River Bend Nature Center

River Bend Nature Center Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation Trails open from dawn until dusk year-round. Office hours 8 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday.

Rental Times: Monday – Friday, from 8am to 4pm / Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Boat rentals are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, May through October. Rental equipment must be returned to the office before closing time. Seasonal Rates: $20 / members, $25 / non-members + tax per boat. Most kayaks seat one person; tandem kayaks available as we

ll, and canoes will seat three adults or two adults with two small children. Life Jackets and paddles are provided at the time of rental. All rentals are weather permitting and are on a first come, first served basis. Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski, and Kicksled rentals in winter when enough snow is on the ground. Prices:

Cross Country Ski Rentals: $15 per session + tax
Snowshoes: $12 per session + tax
Kicksleds $15 per hour + tax per sled
Cross Country Ski equipment includes skis, poles and boots. All rentals are weather permitting and are on a first come, first served basis, and all equipment must remain on River Bend property. Members receive a $2 discount. Become a member by visiting https://riverbendracine.org/about/membership/

Facilities rental available for meetings and events - please call or email for rates. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

Moonlight PaddleFriday, June 26th7:00pm - 10:30pmWind down, experience nature as it emerges at sunset on the evening riv...
06/12/2026

Moonlight Paddle
Friday, June 26th
7:00pm - 10:30pm

Wind down, experience nature as it emerges at sunset on the evening river in early summer. This is a peaceful, no destination paddle while the night birds, wildlife on the dark river bank, and the songs of summer insects surround you. Upon your return, enjoy acoustic music under the moon’s light along with an amazing s’mores & savory treat bar and campfire. Paddlers are welcome to bring beverage of their choice to enjoy by the fire.

Reservations are required, and include canoe or kayak rental, sweet and savory buffet, campfire and live music. Space is limited. Admission Cost: $50 members | $55 non-members.

Guests who don’t want to paddle are welcome to join the campfire, sweet & savory buffet and live music for $20.

For reservations email [email protected] or call 262-639-1515. Be sure to specify canoe, solo kayak or tandem kayak.

Next Moonlight Paddle will be Friday, July 31st.

Night Sounds Nature WalkJune 15, 20268pmFREE and open to the publicCome to River Bend for a Night Sounds Nature Walk gui...
06/09/2026

Night Sounds Nature Walk
June 15, 2026
8pm
FREE and open to the public

Come to River Bend for a Night Sounds Nature Walk guided by a naturalist and discover the fascinating world that comes alive after sunset. This immersive adventure invites participants to explore the forest, prairie and river banks after dark, tuning in to the symphony of the calls of frogs, owls, insects, and other nocturnal wildlife while learning about their behaviors and habitats.

This family-friendly evening offers a unique opportunity to experience nature through sound, sharpen your observation skills, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world under the night sky.

Meet at the Main Lodge building at River Bend Nature Center at 8:00pm to join the walk. No registration required.

Youth Paddle CampAges: 10 – 15Perfect your paddling with more in-depth instruction and more time on the Root River! Our ...
06/09/2026

Youth Paddle Camp
Ages: 10 – 15

Perfect your paddling with more in-depth instruction and more time on the Root River! Our 4-day Paddle Camp will teach students how to safely and effectively maneuver a canoe and kayak on flat water. Learn paddling skills, including basic strokes and safety instruction. The camp will be led by a certified American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor.

Sea Kayaking: Take your kayaking to the next level! Sea kayaks are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks and are suitable for larger bodies of water. We will spend the first day or two on the Root River getting used to the sea kayaks. Then we will move to Quarry Lake Park where we will work on deep water rescues. Prepare to get wet!

Space is limited to strict ACA instructor / student ratios.

Paddle Camp $90.00 members / $100.00 non-members
June 22-25, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
July 6-9, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Sea Kayaking $100.00 members / $110.00 non-members
July 20-23, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
August 3-6, 1:30 pm – 4:00

1 or 2 days of this camp will be held at Quarry Lake Park in Racine. Students must provide their own transportation.

Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your space, please call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected].

06/08/2026

☀️Enjoy the summer weather while being active!☀️

Join us Tuesdays in June as our therapists lead a guided hike and exercise session outdoors at River Bend Nature Center!

