The Kansas (Kaw) River stretches 171 miles from its origin in Junction City to its confluence with the Missouri River and is the primary source of drinking water for many communities in northeast Kansas. This recreational treasure was a well kept secret among a few knowing paddlers and anglers, but is fast becoming a valued recreational resource for thousands of visitors each year.

Our Outstanding Recreational Resource

Friends of the Kaw considers the Kansas (Kaw) River a 171-mile linear park to be enjoyed by families and outdoor enthusiasts. We continue to partner with river communities to develop boat access, river front parks and hiking and biking trails along the river for public use.

Rotating Pictures:

Floating on the Kaw by Craig
Thompson

Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance's Streamlink
students doing a macroinvertebrate sampling.

Catfishing on the Kaw with Captain Catfish

Floats & Events

2008 Float & Event Schedule

June 5 thru 8 - Wakarusa Music Festival. Friends of the Kaw is staffing a beverage tent again this year. Our tent will we in the Revival Village in the middle of the food vending tents. Stop by for a cool one to benefit the Kaw!

June 14, Saturday - BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) Float from Lecompton to Lawrence. Group will meet at Lawrence's North Riverfront Park at 8:00am to organize the shuttle and will be back to that location by around 2:00pm. Please RSVP with the Riverkeeper if you plan to participate.

June 21, Saturday - Kansas City Outdoor Club Float from Cedar Creek to Edwardsville. Group will meet at Edwardsville Ramp at 9:00am to arrange the shuttle and be back to that location at about 3:00pm. No FOK canoes are available for this float.

June 28, Saturday - Eudora to De Soto Kansas River Canoe Race. 9:00am registration at the Eudora Boat Ramp. Call Darrel Zimmerman 913 209 4446 for registration form or questions. This event is not sponsored by Friends of the Kaw.

July 15 - 19, Tuesday thru Saturday - 3rd Annual Missouri River 340. Race starts at Kaw Point in Kansas City, KS and ends in St. Charles, MO. This event is not sponsored by Friends of the Kaw.

August 9, Saturday - St Andrews Christian Church Float

September 13, Saturday - South Overland Park Rotary Float from De Soto to
Cedar Creek. Group will meet at Cedar Creek Ramp at 10:00am to organize shuttle and return to that location around 3:00pm.

Friends of the Kaw is currently booking group float trips for the 2008 season which runs from mid April to mid October. Contact the Kansas Riverkeeper to book at group float trip or for further information.

Float Registration Form

Friends of the Kaw's Float Policy:

Friends of the Kaw sponsors both private and public educational float trips from March through October. We are focusing our efforts on scheduling private groups of 16 to 24 people. The advantage of organizing a private group trip is that you pick the date, time and river segment you wish to float and we bring the boats and host an educational “sand bar” seminar followed by a hot dog & marshmallow roast. With the construction of the access ramps at Edwardsville and De Soto plus the new ramp at the Lecompton Bridge we have many more river sections available for trips between 4 and 14 miles. If you have questions or would like to inquire about a private float select "contact us" on the home page of this web site.

Float trips on the Kansas River are appropriate for novice boaters and families however it takes some muscle power to paddle down the river and we advise that participants be in good health and physically in shape. Be advised that it will take extra time and expense (that the individual needing assistance will be responsible for) to receive emergency medical attention while on the river. We also advise that participants drink lots of water the day before you float and bring at least 2 large bottles of water per person on the float trip. We do not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages immediately before or during our float trips.

Our policy will be to "open" private float trips two weeks prior to the float date to assign unreserved canoes on a first come first serve basis. Friends of the Kaw needs least 8 canoes for a viable float trip - trips that do not meet that requirement will be cancelled or rescheduled. Reservations can be made by calling 913 963 3460 or 785 312 7200 or through "contact us" on the home page of this web site.

Suggested donation for use of a Friends of the Kaw canoe is $50 day and includes paddles and life jackets. Canoes can accommodate two adults, one adult and one child over 14, two adults and one child over 10 or two adults and one or two children under 10. All participants must wear a life jacket while on the water, sign a liability waiver, and a parent must accompany any child.

We welcome both members and non-members to participate in our publicized float trips using their own boats. A donation to assist Friends of the Kaw in our efforts to protect and preserve the Kansas River will be gladly accepted.

Friends of the Kaw reserves the right to cancel or reschedule floats due to high winds, eminent thunderstorms or inappropriate river conditions. We float in light rain.