Northeast Indiana Water Trails

08/20/2026

Due to high water levels on the St. Marys River, we have decided to CANCEL our Learn to Paddle Program this evening. We are very disappointed to make this decision, but the safety of the youth who planned to join us is our top priority.

High water levels and swift water can be hazardous to paddlers. Water levels and flow rates vary between waterways, and weather can vary significantly by location. It's important to keep an eye on flow data and weather before you embark on your paddling adventure.

Our website and the USGS Water Data Service are great resources to help you be safe as you plan your next outing. Check us out here: https://neiwatertrails.com/plan-your-trip/water-levels-weather/

08/16/2026

Since our rivers are not safe to paddle after all the rain causing out of bank conditions and high flows, come play in the street with us at Open Streets instead! We will be on Calhoun Street between Jefferson and Baker in downtown Fort Wayne.

🛟Learn how to properly fit a life jacket
🚣Sit in a kayak to see how it feels and learn paddle strokes
🖍 Coloring pages for kids

Fun and learning for all ages!

08/14/2026

Have you seen our most recent newsletter? Check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/a0b0357d1ea4/the-newt-janfeb2026-6758460

The NEIWT offers information on boater safety, upcoming events & fundraisers, our Young Paddlers Program update, and how to invest in your community and environment through Northeast Indiana Water Trails. Sign up for our email list to receive future newsletters here: https://neiwatertrails.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f633c396faeccbf02dace985b&id=a96ee17f70

08/10/2026

🛶 Another great Paddle Social in the books!

We had 20–25 paddlers join us for a beautiful afternoon on the river! Several people were joining us for their first-ever Paddle Social, and it was great to hear that many are already planning to come back for future paddles. 🙌

With calm conditions and great weather, we paddled nearly 6 miles, traveling along the St. Marys, Maumee, and St. Joseph Rivers. It was a fun mix of exploring, getting a good workout, and enjoying time together on the water.

Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a great day! And a special thanks to our board member, Dave, for hosting this paddle. We’re already looking forward to the Wabash and Pigeon River paddles coming up. 🌊

📸 If you took photos from the day, we'd love to see them—drop them in the comments!

08/02/2026

Cool contest!

**CONTEST!** It's August, and that means we're going to be talking about paddlecraft safety!

Share a photo from your kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other paddlecraft adventure. Your photo should show at least one way you prepare for a safe day on the water, from wearing a properly fitted life jacket, to packing essential gear, checking conditions, or paddling with a buddy.

To enter:

• Post your original photo
• Tell us how you stay
• Tag the Safe Boating Campaign ( on Facebook, Instagram, and X)
• Use and

Entries will be accepted through August 31, and one paddler will receive a prize from the Safe Boating Campaign. 😎

07/24/2026

We had a great time on Wednesday evening with our Learn to Paddle Class! Nearly 40 new kayakers joined us from Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and another thank you to our volunteers!

If your 10-18 year-old would be interested in learning to kayak this summer or fall, register them for our FREE Learn to Paddle Program as soon as possible since spots are limited. More info and registration can be found on our website!
https://neiwatertrails.com/get-involved/event-calendar/free-youth-learn-to-paddle-classes?date_formatted=August%2020,%202026

07/22/2026

Our Board Vice President got to go Live this morning with 21Alive and share about our FREE Learn to Paddle Program and Classes!

We still have openings in three of our classes. Dates include August 20, September 17, and October 15.

Register your kiddos soon as possible as spots are limited. More information and registration can be found using the link below.
https://neiwatertrails.com/get-involved/event-calendar/free-youth-learn-to-paddle-classes?date_formatted=August%2020,%202026

07/21/2026

Cool opportunity

Join our individual team for the 10th Annual Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races! 🐉🚣

We've lowered the price to just $35 per paddler, making it the perfect opportunity to experience the excitement of dragon boat racing—no full team required!

Limited spots available, so don't wait!

📩 Send us a message or call 260-427-6000 to register.

⏰ Registration deadline: Thursday, July 23

07/15/2026

🛶 TRIP HIGHLIGHT 🛶
One of our board members paddled the Pigeon River from State Rd 327 to the Mongo Dam yesterday. This is a 16 mile trip and definitely not for beginners. There are some narrow spots and maneuvering necessary, but water levels are perfect right now. No dragging boats, and the water is moving pretty good. This is around a 6-7 hour paddle, so be prepared. Bring plenty of water and snacks and enjoy the many birds, including blue heron and eagles, mink, river otters and more! We recommend going during the week if possible, because it definitely gets busy on Saturdays.