Past: Float the Big Miss

Registration period: July 2 - August 23

Registration is by phone, please call (573) 290-5218 to register.

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.

The safety briefing wiStar Access at.

The Safety briefing is Friday, Aug 23 6:00-7:30pm at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | 2289 County Park Dr Cape Girardeau MO 63701

The Float is Saturday, Aug 24 7:30am to 2:30pm. Meet at Red Star Access at 7:30am to shuttle to Trail of Tears State Park. Individuals bringing their own boats can drop boats off at Trail of Tears SP between 6:45-7:10am and then drive to Red Star Access to leave their vehicles and catch the shuttle.

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.