Wilderness Inquiry Announces 2023 Great River Race on the Mississippi River
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 9:45AM
The September 16 event marks the 13th anniversary of racing to close the opportunity gap for thousands of youth in the Twin Cities and beyond
Wilderness Inquiry, a nonprofit providing equitable access to the outdoors through guided trips and educational programs, has announced its annual fundraising event, the Great River Race, will take place September 16 at Hidden Falls Regional Park where more than 25 teams will race down the Mississippi River in 10-person canoes. The big race centers around closing the opportunity gap for thousands of youth across Minnesota and beyond by raising funds for Canoemobile, Wilderness Inquiry’s outdoor education program that engages youth and communities in environmental learning and water-based recreation close to where they live.
In 2023, Canoemobile will reach more than 20,000 youth in 50+ communities across the country, teaching them about science, history, geography, and culture while navigating local waterways in 10-person canoes.
Great River Race partners include the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Past attendees include Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who have paddled in the race. 2023 presenting sponsors are Nature Valley, Thomson Reuters, and Winnebago Industries. For a full list of sponsors and more details about the Great River Race, visit www.greatriverrace.org.
“Our proud sponsors and strong partnerships are key to creating a successful event that champions equitable outdoor connections for all youth,” said Wilderness Inquiry’s Executive Director Erika Rivers. “The Great River Race is a day full of fun, purpose, and impact. This year, our goal is to raise $150,000 for programs that will engage more than 20,000 youth in life-changing outdoor educational and recreational opportunities.”