RSVP to River Bend Nature Center to reserve your spot: 262-639-1515

Kayaking & Canoeing ClassesAges: 14 to adultHave you always wanted to explore the Root River and love the idea of paddli...
06/06/2026

Kayaking & Canoeing Classes
Ages: 14 to adult

Have you always wanted to explore the Root River and love the idea of paddling with your family, but your only experience was when you were a kid at summer camp? Gain the skill, knowledge and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of paddling when you take our introductory canoe or kayak class!

Taught by American Canoe Association certified instructors, and following all ACA guidelines, participants will learn terminology, basic strokes, and partner cooperation, with a focus on safety and responsible paddling during our 3-hour class.

Introduction to Kayaking:
June 20, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
August 8, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Introduction to Canoeing:
July 18, 2026, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

$50 members / $55 non-members
To register call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected]

Do you have a group of 4 or more? Contact us to arrange a custom class.

Our June book is now available on the Chickadee Trail 📖Thank you to The Lang Family Foundation for sponsoring “Mr. Squir...
06/02/2026

Our June book is now available on the Chickadee Trail 📖

Thank you to The Lang Family Foundation for sponsoring “Mr. Squirrel and the Moon” by Sebastian Meschenmoser.

Hiking here is always free and open to the public. Donations in the trail box are gratefully accepted.

06/01/2026

Move & Restore on the Trails

Join the therapists of Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation for a guided hike through the trails of River Bend Nature Center. Along the way, participants will pause at designated spots for gentle stretching, balance, and strengthening exercises, all designed to promote mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness in a natural setting.

Tuesdays in June 10:30-11:30am
Tuesdays in September 10:30-11:30am

Suggested Donation $10 per person, per program. RSVP to 262-639-1515 or E-mail info@riverbendracine to register. Space is limited.

Beginning Archery ClassesCost Per Class: $15.00. Registration is required; space is limited.Archers will learn bow and a...
05/30/2026

Beginning Archery Classes

Cost Per Class: $15.00. Registration is required; space is limited.

Archers will learn bow and arrow anatomy as well as the basic skills needed to shoot archery in a safe and controlled environment! Participants will enjoy competing against others to shoot a variety of target centers such as mosquitoes, ticks, and more! Archers must be at least 7 years old to participate and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided.

Wednesday, June 24, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Adult Only, Outdoor)

Wednesday, July 22, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Outdoor)

Wednesday, August 26, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Outdoor)

Wednesday, September 23, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)

Wednesday, October 28, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (Adult Only, Indoor)

Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)

Wednesday, December 16, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Indoor)

05/29/2026

Hiking. Canoeing. Archery. Survival skills. And all the mud a kid could ask for.

River Bend Nature Center is enrolling campers ages 4-12 for Summer Nature Camp - weekly sessions running June 15 through August 14. Rain or shine, kids spend their days outside exploring forest, prairie, ponds, and river, guided by weekly themes and a strong environmental education curriculum underneath all the adventure.

This isn't a screen-free week by default. It's a screen-free week because there's no time to think about one.

Camp runs 8 AM - 1 PM with an extended day option until 5:30 PM. Space is limited and registration is required.

Details and registration: riverbendracine.org/programs-2/summer-camp/

River Bend Nature Center is pleased to offer a series of guided interpretive nature hikes to the community at no charge....
05/28/2026

River Bend Nature Center is pleased to offer a series of guided interpretive nature hikes to the community at no charge. These environmental education presentations and hikes are supported by a grant received from SC Johnson. The programs begin in May, and will continue through November. The hikes are held at the nature center, and offer participants an opportunity to learn while enjoying the forests, prairie, ponds and river banks as their outdoor classroom.

The hikes, guided by naturalists, include subjects such as spring flowers, bats and bat monitoring, night sounds in nature, bugs, mushrooms, tree identification, and seasonal nature hikes. Free of charge.

Upcoming programs include:

8pm June 15 Night Sounds

10am July 11 Bugs!

7-9pm August 12 Bats!

10am October 10 Mushrooms

10am October 24 Tree ID hike

10am November14 Winter Readiness

Address

3600 N Green Bay Road
Racine, WI
53404

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

(262) 639-1515

Website

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