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.

In case you missed it...River Bend's office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th for Labor Day. Canoe & kayak rentals wil...
09/05/2026

In case you missed it...

River Bend's office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th for Labor Day. Canoe & kayak rentals will not be available. Trails will remain open as always. We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday!

River Bend will be open tomorrow, Sunday, 9-5 for boat rentals. Our gift shop is also open whenever we are renting boats.

Hiking at River Bend is open to the public daily, including holidays, from dawn until dusk. Hiking the trails is free; donations in the trail box are gratefully accepted.

River Bend's office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th for Labor Day. Canoe & kayak rentals will not be available. Trai...
09/03/2026

River Bend's office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7th for Labor Day. Canoe & kayak rentals will not be available. Trails will remain open as always. We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday!

River Bend will be open Saturday and Sunday, 9-5 for boat rentals. Our gift shop is also open whenever we are renting boats.

Hiking at River Bend is open to the public daily, including holidays, from dawn until dusk. Hiking the trails is free; donations in the trail box are gratefully accepted.

09/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Open to the public, Reservations Required
September 16th, 19th
October 14th, 24th

River Bend Nature Center
Nature by Water

Experience the river from a new perspective through “Nature by Water,” a guided canoe and kayak program led by a River Bend naturalist. The program offers participants an opportunity to paddle on the Root River while learning about local wildlife, native plants, river ecology, and the natural features along the way.

Participants can choose either a canoe or kayak. After a brief review of water safety and paddling techniques, they will paddle at a relaxed pace with guidance from an experienced naturalist. Along the way, the group will look for birds, aquatic life, shoreline plants and animals that make up the river ecosystem. The program is designed for nature lovers, families, paddlers of any level, and anyone interested in learning more about the river in an engaging outdoor setting.

The Nature by Water program offers people a chance to slow down, enjoy the peace and beauty of the autumn river, and discover the plants and wildlife that live along its banks. Seeing nature from the water creates a memorable connection to the landscape and helps participants better understand why river stewardship matters.

Four dates are offered, with two programs for adults only, and two for families. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Children under 10 must be in boat with a parent.

Adult program: September 16th or October 14th 9am–11am

Family program: Saturday, September 19th 3pm–5pm
Saturday, October 24th 1pm-3pm

Since group size will be small, reservations are required. $30 per boat
For reservations, call 262-639-1515 or email [email protected]

River Bend Nature Center exists to provide environmental education and outdoor recreation for the children, families and adults of Racine and southeastern Wisconsin.

We hope everyone who started back to school today had a great first day! For those kids not in school, or if you're maki...
09/01/2026

We hope everyone who started back to school today had a great first day! For those kids not in school, or if you're making plans for after school & weekends, our September book is now available on the Chickadee Trail.

Thank you to the Lang Family Foundation for sponsoring "I'm not Scary" by Raahat Kaduji.

In addition to the book, there are other activities to explore on the Chickadee Trail. Come out and see what you find in our playscape!

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

Balance & Flexibility on the TrailsRiver Bend Nature Center will host a series of sessions in partnership with Neuro Adv...
08/31/2026

Balance & Flexibility on the Trails
River Bend Nature Center will host a series of sessions in partnership with Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation. Each session offers inclusive, outdoor experiences led by occupational therapists. 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. Held in River Bend’s forest, each small-group program blends rehabilitation-based strategies with the restorative benefits of nature to promote physical and emotional well-being for adults of all abilities.

There is growing demand for accessible, community-based wellness opportunities that support older adults and individuals with balance or mobility challenges in maintaining active, healthy lifestyles. While many recognize the physical and emotional benefits of outdoor activity, barriers such as mobility limitations, balance concerns, lack of adaptive equipment, and limited program accessibility often prevent participation. As a result, many individuals who could benefit most from time in nature – particularly those managing age-related changes, neurological conditions, or mobility impairments – are excluded from participation. This partnership between Neuro Advantage and River Bend seeks to fill this gap by combining clinical expertise in adaptive wellness with access to nature. Participants may choose one or more classes. To preserve small group sizes, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - [email protected] or 262-639-1515

Move & Restore on the Trails
Join the therapists of Neuro Advantage for a guided hike through the trails of River Bend. Along the way, participants will pause for gentle stretching, balance and strengthening exercises designed to promote mobility, flexibility and overall wellness in nature. Suggested donation of $10 per session.
10:30-11:30am - Tuesdays in September (Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

Forest Focus & Flexibility
Seated stretching, focusing on breathing, posture and stretching to improve flexibility, balance and relaxation. Suggested donation of $10
9:30 – 10:15am October 13

Assisted Nature Walk
Experience the beauty of the outdoors in guided hikes led by a River Bend naturalist, with support from the therapists at Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation for participants with limited mobility or balance challenges. Suggested donation of $10
10:30-11:30am – October 13

08/26/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, September 5, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Open to the public, reservations required

River Bend Nature Center
Guided Forest Therapy

River Bend Nature Center invites you to step into the quiet wisdom of the land for a restorative morning of forest therapy.

