has trees throughout that must be navigated by the kayaker. Some trees you go under, some over, and 1 tree if the water is high enough and you go on the 9 mile trip you must get out and lift kayak onto bank and around or over the limb. The obstacles give the trip some excitement and entertainment. Don’t let the condition scare you from enjoying a trip. Contact the park manager for more details if questions.