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News Brief

Aug. 15, 2025 |  By: Hannah Staggs

Paddle Trip on the River in the St. Joseph Area

Canoeing as shown above, is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. Join MDC for a conoe trip down the Missouri River near St. Joseph on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Photo courtesy of MDC

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Experience Missouri’s scenic rivers while staying active and learning new paddling skills on a 12-mile canoe trip hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Saturday, Sept. 6. The journey will start at Nodaway Island Access and end at French Bottom Access, with check-in at 9 a.m.

Before taking to the water, all participants must attend a required safety and paddling orientation at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 at the Belcher Branch Lake boat ramp. MDC staff will cover canoeing techniques and important safety guidelines.

On the day of the trip, paddlers will meet at French Bottom Access in St. Joseph, leave their cars there, and ride MDC shuttles to the starting point at Nodaway Island Access. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. The group will set off around 10 a.m., with the float expected to wrap up between 3 and 4 p.m.

Plan to dress for conditions that may be wet or muddy. Participants should bring their own drinking water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and any other personal items.

The trip is open to individuals ages 16 and older, and advance registration is required for both the safety training and the canoe float. Sign up online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210642.

Questions can be directed to MDC Conservation Education District Supervisor TJ Peacher at thomas.peacher@mdc.mo.gov or by calling 816-271-3100.

For updates on conservation programs and events in Northwest Missouri, subscribe for text or email notifications at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.