Eco Tours on the Mississippi River
At Broken Paddle Guiding Company, our eco tours are designed to connect people with the wild beauty of the Upper Mississippi River and the Driftless Region. Through guided paddling experiences, guests have the opportunity to explore hidden waterways, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and gain a deeper appreciation for one of the Midwest's most remarkable ecosystems.
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about our eco tours
Backwaters, bluffs, and the wildlife that calls the river home.
Since 2012, we've been helping adventurers, families, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts discover the backwaters, forests, bluffs, and wildlife refuges that make southeastern Minnesota a premier paddling destination.
As a permitted operator within the National Wildlife Refuge system, our tours provide unique access to areas many visitors never experience. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature excursion, a family-friendly adventure, or a guided introduction to paddlesports, we offer experiences for every skill level.
BEYOND THE PADDLE
Why Choose a Broken Paddle Eco Tour?
Our tours go beyond simply paddling from one location to another. Every trip is designed to immerse you in the living landscape of the river.
Explore the hidden beauty of the Mississippi River
Observe native wildlife and migratory birds
Learn about river ecology and conservation
Experience protected backwater habitats
Enjoy safe, professionally guided adventures
Connect with nature in a meaningful way
Our CPR-certified guides combine local knowledge, paddling expertise, and environmental education to create unforgettable experiences on the water.
Our Guided Eco Tours
Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the Mississippi River's hidden backwaters, scenic shorelines, and diverse wildlife habitats.
01 · ECO TOUR
10:00 AM
Everyday
3:30 PM
Wednesday-Sunday
Pricing
$125/ adult
$105/ child
Flooded Forest Tour
Explore a hidden world beneath the trees.
The Flooded Forest Tour is one of our most unique and popular adventures. Guests paddle through flooded backwater forests where towering trees rise directly from the water, creating an otherworldly landscape unlike anything else in the Midwest.
This tour offers incredible opportunities to observe wildlife while quietly navigating through secluded waterways.
Tour Highlights
- Flooded forest ecosystems
- Scenic backwater channels
- Bald eagle sightings
- Wildlife observation
- Nature photography opportunities
- Educational river ecology experience
Perfect For:
- Nature lovers
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Photographers
- Families
- First-time paddlers
02 · ECO TOUR
08:30 AM
Everyday
Pricing
$115/ adult
$95/ child
Raptor Tour
Included is a visit to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.
Experience the Mississippi Flyway and its incredible birds of prey.
The Mississippi River Valley is one of North America's most important migration corridors. Our Raptor Tour focuses on the incredible bird species that call this region home, including bald eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey, and other raptors.
Guests learn about migration patterns, local habitats, conservation efforts, and the important role these birds play within the river ecosystem.
Tour Highlights
- Bald eagle viewing opportunities
- Birdwatching and wildlife observation
- Educational interpretation
- Scenic river paddling
- Seasonal migration activity
- Refuge habitat exploration
Perfect For:
- Birdwatchers
- Wildlife photographers
- Nature enthusiasts
- Families
- Educational groups
03 · Eco Tour
2.5 hours(Before Sunset)
Wednesday-Sunday
Pricing
$115/ adult
Sunset Tour
Experience the Mississippi River during golden hour.
As the sun begins to set over the river valley, the Mississippi transforms into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest. Our Sunset Tour allows guests to enjoy calm evening waters, breathtaking views, and incredible photo opportunities as the sky reflects across the river.
Wildlife often becomes more active during the evening hours, creating unique opportunities for observation.
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular sunset views
- Peaceful evening paddling
- Scenic bluff landscapes
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Photography experiences
- Relaxing atmosphere
Perfect For:
- Couples
- Families
- Photographers
- Small groups
- Visitors seeking a relaxing experience
04 · Eco Tour
1 hour after Sunset
Thursday - Saturday
Pricing
$165/ person
Stargazing Night Tour
Experience the real Mississippi and Chippewa River Delta under a blanket of stars.
Escape the main channel to paddle calm, secluded backwaters that open up into a wide, shallow lake—revealing a massive canvas of the night sky. This unique guided adventure offers an incredible opportunity to feel the intense quiet of the river at night while learning about the ecosystem, nocturnal wildlife, and the wonders and navigation of the cosmos.
