Wild Rivers

Wild Rivers with Matt Fox is no ordinary paddle: it’s a river safari led by one of the world’s most seasoned wildlife guides. Join conservation biologist and explorer Matt Fox, lead ecologist at Uprise Conservation, as you embark on a once-a-month adventure through the untamed waterways of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. With over two decades of on-the-ground experience guiding safaris from the savannas of southern Africa to the rainforests of Central America and the misty steppes of Mongolia, Matt brings a global perspective on wildlife and conservation to the heart of North America’s greatest flyway.

Aboard a 30-foot voyager canoe, you’ll navigate some of North America’s most iconic waterways, exploring hidden islands, quiet backwaters, and sweeping channels that teem with life. From soaring bald eagles and migrating waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway to the silent engineering of beavers and the chatter of woodland songbirds, every paddle stroke brings a new encounter with the wild heart of the Midwest.

This is more than a paddle, it’s an expedition into the soul of America’s great rivers. Wild, alive, and unforgettable.

Trip Information:

When does this trip run?- Select dates from April - November!

When are the Wild Rivers trips in 2026?

Friday, June 5th @ 10am
Friday, July 10th @ 10am
Friday, August 14th @ 10am
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 outdoor adventures, wild river islands, birds, aquatic wildlife or ecology. 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 starts at 10am. The meet-up location will be at a convenient spot in the St. Louis Region, along the Missouri or Mississippi River. We will communicate the exact meet up location 2 days before the trip. Trips will end about 6 hours after meet-up, at the same location.

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: