Community Canoe Trips
Join us for a day on the Mississippi River! Our Community Canoe Trips are monthly adventures to Mississippi River island beaches in voyageur canoes, presented in partnership with Quapaw Canoe Company. No previous experience necessary — everyone paddles together in our big canoes with experienced guides.
If you've never paddled on the Mississippi River, your first Community Canoe trip is on us! This special offer is for anyone who has never enjoyed the pleasure of paddling on the Mississippi -- Youth, Families, Educators, and Community Members.
This is our gift to the community and our way of saying "thank you" for allowing us to serve you! Each canoe trip is a $110 value. Help us keep these opportunities alive by making a tax-deductible donation!
Trip Details
- One Saturday each month (see schedule below)
- Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Trips depart from Clarksdale, MS or Helena, AR
- All paddle together, no previous experience necessary
- Must be willing to paddle and must wear life jacket
- Reservations required. 18 max -- first come, first served
Meeting Locations
Helena, AR
Big Ramp at Helena River Park
Meet at the big ramp in Helena River Park.
📍 Get DirectionsClarksdale, MS
Quapaw Canoe Company
291 Sunflower Ave. Meet here, then drive to the river together.
📍 Get DirectionsQuapaw Canoe Company Provides
Voyageur canoe, paddles, lifejackets and all necessary river gear, first aid kits, VHF Marine Radio, running lights, and all necessary emergency gear. We'll pack group water in 5-gallon jugs to refill your personal water bottles.
Pricing
| Adults | $50 |
| Educators | $25 |
| Children under 18 | Free (accompanied by parent or guardian) |
What to Pack
In a daypack or drybag:
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Bug protection
- Shoes that can get muddy and wet (or go barefoot)
Optional:
- Cell phone, camera, bird book, binoculars
- Swim gear and towel
Wear: Dress for possible rainy weather. Wear shoes that can get muddy and wet (or go barefoot).
Note: Pack any electronics in a dry bag, dry box, or zip lock bags. Prepare for all weather conditions.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim?
No! Participants wear life jackets at all times. Our guides will work with you on becoming comfortable in the water and improving your swimming while on the trip!
2026 Trip Schedule
Advance signup required. Subject to wind, weather, and river levels. If there is bad weather on Saturday, we will postpone to Sunday whenever possible.
| Date | Time | Location | Meet At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 24 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Helena, AR | Helena River Park (Big Ramp) ↗ |
| Saturday, May 16 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Clarksdale, MS | Quapaw Canoe Company ↗ |
| Saturday, June 13 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Helena, AR | Helena River Park (Big Ramp) ↗ |
| Saturday, August 29 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Clarksdale, MS | Quapaw Canoe Company ↗ |
| Saturday, September 19 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Helena, AR | Helena River Park (Big Ramp) ↗ |
| Saturday, October 10 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Clarksdale, MS | Quapaw Canoe Company ↗ |
| Saturday, November 28 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Helena, AR | Helena River Park (Big Ramp) ↗ |
| Saturday, December 12 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Clarksdale, MS | Quapaw Canoe Company ↗ |
Sign Up
Contact Information
Participants
Participant 1
You're All Set!
Thank you for signing up for the Community Canoe Trip! We'll confirm your reservation via email. See you on the river!
You can also call Quapaw Canoe Company at 662-627-4070 and leave all information in a message.
Contact: John Ruskey at (662) 902-7841 or Ceili Hale at (601) 918-6810
Reservations required. 18 max — first come, first served.
Community Canoe is made possible by the Lower Mississippi River Foundation. Dedicated to fostering long-term stewardship of the big river through its youth, families, and communities.