11th Annual Great River Race

Race to Close the Opportunity Gap!

Saturday, September 18th - 2021

Every year, Wilderness Inquiry partners with the National Park Service, City of Minneapolis, and City of Saint Paul to host the Great River Race on the Mississippi River. The big race funds the Canoemobile Minnesota outdoor education program, addressing the opportunity gap in our schools and reaching 15,000 youth annually. Join us at our in-person celebration to race on the Mighty Mississippi in a 24-foot Voyageur canoe. This action packed event will be a day of fun, purpose, impact, and of course an awards ceremony. Don't be late or you'll miss the boat!

This year, the need is greater than ever as we work to provide place-based outdoor learning experiences for youth across Minnesota and beyond.

Donate to Support the Great River Race

Join the Great River Race!

Bid in our Virtual Silent Auction

We're hosting a virtual silent auction with awesome gear and experiences from our outdoor partners, with all proceeds directly supporting Canoemobile. Bid on items such as brand swag, a paddle board, outdoor adventures, and more - and as a bonus know that you are supporting an important cause!

Click Here for Silent Auction

Sponsor a Boat

Sponsor a boat and gather a team of up to 9 paddlers to race down the river! Choose a sponsorship level to support - all proceeds benefit our Canoemobile youth programs. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers and those with the most team spirit. Head to the link below for the full sponsorship packet including race details, pledge form, and a letter of support from Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Melvin Carter, and Mayor Jacob Frey.

Click Here for Race Sponsor Info

Volunteer

Interested in volunteering? We can use your help in a wide variety of roles: from timekeeping and hauling boats, to cheering and greeting teams as they arrive, your help makes this event happen. We might even need an extra hand to race in our canoes!

Click on the link below to register to volunteer at this event.

Click Here to Volunteer

Event Information

WHEN: September 18th, 2021 - 8:30am

WHERE: Hidden Falls Regional Park - 1313 Hidden Falls Dr, St Paul, MN 55116

Gather at Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul by 8:30 am on September 18th.

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast with your team and plot your strategy!

The Great River Race kicks off at 10am. Paddle and enjoy this beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River with your teammates. The fastest canoes will approach the finish line by noon, with others coming in by 1 pm.

Enjoy lunch, participate in activities, explore sponsor booths, and stick around for a short awards ceremony!

*Wilderness Inquiry continues to monitor the implications of COVID-19 and follow guidance from the CDC and MDH. At this time we require that everyone wear a mask at this event, including when paddling. Please plan to bring your own mask; however we will provide masks for those who need them. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to our shared safety and responsibility. To learn more about how we come to our decisions, read our policy statement here.