You will be guided by Pam Whyte of Cedar & Stone Forest Therapy through a gentle, sensory-based experience designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world.

This is not a hike. There is no destination to reach, no pace to keep.

Instead, through a series of simple invitations, you’ll be encouraged to:
● Notice the textures, sounds, and rhythms of the forest
● Experience nature through your senses
● Set down the weight of daily life, even if just for a moment

The walk is slow, accessible, and welcoming to all, with plenty of time to pause, reflect, and simply be.

This special event is more than a personal wellness experience; it is also a fundraiser supporting Riverbend Nature Center.

Guests often leave feeling:
● Grounded and calm
● More connected to nature and themselves
● Reminded that they are part of something larger
…And perhaps… with a quieter mind and a softer way of moving through the world

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. $20 per participant
Group size is limited. Ages 18+

River Bend Nature Center exists to provide environmental education and outdoor recreation for the children, families and adults of Racine and southeastern Wisconsin.
For more information about River Bend Nature Center and its programs, please visit www.RiverBendRacine.org, or contact us at 262-639-1515.

08/25/2026

PRESS RELEASE
River Bend Nature Center
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

Balance & Flexibility on the Trails
River Bend Nature Center will host a series of sessions in partnership with Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation. Each session offers inclusive, outdoor experiences led by occupational therapists. 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. Held in River Bend’s forest, each small-group program blends rehabilitation-based strategies with the restorative benefits of nature to promote physical and emotional well-being for adults of all abilities.

There is growing demand for accessible, community-based wellness opportunities that support older adults and individuals with balance or mobility challenges in maintaining active, healthy lifestyles. While many recognize the physical and emotional benefits of outdoor activity, barriers such as mobility limitations, balance concerns, lack of adaptive equipment, and limited program accessibility often prevent participation. As a result, many individuals who could benefit most from time in nature – particularly those managing age-related changes, neurological conditions, or mobility impairments – are excluded from participation. This partnership between Neuro Advantage and River Bend seeks to fill this gap by combining clinical expertise in adaptive wellness with access to nature. Participants may choose one or more classes. To preserve small group sizes, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - [email protected] or 262-639-1515

Move & Restore on the Trails
Join the therapists of Neuro Advantage for a guided hike through the trails of River Bend. Along the way, participants will pause for gentle stretching, balance and strengthening exercises designed to promote mobility, flexibility and overall wellness in nature. Suggested donation of $10 per session.
10:30-11:30am - Tuesdays in September (Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

Forest Focus & Flexibility
Seated stretching, focusing on breathing, posture and stretching to improve flexibility, balance and relaxation. Suggested donation of $10
9:30–10:15am - October 13

Assisted Nature Walk
Experience the beauty of the outdoors in guided hikes led by a River Bend naturalist, with support from the therapists at Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation for participants with limited mobility or balance challenges. Suggested donation of $10
10:30-11:30am – October 13

Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation, located in Mount Pleasant, is an outpatient therapy clinic dedicated to improving mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with neurologic and physical conditions. Our team of therapists is passionate about helping people of all ability levels stay active and engaged in their communities.

River Bend Nature Center exists to provide environmental education and outdoor recreation for the children, families and adults of Racine and southeastern Wisconsin. For more information about River Bend Nature Center and its programs, please visit www.RiverBendRacine.org, or contact us at 262-639-1515.

08/24/2026

Summer isn't over yet - and the Root River is still waiting for you.

There's plenty of season left to make the most of, and River Bend Nature Center has the canoes and kayaks to help you do it. Grab a boat, glide out onto the water, and soak up those long, warm afternoons while they last.

Rentals are first come, first served - $20 for members, $25 for non-members, for up to three hours on the water. Kayaks seat one, canoes fit two adults (or two adults and two small children), and life jackets and paddles are provided. Rental hours run 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.

Don't let these last weeks of summer slip by. The water's right here, ten minutes from downtown Racine.

We're proud to support River Bend Nature Center and the outdoor adventures it makes possible for all of us.

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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