STL Riverfront Adventure

Explore St. Louis the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen—From a voyageur canoe on the Mississippi River!

Join Big Muddy Adventures on the Mighty Mississippi, the largest river in North America. The STL Riverfront Adventure is St. Louis’s most unforgettable experience blending history, nature, and iconic city views with a true only-in-St. Louis excursion.

Your adventure begins at our meet up location below the Arch on the riverfront landing. We will shuttle you upstream to our launch point on the Mississippi River. From the very start, history surrounds you. Our launch location is in close proximity to the legendary Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former Route 66 crossing that once carried travelers over the river.

From there, we enter the river’s only commercially non-navigable stretch, where the city melts away and the river runs wild. We’ll stop on a pristine island to enjoy lunch on a sandbar, watch for wildlife, and—if you’re feeling bold—cool off with a dip in the river.

Continuing downstream, you’ll witness a dramatic transition as natural landscapes give way to historic, industrial heart of the city. Glide beneath five iconic bridges, hear stories of riverfront landmarks, and take in sweeping views of some of St. Louis’s oldest riverfront buildings.

The trip concludes with a truly magnificent finale; a breathtaking, from-the-water view of the Gateway Arch. You will be landing at the historic riverfront in downtown St. Louis, right where the trip began.

For even more adventure, cap off your day with a bike rental from our location at the foot of the Gateway Arch!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Scenic paddling through natural and urban riverfronts
Historic bridges, landmarks, and river stories
Island stop with lunch and wildlife viewing
Unmatched views of the Gateway Arch from the river
NO Paddling Experience Needed

Trip Information:

When does this trip run? - Select Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from April - November!

When are the STL Riverfront Adventures in 2026?

Sunday, April 12th @ 10am
Saturday, May 16th @ 10am
Monday, May 25th @ 10am
Saturday, May 30th @ 10am
Summer trips (June, July, August) on sale in May!
Fall trips (September, October, November) on sale in August!

Who is this trip best for? - Everyone!! This is a great trip for anyone interested in the Mississippi River, wild river islands, historic architecture, or the Great River City of St. Louis. Provided you’re at least 10 years old, all are welcome, no experience needed! (1 adult per child under 14 years old, please)

Where and when does this trip start and end? - This trip meets up at 10:00 am in a convenient location in downtown St. Louis and ends around 3:00 pm on the levee in front of The Arch. We will communicate the precise meet up location 2 days before the trip.

What is included in this trip?

Life jacket (USCG Type III)
Canoe paddle
Dry bag (15L or 35L)
Lunch (most dietary restrictions accommodated)
Water (to refill your reusable bottle)
Cooler w/ ice (for your personal beverages)
Shuttle transportation

What do I need to bring? - Please make sure you bring the following items with you on your trip:

Required Gear:

Weather appropriate footwear (e.g. river shoes, sandals with a backstrap, waterproof boots, old sneakers, etc.)
Weather appropriate clothing (e.g. extra layers for warmth, long sleeves for sun protection, etc.)
Rainwear (e.g. rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, etc.)
Reusable water bottle
Hat (for sun protection)
Winter hat and gloves (weather dependent)

Suggested Gear: