Canoe Van Buren
July 12-13, 2008
Experience hospitality second to none when you participate in this weekend float. You will be assisted in & out of the water at each access point and our crews (land & boat patrol) will keep a watchful eye for your safety. Enjoy the tranquility on the scenic Des Moines River Water Trail as it lazily meanders through the historic Villages of Van Buren. The Villages are a unique cluster of small communities nestled away in the SE Corner of Iowa. The river Villages date back to the early 1800’s, when Indians set up camps on the riverbanks, and the traders and pioneers used the river as their major mode of transportation.
The float begins in the village of Selma on Saturday morning. From Selma
you will float to Douds for a brief rest and then lunch will be served
by Letha's Lunch Wagon (+/-$5) at the half-way point of Austin Park, you
will end the day in Keosauqua. On Sunday, you will launch from
Keosauqua, float to Bentonsport and on to Bonaparte where lunch will be
served (+/-$5) and you will end the weekend in our oldest village of
Farmington on Sunday afternoon a total of 41 river miles (22m. on
Saturday, 19m. on Sunday.)
Shuttle service will be available ($2.50 per person, per day.) The
shuttle will run from Keosauqua on Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm taking
you back to your vehicle in Selma. On Sunday you have two shuttle
options: 1) Drive your vehicle to Farmington early Sunday morning. The
shuttle bus will depart from Farmington at 7:30am sharp to bring you
back to Keosauqua prior to launch. 2) The shuttle will run from
Farmington to Keosauqua on Sunday afternoon 1-4pm.
Bring the entire family and join us for a fun and unique trip through the Villages of Van Buren . . . which is bound to be memorable!
Registration (No single day discounts)...…$25.00
Saturday Shuttle Service (optional)....…...$ 2.50
Sunday Shuttle Service (optional)...……....$ 2.50
Commemorative Canoe Van Buren T-shirts and Tank tops will be available for sale on Saturday afternoon at the Keosauqua boat ramp.
Saturday:
#1 Shidepoke Access; Selma - Porta-potties. Park vehicle, shuttleoption provided from Keosauqua Sat. PM.
#2 Douds - Porta-potty.
#3 Austin Park - Porta-potties, restrooms, Lunch served (11am-4pm) ± $5.00.
#4 Keosauqua - Overnight. Restaurants, Bars, Lodging, Antiques. Shuttle option (1 - 4pm) provided back to Selma. Park vehicle in Keosauqua.
Sunday:
Shuttle option: ( 7:30 am only). Park vehicles in Farmington, shuttleback to Keosauqua prior to launch. Lions Pancake Breakfast ($5.00) served at Keosauqua Boat Ramp.
#5 Bentonsport - Restrooms, Nat'l. Historic District, specialty and
antique stores.
#6 Bonaparte - Toilets. Lunch (11am-2pm) ± $5.00. Nat'l. Historic District, specialty and antique stores.
#7 Farmington -Porta-potties. Shuttle options (1 - 4 pm) to Keosauqua.
8:00 am - 9:00 am at Selma City Park. (After 9:00am you may still
register at the first access point, Austin Park)
After Check-In at Shidepoke Access, Selma
Approx. 3:00 PM Sunday, Farmington
Driver shuttle to vehicles in Keosauqua
Click for Registration Form
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Canoe/Kayak Rentals
Arrangements for canoe & kayak rentals must be made directly with the
dealer. All rentals include canoe/kayak, paddles, life jackets, shuttle
and tax.
Hawkeye Canoe Rental: $45.00 (two day rental)
Reservations: 319-293-3550
Troublesome Creek Floats: $45.00 (two day rental special)
Reservations: 319-293-6424 or 319-759-5818
Click for:
Lodging Info
Camping Info
Van Buren Co Water Trail Brochure
*YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET WHEN ON THE WATER*
- Participants under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Motor boat support will be provided.
- All Participants will be provided with maps, whistles, rules and be required to sign a release of liability waiver.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ph. 800-TOUR VBC (868-7822)or Email Us! Villages of Van Buren, Inc.
PO Box 9 - 902 4th St.
Keosauqua, IA 52565
Phone: 319-293-7111
Toll Free: 800-868-7822
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST
Our award-winning Visitor's Guide is full of
information on upcoming Events, Accommodations, Business Services, highlights of
each of the twelve Villages of Van Buren, Maps and much more.