Wisconsin River Canoeing

The lower Wisconsin River valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful river valleys in the Midwest. The river flows past rock formations, wooded bluffs, sandbars, and islands. The river is broad, in some areas widening to over 200 yards. We have often seen deer, sandhill cranes, great blue heron, eagles, and turtles along the way.

Our put-in, just past Spring Green, Wisconsin, is an entry to almost 90 miles of undammed river flowing into the Mississippi. We’ll be paddling about 20 to 30 miles of this beautiful stretch of river, and camping on sandbars along the way. The river depth varies from a few inches to over your head. This river bottom of shifting sand discourages motor boats, leaving the weekday waters peaceful for fisher persons and canoe travelers.

We choose weekdays for this trip not only because the river is distinctly quieter, but also to encourage and emphasize the importance of taking a break.   The river valley offers a chance to truly take a deep breath and unplug, and the weekend stretches ahead of you following the trip, offering opportunities to stay in the area or head home…unrushed and refreshed.

This trip is a perfect introduction for women new to canoe camping or for those who have gotten away from the outdoors and are looking for a gentle re-introduction. Your guides are the mother-daughter team of Marcia and Chris Heeter. They have guided trips together for over two decades, loving the opportunity to share these wild places with wonderful women.

The river’s gentle current will help us on our way and give us time for turtle watching and power lounging in addition to paddling. Occasionally strong westerly winds make for a more vigorous paddle, but our route allows for getting to camp early in order to swim, walk the shore, take pictures, journal, relax.

Along the way we’ll be teaching canoe and outdoor skills, setting up camp and preparing meals together. And, as with all Wild Institute trips, plan on beautiful poetry and being awakened by the native flute once the coffee water is on.

*Our canoe trips follow the American Canoe Association standards for instruction and safety*

What to bring: When you register, you’ll receive a detailed packing list, so you’ll be sure to have what you need. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are welcome to bring your own tent either as a solo or to share. Otherwise, tents are provided at double or triple occupancy.

How much experience, how in shape do I need to be: You do not need any prior canoeing or camping experience for this trip. Though many women use their trip as motivation to get in better shape before they go, no particular level of fitness is necessary for this trip.

Can I sign up on my own: All women are welcome, and many sign up on their own. Others register with friends, partners, sisters. This trip extends a special invitation to mothers and adult daughters, with the mother/daughter guide team of Chris and Marcia Heeter.

Weather: June temperatures can range from high 50’s at night to 80’s during the day. The detailed packing list will keep you comfortable whatever the weather.

Meals: Food matters! We bring hearty and delicious primarily vegetarian fare. Many women are surprised by the amount of fresh vegetables and mouth-watering menus prepared outdoors.

What does my trip fee cover: Your trip fee of $425 includes all canoe and camping equipment, permits, all meals from dinner on Wednesday through lunch on Saturday, and guides with decades of experience.

Schedule: Arrive outside of Spring Green at 1:00 on Wednesday, June 22 (directions to follow when you register). We’ll pack up, review canoe strokes, and enter in to river time, choosing our pace, letting the wind and weather guide our days. On Saturday, June 25, we’ll aim to be back to our cars by late morning. It has become a custom on our trips to have lunch together before departing (optional, but lots of fun).

Group size: Minimum 6, maximum 13

Transportation: Closer to the trip, we’ll send out directions to the put-in, as well as the names of the other women registered for the trip so you can carpool and/or share car rentals if you like. It is about a four and a half hour drive from Minneapolis/St Paul, about three and a half hours from Chicago. If you are flying, the closest major airport is Milwaukee, or there is a smaller airport in Madison, WI. Plan your return flight for late Saturday night (June 25), or for Sunday.

Payment information: Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel, please do so in writing. If you cancel 50 days prior to the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is refundable; 30 to 49 days, the balance of your trip fee is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through the end of the following year; 0-29 days, the trip fee is not refundable or transferable. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance so that you can recover your losses should you need to cancel or be evacuated from a trip. Some companies that Wild Institute participants have used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505) www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort; and Travel Insured, 800-243-3174. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

How do I sign up: A deposit of $100 holds your spot, and payment in full is due by May 11, 2011. With your deposit, please send name, address, phone, and e-mail address.

The WILD Institute
16401 Buchanan St NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304

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