Experience the River
Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs. Enroute, our guides discuss history, shoreline and aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science and water quality, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at this valuable resource.
Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs.
Experience the River
Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs. Enroute, our guides discuss history, shoreline and aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science and water quality, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at this valuable resource.
Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs.
Scheduling and Pricing
River School trips are available from mid-May until the end of October. Please see our web calendar for availability. Our standard program days begin between 8am-9am and conclude after four hours, including shuttling, setup, briefings, 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling time, and post trip cleanup. Afternoon or early evening times are possible upon request. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your group’s reservation. The additional cost-per-participant fee will be invoiced to your group after the River School program is complete.
Learn MoreRiver Trip FAQs
Since River School began in 2006, thousands of Hoosiers have had their first experience paddling on the White River. River School’s goal is to provide safe, fun, and engaging on-the-water educational experiences that enhance personal connections to the White River and the natural world. Our River School fleet has seven 12’ Hypalon livery-grade rafts.
The River School program turns the urban corridor of White River in Hamilton and Marion Counties into an environmental classroom. Enroute, our guides discuss the river’s history and ecology, plant and animal species living in and near the river, and water quality and its effect on human and environmental health, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at this valuable resource.
All participants must wear a Life Jacket at all times when on or near the water, and follow the safety instructions of FOWR Guides and the Trip Leader. FOWR makes the final call on all safety decisions, including “Go/No-Go” decisions based on water levels and weather forecast, consistent with our Emergency Action Plan.
Our primary River School route is from Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve in Indianapolis. Participants will usually meet at Oliver’s Woods and carpool for a 5-minute drive to Hazel Landing at the beginning of the trip. Other routes are possible upon request, depending on the time of year, water levels, and available access
| Group Size | Non-refundable deposit (Adult Program) | Non-refundable deposit (Youth Program) | Additional cost per participant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 | $350 | $350 | $30 |
| 13 to 20 | $450 | $350 | $30 |
| 21 to 28 | $550 | $350 | $30 |
Youth Program (ages 10-12) Requirements: Schools, Summer Camps, Scouts, and other groups made primarily of youth ages 10-12 must provide one adult leader per four youth, and each adult leader must first complete a free River School Volunteer training day.
Sign Up
Volunteer Raft Guide Information
Volunteer Raft Guides are the core of the River School program. If you want to join our River School team as a volunteer raft guide, this is the best way to get involved. Volunteers are trained on appropriate gear and clothing, equipment use and care, small group leadership and briefing practice, river safety procedures, and a 1.5 hour float along White River.
Volunteer