Honoring the African American Heritage Water Trail
Honoring the African American Heritage Water Trail
June 21, 2025
First paddle session: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Second paddle session: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Kickapoo Woods, 14500 S Halsted St, Riverdale, IL 60827
FREE – Register HERE to paddle
No registration needed for on-land activities
The African American Heritage Water Trail memorializes the remarkable stories of African Americans who utilized and settled along the Calumet River: freedom seekers who traveled the Underground Railroad, trailblazers who defied discrimination by learning to fly to became Tuskegee Airmen, and other pioneers who fought in the struggle for civil rights and environmental justice. Together we will share and reflect on the people of courage and fortitude have shaped our nation. Two paddle sessions are available, registration requested. Community partners are joining us as well to share information on their organizations and opportunities to get involved. And enjoy free snacks and fun activities!
If you can't make this event, visit the Calumet section of paddleillinoiswatertrails.org for information about how and where to paddle the trail. You can also download an Openlands African American Heritage Water Trail brochure by clicking here.
Paddlers and visitors can also learn about our River Shallows project —a vital initiative to strengthen the river’s edge by improving habitats, reducing erosion, and boosting climate resilience with native aquatic plants. Paddlers will get to see the plants in action as they cruise the river.
Beginner paddlers are welcome, no experience paddling necessary! Friends’ trusty canoe guides will help everyone safely load in and out of the canoes, answer questions about the river along the way and act as safety monitors on the water. We provide all equipment, paddling instruction, and safety talk. We recommend paddlers are at least 10 years old and all minors paddle with a guardian (younger river friends can join in by sitting in the middle – no need to register them). Trips start and end from the same location. Space is limited, registration required. Please cancel if you cannot make the trip to allow others to participate.
