White Pelican, Inc 815-263-4088
WHITE PELICAN
WHITE PELICAN
THE HEART OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY RECREATION
THE HEART OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY RECREATION
Please scroll down to learn about our trips and how to resereve your trip
!SEE YOU IN 2025
WE'RE CLOSED FOR 2024
THANK YOU!!
*Reservations for 2025 will be open in March/April of 2025
We're Here For You.
White Pelican is looking out for you. We know how important it is for you to get outdoors, on the river, and to breathe some fresh air. Whatever watercraft and trip you choose on the National Scenic Rock River, we will take care of you with our friendly staff!
What we offer:
All watercraft are available from the time you start your trip until 5pm.
- individual professional tubes (closed bottom)
- two-person professional tubes (open bottom)
- single kayaks
- two person kayaks
- 17' canoes
- Stand-up paddleboards
We offer self-guided trips down the National Scenic Rock River with your choice of water craft. The Rock River is an easy-to-navigate, gentle river for people of all ages. Day trips and overnight trips are available. Our staff is dedicated to helping you understand fully expalin and understand your trip. We pride ourselves on our customer service and being availble to help you every step (or paddle) of the way!
Watercraft for rent
Reservations Required
Please reserve ahead of time. We recommend booking as soon as you know you would like a trip to ensure availability of boats/floats.
Same day reservations are allowed, but it works best if the reseration is made 1-2 hours before you plan on coming to White Pelican. Some Saturdays and Sundays sell out, so reservations in advance are recommended.
Payment is due at the time of reservation, but we do offer a full refund if the weather conditions cause White Pelican to cancel. Full refunds are available 48 hours in advance of any trip for any reason.
To reserve, please text or call 815-263-4088 with:
- First and last names of everyone in your group
- Date you want to reserve
- Trip you would like to take
- Time you would like to go out
- What type of watercraft & how many
Once we have your info, we will reach out to you to with forms for waivers and payment. Once all forms and payment are completed, your reservation is secure!
After you reserve your trip with White Pelican, our van will pick your group up at the end destination of your trip. We will then bring you to our White Pelican launch point to help you get on the river to float back down to your car. You can stay on the river until 5pm, regardless of the trip you choose. All trip fees include shuttle, lifejacket, paddles, and all of our expert advice!
River Trips, Times, and Rates
Mileage
4-5 miles
Trip Time
1.5-2 Hours by Canoe, Kayak, SUP
2-4 Hours by Tube
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, SUP, Canoe, Single tubes, Double tubes
Departure Times
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Text/Call for availability
Fee
- Single Kayak: $55
- Stand-up Paddle Board: $55
- Two-person Kayak: $80
- Canoe: $80 (fits 2 adults and 2-3 small children.)
- Tubes: $45 per person (single and double tubes available) Tubes float slower than boats - the average trip time is currently 4 hours.
Special notes:
If you would like to be on the river until 5pm, take breaks on islands
Castle Rock State Park
Castle Rock State Park
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Grand Detour
Grand Detour
Mileage
11-12 miles
Trip Time
4-5 Hours by Canoe, Kayak, SUP
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, SUP, Canoe
Departure Times
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm
Text/Call for availabilty
Fee
- Single Kayak: $65
- Stand-up Paddle Board: $65
- Two-person Kayak: $90
- Canoe: $90 (fits 2 adults and 2-3 small children.)
Special notes:
Boats can be on the river till 5pm
Lowell Park
Lowell Park
Mileage
18-19 Miles
Trip Time
6-8 Hours by Canoe, Kayak, SUP
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, Canoe
Departure Times
9am, 10am
Text/Call for availability
Fee
Single Kayak: $85
Two Person Kayak $115 per person
Canoe: $115 per person (fits 2 adults and 2-3 small children.)
Special notes:
The fastest anyone has been is 5 hours, but the trip averages 6-7 hours.
Overnight Grand Detour
Overnight Grand Detour
Mileage
11-12 miles
Trip Time
Day 1 approx 2 hours
Day 2 approx 4 hours
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, Canoe
Departure Times
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Text/Call for availabilty
Fee
Add $45 per night to below
Kayak: Cost of Grand Detour rental
Canoe: Cost of Grand Detour rental
Campground:
Castle Rock Canoe in Campground is approx 5 miles into your trip. The campground has a self pay per site for $6. The next day, your boat should come in by 12pm at Grand Detour (about a 90 mins float from campground). The campground has a self pay station for $6 a night.
Overnight Lowell
Overnight Lowell
Mileage
18-19 Miles
Trip Time
Day 1 approx 2 hours
Day 2 approx 5 hours
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, Canoe
Departure Times
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Text/Call for availabilty
Fee
Add $45 per night to below
Kayak: Cost of Lowell Park Rental
Canoe: Cost of Lowel Park Rental
Campground:
Castle Rock Canoe in Campground is approx 5 miles into your trip. The campground has a self pay per site for $6. The next day, your boat should come in by 3pm at Grand Detour (about 3-5 hours from the campground). The campground has a self pay station for $6 a night.
Non-Profit Group Rates
Non-Profit Group Rates
Non-profit Groups
If you are a non-profit group you can qualify for the following discount:
1-5 boats: 5% discount
5-9 boats: $10% discount
10-25 boats: 15% discount
25+ boats: 20% discount
Please email a certificate of non-profit status to whitepelicaninc@gmail.com
or text 815-263-4088
Custom Trips
Custom Trips
Custom Trips
The Rock River National Scenic Trail extends over 300 miles. If you would like a trip that is not listed or one of our day trips outside of our normal hours, contact us and we will work with you to create a custom plan for your group size, the time you would like to go out, and the distance you would like to go!
Custom trips are charged a per-person rate. Please call us to find out more details.
Late Afternoon/Evening Trips
Trips outside of our normal hours are possible with 4 or more rentals
Text 815-263-4088 for more info
NEW!! Party Trip
NEW!! Party Trip
Mileage
6-7 Miles
Trip Time
approx 2-3 hours
Watercraft Available
Single Kayak, Double Kayak, SUP, Canoe, Single tubes, Double tubes
Departure Times
Between 9am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday
Fee
$85 per person, minimum of 8
Description:
The Party Trip is great for bachelor/bachelorette, birthdays, family reunions, or any occasion! We bring you upstream and you float down to Hairy Cow Brewery, where you get to enjoy a free drink! Hairy Cow is also a wood-fired pizza restaurant with an outdoor patio and lawn games. It is family friendly and good for all ages and levels! All trips must be scheduled at least 4 hours in advance.
Policies
Weather/River Conditions
Weather/River Conditions
If there is weather or river conditions that causes White Pelican to cancel your trip, you will receive a full refund. We make weather calls in the morning of each day if we see anything concerning and monitor throughout the day.
River levels
Must be in normal range, no flood activity
Air and Water temp
Air and water temps must equal 100 degrees total to avoid hypothermia
Weather
No severe weather threats or high wind conditions