Be a River Giver!

Kanoe the Kazoo Events: 2026

October 25th, 2026
Fall Colors Paddle– Last paddle of the season!

Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors
Contact: Madison McKenzie (programs@kalamazooriver.org)

Event Description: Join the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council for our Fall Colors Paddle. Enjoy the last Kanoe the Kazoo event of the 2026 season surrounded by peak colors on the Kalamazoo River. We will launch from the Kalamazoo River Access Site at Fort Custer Recreation Area, and paddle to Galesburg Community Park. This is a 2hr/5mile paddle.

At the start of the paddle, we will have donuts and apple cider from Gull Medow Farms at Galesburg Community Park.

Registration is required!

Click to Register!

click for details

Details:

Launch:12PM at Fort Custer Recreation Area
Take out: 4PM Galesburg Community Parks
Kayak Rentals: Rentals will be available through Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors Kayaks rental can be rented for $30, participants renting through Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors will need to book through their website using code “kws2026” for a reduced rate.
Vessel drop off/check-in: Those with personal watercraft can drop off at 11:00AM at Kalamazoo River Access site at Fort Custer Recreation area. The entry booth at Fort Custer will not be staffed on the day of the event. We will have someone stationed at the Kalamazoo River Access Area to wait with the boats while you shuttle your vehicle/check-in. Participants who are renting boats can head straight to Galesburg Community Park, park their vehicle and board the shuttle. Everyone will check-in with Madison at the Launch.
Vehicle shuttle provided: We will have a shuttle for this event; all participants must park at Galesburg Community Park where they can get on the bus to be shuttled to Fort Custer to Launch at Noon. The shuttle will depart at 11:30AM

show less

FAQs

Can minors attend?

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or an adult explicitly authorized by the parent/guardian.

How will I know if the event has been canceled?

If you registered, you will receive an email the morning of the event if we have had to cancel. The event on the website will also be updated to reflect cancelation and there will be a post on our social media accounts.

What should I bring?

If you are bringing your own vessel, always remember to bring a PFD and your paddles.

All participants should consider bringing a dry bag or plastic bag to keep things like phone, wallet, and keys dry. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.

Check out our Kanoe the Kazoo T-shirts!

Avaliable now. Help fund our Kanoe the Kazoo Season. Click the button below to view them.

Click here