Campfires: Mississinewa River Float (Matthews)

Join Indiana Humanities for an exciting kayak journey down the Mississinewa River! We'll launch near the town of Wheeling and float up the river for approximately two to three hours to the Cumberland Covered Bridge, pausing periodically to read about the environment and the history of the river and surrounding area.

The float will be led by local author Kelsey Timmerman and Red-tail Land Conservancy executive director Julie Borgmann, and it will conclude with a shared meal and discussion around a campfire.

Indiana Humanities will provide all rafting equipment for the float, including kayaks, life vests and oars. In addition to the equipment, your ticket price includes a campfire meal, Upland Brewing Company beers and snacks.

WHERE: Matthews Bridge Public Access Site (we'll park at the covered bridge lot, shuttle to the river entry in Wheeling, then float upriver to end with a campfire and conversation at the covered bridge)

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. EDT

SCHOLAR-FACILITATORS: Kelsey Timmerman

FLOAT DIFFICULTY: Advanced; you must be able to enter and exit a kayak under your own power as well as to paddle down a river for up to three hours. This program requires more river experience than a normal Indiana Humanities float. Please contact Sam Opsahl if you have questions about the rigor of this trek.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

• A limited number of free tickets are available based on need; please contact Sam Opsahl at sopsahl@indianahumanities.org.
• Space is limited and advance registration is required. If all tickets are claimed, we'll add you to the waitlist and notify you if tickets become available.
• All participants should bring appropriate footwear that can get wet (no Crocs or flip-flops), comfortable outdoor clothing (it will get wet and dirty), a filled reusable water bottle (no glass, please) and sun protection (hat, sunblock, etc).
• Life vests and paddles are required and provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Dry bags will also be provided.
• We'll send a final confirmation two days before the event with driving and parking instructions and any other updates.
• In case of inclement weather, Indiana Humanities will cancel the event and alert you via email at least two hours prior to the event start time. If the event is canceled, we'll offer a refund or a ticket to another Campfires event of your choice.
• This event is designed for ages 12 and older.
• Upland Brewing Company beer will be available to attendees 21 and older following the float.
• Refunds are not available after 72 hours in advance (unless Indiana Humanities cancels the event).

ABOUT CAMPFIRES

Indiana Humanities’ award-winning Campfires program pairs nature and literature to spark conversations about Indiana’s future. Something about the combination of wild places, great writing, a warm campfire and cold beer gets Hoosiers talking in fresh and surprising ways about the world around us and our place in it.

ABOUT INDIANA HUMANITIES

Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk.

Indiana Humanities will make reasonable modifications to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs. If you need an accommodation or have questions about accessibility, please email Sam Opsahl at sopsahl@indianahumanities.org.

Indiana Humanities takes photos and video at its events. These photos and video may appear on the Indiana Humanities website and in promotional materials. Your attendance at this event indicates your consent to have your image photographed and/or videotaped, as well as your permission to be interviewed, if appropriate.