River Bend Nature Center

Want to learn how to canoe or kayak? We have upcoming opportunities for both kids (ages 10 and up) and adults! Space is limited to strict ACA instructor / student ratios.

🚣‍♀️Youth Paddle Camp
Ages: 10 – 15

Perfect your paddling with more in-depth instruction and more time on the Root River! Our 4-day Paddle Camp will teach students how to safely and effectively maneuver a canoe and kayak on flat water. Learn paddling skills, including basic strokes and safety instruction. The camp will be led by a certified American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor.

Paddle Camp $90.00 members / $100.00 non-members
June 22-25, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
July 6-9, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Sea Kayaking: Take your kayaking to the next level! Sea kayaks are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks and are suitable for larger bodies of water. We will spend the first day or two on the Root River getting used to the sea kayaks. Then we will move to Quarry Lake Park where we will work on deep water rescues. Prepare to get wet!

Sea Kayaking $100.00 members / $110.00 non-members
July 20-23, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
August 3-6, 1:30 pm – 4:00
*1 or 2 days of this camp will be held at Quarry Lake Park in Racine. Students must provide their own transportation.

Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected].

🚣‍♂️Kayaking & Canoing Classes
Ages: 14 to adult

Have you always wanted to explore the Root River and love the idea of paddling with your family, but your only experience was when you were a kid at summer camp? Gain the skill, knowledge and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of paddling when you take our introductory canoe or kayak class!

Taught by American Canoe Association certified instructors, and following all ACA guidelines, participants will learn terminology, basic strokes, and partner cooperation, with a focus on safety and responsible paddling during our 3-hour class.

Introduction to Kayaking:
June 20, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 8, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Canoeing:
July 18, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

$50 members / $55 non-members
To register call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected]

Do you have a group of 4 or more? Contact us to arrange a custom class.

The forecast looks perfect for tonight's Night Sounds Nature Walk 🦉

Hope to see you there!

After dark, the forest has a completely different story to tell.

Tonight at 8 PM, River Bend Nature Center is hosting a free Night Sounds Nature Walk - a guided evening hike through forest, prairie, and river banks where the soundtrack belongs to frogs, owls, insects, and whatever else decides to make itself known.

It's family-friendly, no registration required, and the kind of experience that reminds you how much is happening in the natural world while the rest of us are inside for the night.

Meet at the Main Lodge at 8 PM. Just show up and listen.

Moonlight Paddle
Friday, June 26th
7:00pm - 10:30pm

Wind down, experience nature as it emerges at sunset on the evening river in early summer. This is a peaceful, no destination paddle while the night birds, wildlife on the dark river bank, and the songs of summer insects surround you. Upon your return, enjoy acoustic music under the moon’s light along with an amazing s’mores & savory treat bar and campfire. Paddlers are welcome to bring beverage of their choice to enjoy by the fire.

Reservations are required, and include canoe or kayak rental, sweet and savory buffet, campfire and live music. Space is limited. Admission Cost: $50 members | $55 non-members.

Guests who don’t want to paddle are welcome to join the campfire, sweet & savory buffet and live music for $20.

For reservations email [email protected] or call 262-639-1515. Be sure to specify canoe, solo kayak or tandem kayak.

Next Moonlight Paddle will be Friday, July 31st.

Night Sounds Nature Walk
June 15, 2026
8pm
FREE and open to the public

Come to River Bend for a Night Sounds Nature Walk guided by a naturalist and discover the fascinating world that comes alive after sunset. This immersive adventure invites participants to explore the forest, prairie and river banks after dark, tuning in to the symphony of the calls of frogs, owls, insects, and other nocturnal wildlife while learning about their behaviors and habitats.

This family-friendly evening offers a unique opportunity to experience nature through sound, sharpen your observation skills, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world under the night sky.

Meet at the Main Lodge building at River Bend Nature Center at 8:00pm to join the walk. No registration required.

Youth Paddle Camp
Ages: 10 – 15

Perfect your paddling with more in-depth instruction and more time on the Root River! Our 4-day Paddle Camp will teach students how to safely and effectively maneuver a canoe and kayak on flat water. Learn paddling skills, including basic strokes and safety instruction. The camp will be led by a certified American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor.

Sea Kayaking: Take your kayaking to the next level! Sea kayaks are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks and are suitable for larger bodies of water. We will spend the first day or two on the Root River getting used to the sea kayaks. Then we will move to Quarry Lake Park where we will work on deep water rescues. Prepare to get wet!

Space is limited to strict ACA instructor / student ratios.

Paddle Camp $90.00 members / $100.00 non-members
June 22-25, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
July 6-9, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Sea Kayaking $100.00 members / $110.00 non-members
July 20-23, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
August 3-6, 1:30 pm – 4:00

1 or 2 days of this camp will be held at Quarry Lake Park in Racine. Students must provide their own transportation.

Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected].

☀️Enjoy the summer weather while being active!☀️

Join us Tuesdays in June as our therapists lead a guided hike and exercise session outdoors at River Bend Nature Center!

RSVP to River Bend Nature Center to reserve your spot: 262-639-1515

Kayaking & Canoeing Classes
Ages: 14 to adult

Have you always wanted to explore the Root River and love the idea of paddling with your family, but your only experience was when you were a kid at summer camp? Gain the skill, knowledge and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of paddling when you take our introductory canoe or kayak class!

Taught by American Canoe Association certified instructors, and following all ACA guidelines, participants will learn terminology, basic strokes, and partner cooperation, with a focus on safety and responsible paddling during our 3-hour class.

Introduction to Kayaking:
June 20, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 8, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Canoeing:
July 18, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

$50 members / $55 non-members
To register call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected]

Do you have a group of 4 or more? Contact us to arrange a custom class.

Our June book is now available on the Chickadee Trail 📖

Thank you to The Lang Family Foundation for sponsoring “Mr. Squirrel and the Moon” by Sebastian Meschenmoser.

Hiking here is always free and open to the public. Donations in the trail box are gratefully accepted.

Move & Restore on the Trails

Join the therapists of Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation for a guided hike through the trails of River Bend Nature Center. Along the way, participants will pause at designated spots for gentle stretching, balance, and strengthening exercises, all designed to promote mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness in a natural setting.

Tuesdays in June 10:30-11:30am
Tuesdays in September 10:30-11:30am

Suggested Donation $10 per person, per program. RSVP to 262-639-1515 or E-mail info@riverbendracine to register. Space is limited.

Beginning Archery Classes

Cost Per Class: $15.00. Registration is required; space is limited.

Archers will learn bow and arrow anatomy as well as the basic skills needed to shoot archery in a safe and controlled environment! Participants will enjoy competing against others to shoot a variety of target centers such as mosquitoes, ticks, and more! Archers must be at least 7 years old to participate and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided.

Wednesday, June 24, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Adult Only, Outdoor)

Wednesday, July 22, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Outdoor)

Wednesday, August 26, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Outdoor)

Wednesday, September 23, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)

Wednesday, October 28, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Adult Only, Indoor)

Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)

Wednesday, December 16, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)