Tour Highlights
- Stunning night sky and constellation viewing
- Peaceful, secluded evening paddling
- Nocturnal wildlife observation
- 100% smooth, shallow water channels
- Educational river and cosmic astronomy experience
- Comprehensive kayak lesson included
Perfect For:
- Stargazers and astronomy fans
- Nature lovers
- Night photographers
- Couples and small groups
- Adventurers seeking a quiet, unique experience
05 · Eco Tour
Stand Up Paddleboard Tour
Experience the river from a completely different perspective.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) provides a unique and engaging way to explore the Mississippi River. Our guided paddleboard tours combine recreation, sightseeing, and environmental appreciation while allowing guests to enjoy the river from above the waterline.
Whether you're new to paddleboarding or already have experience, our guides will help you enjoy a fun and memorable adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Guided paddleboard instruction
- Scenic river exploration
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Beginner-friendly experiences
- Full-body outdoor activity
- Unique perspectives of the river
Perfect For:
- Active adventurers
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Beginners
- Experienced paddleboarders
06 · Eco Tour
Kayak 101
The perfect introduction to kayaking.
Never paddled before? No problem.
Kayak 101 is specifically designed for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of kayaking in a safe, supportive environment. You will receive hands-on instruction from experienced guides while building your confidence and learning essential paddling skills.
Tour Highlights
- Basic paddling techniques
- Water safety
- Equipment usage
- Launching and landing
- River awareness
- Navigation fundamentals
Perfect For:
- First-time paddlers
- Families
- New kayakers
- Recreational outdoor enthusiasts
After completing Kayak 101, you'll feel confident enough to enjoy future guided tours or self-guided rental adventures.
Before entering the water, you will begin with an on-land lesson covering kayak anatomy, different types of paddles, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and essential rescue gear. You will learn how equipment such as tow ropes, contact tows, bilge pumps, and paddle floats can be used in an emergency.
Before entering the water, you will begin with an on-land lesson covering kayak anatomy, different types of paddles, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), and essential rescue gear. You will learn how equipment such as tow ropes, contact tows, bilge pumps, and paddle floats can be used in an emergency.
We will also review the important safety items you should carry on your PFD or inside your dry bag. Recommended equipment includes sunscreen, bug spray, a whistle, a knife, a first-aid kit, a headlamp, a quick-dry towel, and extra clothing layers.
Once you are on the water, you will practice several fundamental paddle strokes, including the forward stroke, backward stroke, and side stroke. You will also learn how to recognize common water hazards, understand how water moves, and make safer decisions while kayaking.
The class concludes with essential kayak rescue training. Whenever possible, the safest option is to bring the capsized paddler and kayak to shore so the boat can be drained and reentered. Because shore may not always be accessible, you will also learn how to assist a capsized partner while remaining on the water.
Rescue instruction includes the T-rescue and self-rescue techniques. When time allows, you may also learn the Scoop rescue.
07 · Eco Tour
Large Group Private Tours
Customized adventures for groups of all sizes.
Looking for a unique group experience on the Mississippi River? Our Large Group Private Tours are ideal for organizations, businesses, schools, family reunions, clubs, and special events.
We'll work with your group to create a customized paddling experience that matches your goals, schedule, and skill level.
Popular private group events include:
- Corporate outings
- Team-building events
- School field trips
- Family reunions
- Community organizations
- Special celebrations
Tour Highlights:
- Private guide services
- Customized itineraries
- Educational opportunities
- Group-friendly routes
- Flexible scheduling
- Memorable outdoor experiences
No Hidden Extras
What Is Included With Every Tour?
All eco tours include everything you need to safely explore the river. Our goal is to make every experience safe, educational, and enjoyable for guests of all ages and skill levels.
Professional guide services
Kayak or paddleboard equipment
Paddle
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Safety orientation
Local route expertise
Wildlife and environmental interpretation
Our CPR-certified guides combine local knowledge, paddling expertise, and environmental education to create unforgettable experiences on the water.
All Levels
welcome on the water
who can join?
Our eco tours are ideal for nearly everyone.
Most tours are beginner-friendly and include instruction before departure.
Families
Couples
Solo travelers
Birdwatchers
Nature photographers
Outdoor enthusiasts
First-time paddlers
Experienced adventurers
School groups
Corporate teams
Book Your Eco Tour Today
Discover the hidden backwaters, wildlife habitats, scenic bluffs, and unforgettable landscapes that make the Mississippi River one of the Midwest's greatest outdoor treasures.
Whether you're exploring a flooded forest, searching for bald eagles, paddling into a stunning sunset, learning the basics of kayaking, or planning a private group adventure, Broken Paddle Guiding Company is ready to guide the way.