guided eco-tour
rock river - Dixon, ILLINOIS
Join the Dixon Park District for a unique 2-to-3-hour guided educational paddle down the scenic Rock River! We will drop in at Grand Detour and float down to Lowell Park, exploring and learning about the incredible animals that live in, on, and around our local waterways. Booking groups of 3-8 TODAY!
Your guide
dayona (Ana)
If you ask Ana about her journey to the Rock River, she'll tell you she traded the ocean waves of San Diego for the scenic currents of Dixon back in 2011.
Swapping her boogie board for a paddleboard, she brought her sunny California spirit with her and fell completely in love with Illinois nature.
Today, she channels that "Cali girl turned local nature hippie" energy into exploring and protecting our waterways. When she isn’t leading educational tours or spotting local wildlife, you can find her practicing yoga or paddling the river.
She can't wait to share the beauty of the Rock River with you!
Trip Logistics & Booking
Plus Safety & Rules (Strictly Enforced)
Group Size: Minimum of 3 participants; maximum of 8 participants per tour.
Private Groups: You can book a private group of 3–8 people by emailing us at naturecenter@dixonparkdistrict.com.
Cost & Rentals: Registration is $5 per participant, which includes the educational tour and your paddleboard rental!
Bringing Your Own Equipment? If you prefer to bring your own personal kayak or paddleboard, the tour is FREE.
Transportation Notice: Please note that while the Dixon Park District will transport the paddleboard fleet for the tour, we do not provide transportation or shuttle services for the participants themselves, nor do we transport personal kayaks/paddleboards. Because this scenic eco-tour travels downriver, participants must coordinate their own vehicle drop-offs/pick-ups between Grand Detour and Lowell Park.
Safety & Rules (Strictly Enforced):
Life Jackets: Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFDs) must be worn and zipped/buckled at all times while on the water. No exceptions.
Waivers: All participants must sign the standard liability waiver, and additional water-safety waivers will be required at check-in.
Alcohol Policy: Strictly no alcoholic beverages allowed before or during the tour.
Weather Dependent: Trips are subject to cancellation or rescheduling based on river conditions, high winds, or inclement weather.
What to bring
& more housekeeping
Water (stay hydrated!)
Sunscreen & sun protection (hats, sunglasses)
Snacks for the river
A waterproof bag or pouch for keys/phones
A Note on Tips & Donations:
Because we are a government agency and our guides are directors of public funds, we cannot accept tips. While tips are strictly prohibited, voluntary donations to support our nature center programming are always welcome at the office, though they are absolutely never necessary.
We just want to inspire you to fall in love with nature!
book today
Paddle & Feast: Grand Detour Canoe & Paddleboard Adventure!
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Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
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Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Location: Lowell Park
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Ages: 12 years and up
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Cost: $10.00
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Description: Ready for an on-the-water excursion? Join us for a beautiful morning paddle along the river and finish at the historic Reagan Bathhouse for a cookout!
Family Paddle Play
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Dates & Times Available:
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Monday, July 27, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Evening Session!)
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Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Friday, July 31, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Location: Lowell Park
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Ages: 3 years and up
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Cost: $5.00
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Description: Fun on the water for literally the whole family! Drop in for designated paddle play sessions designed for safe, open exploration on the river.