UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Activities at Riverfest
River Drawing Class on the Promenade
Create beautiful Wabash River scenes using charcoal, led by a talented local artist. Perfect for all skill levels. This class welcomes both beginners and experienced artists alike. All required materials will be provided.
Water Drop 5K Run or Walk
Join us for the eighth annual Riverfest Water Drop 5K Run or Walk. Come out to race or cheer on the participants at 8:00 am and stay for Wabash Riverfest family friendly activities and the canoe races on the Wabash River all day long. Big thanks to our 5k sponsor, Duke Energy!
NICHES Float Trip
Embark on a float trip from Davis Ferry Park to Tapawingo Park, and experience the Wabash River like never before. Bring your own raft or canoe, or use one of ours. Shuttle service from Tapawingo Park to Davis Ferry will be provided. NICHES Land Trust staff will help you get checked in and launched down the river!
Voyageur Canoe Races
Round up 9 nine of your friends, colleagues, or family members to compete in a thrilling 300-yard Voyageur Canoe Race. The winning canoe gets to take home a commemorative wooden canoe paddle! Sponsored by TBIRD Design Services and Christopher Burke Engineering.
Hiking & Biking
Activities
5-mile Heritage Trail Hike
Walk with local naturalist and landscape architecture graduate, Pat Oleschlager, on the east side of the Heritage Trail up to the Sagamore Parkway Bridge. Pat will go over the trail work that is in progress around the Sagamore Bridge, and the future of connected trails in Greater Lafayette. The hike is 2.5 miles out and 2.5 miles back for a total of 5 miles on a paved trail. Wear supportive shoes and bring water! This hike will leave from the fountain at the West Lafayette side of the pedestrian bridge at 9am. No sign up needed!
Trees of the Wabash Floodplain Hike
Take a leisurely walk along the Heritage Trail with Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee. Lenny will teach you how to identify trees commonly found along the Wabash and you’ll learn about their habitats. Hikes will leave from the fountain at the West Lafayette side of the pedestrian bridge at 10:30am and 1:00pm. No sign up needed!
Bike Rodeo
Learn how to ride safely through a fun, full day of hands-on activities and interactive stations. These stations aim to teach basic skills such as starting and stopping, scanning for traffic, avoiding hazards, and other best practices. Challenge yourself on the obstacle course! Bicycles and helmets will be available for use or you can bring your own. Located at the Riverside Ice Rink in Tapawingo Park. The rodeo is being supported by Virtuous Cycles, and will end around 1pm.
Nature Photography with your Smart Phone
Join local artist Zac Cody to learn some basic nature photography techniques. This workshop is designed for beginners, and no expensive equipment is necessary! Zac will go over things to keep in mind to improve photographs you take while hiking or enjoying the outdoors, just using your smartphone! Stroll along the riverfront, take some practice shots, and get feedback from Zac. Class sizes are limited, so sign ups are required!
Family-Friendly Activities
Conservation Displays
Visit a wide array of conservation displays in Tapawingo Park! Learn about all the conservation opportunities in this community and interesting information about the Wabash River.
Rock Climbing Wall
Can you make it to the top of the 32 foot wall? Test yourself on the free rock climbing wall in Tapawingo Park. No registration required!
Big Bounce
Let your little ones burn off some energy in the obstacle course and bounce house!
Columbia Park Zoo Live Animal Exhibit
Check out the critters and learn from zoo specialists!
Try-a-Canoe
Get a feel for being in a canoe with an experienced guide. Learn the basics of paddling so that you’re more comfortable going on a canoe trip on your own time in the future! Canoes launch from the Purdue Boat Dock, a short walk north from Tapawingo Park. Sponsored by Duke Energy and Academy Sports.
Coloring Station
Show your artistry by stopping by to color some wildlife found in the Wabash River! Yes, even adults can hang out and color!
Cornhole Free Play
Gather teams to try your hand at cornhole free play on spectacular Wabash Riverfest cornhole boards!
Canoe Photo Op
Make a fun memory of your day at Riverfest with a photo of you and your family or friends paddling our photo op canoe! Don’t worry, you need no experience and you won’t get wet. Our simulated Voyageur Canoe will be set up on dry land.
Take Flight Bird of Prey Show
Come learn about birds of prey and visit them up close! Starts at 11am, sponsored by Duke Energy
Live Music by SAMI
The Songwriters Association of Mid-North Indiana will be perform in Tapawingo! Enjoy their music while you stroll around the festival, or have a seat and relax to the music!
Kids Fishing Lessons
Our instructors will teach kids age 6-17 the basics, ensure their safety, and provide all the necessary gear. They’ll have a blast learning how to fish in the great outdoors, making memories to last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable summer experience!
Mermaid Storytime
Young and young at heart will enjoy this interactive story time. Learn about the aquatic creatures that live in our rivers with fairytale performers.