top of page
Ripple Kayak Company logo of 3 kayakers on White River in Central Indiana paddling towards a bridge and the Indianapolis skyline.

Text or Call (317) 213-9133 for Same Day White River Kayak Rentals

Text or Call 317 213-9133
for Same Day Reservations

Our Trips

   
                    Hazel Landing Park → Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve
                                                   Approx. 3.5 Miles
 
Looking for a relaxing day on the river without committing to a full-day trip? The Hazel Landing Run is the perfect introduction to paddling the White River.
 
Launching directly from Hazel Landing Park in Carmel, this scenic 3.5-mile float offers a laid-back experience with gentle moving water, wooded shorelines, wildlife sightings, and plenty of time to unplug and enjoy the river at your own pace.
 
The entirety of the trip flows through one of the most park-filled sections of the White River, with public parks, wooded river corridors, and nature preserves surrounding the entire route. Along the way, paddlers will experience calm pools, small ripples, rocky islands, shaded shoreline areas, and scenic riverbanks perfect for relaxing stops, riverside picnics, or wading into the water while keeping an eye out for local wildlife including turtles, herons, deer, and bald eagles.
 
This trip is ideal for:

  • First-time paddlers

  • Couples and friends

  • Families with children

  • Casual adventures

  • Guests looking for a shorter float option
     

Most groups spend approximately 1.5–3 hours on the water depending on river conditions, paddling pace, and how often you stop to relax along the way.

Your trip ends at Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve, where Ripple Kayak Company staff will meet you for pickup and shuttle transportation back to Hazel Landing Park.

Hazel Landing Run

Young paddlers under the iconic Hazel Landing Bridge.

The White River Run

                          
                       116th Street Launch → Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve
                                                   Approx. 5 Miles
 
The White River Run is Ripple Kayak Company’s extended float experience — a longer scenic paddle through one of the most beautiful stretches of the White River.
 
Launching upstream near 116th Street, this 5-mile trip gives guests more time on the water to explore the river, enjoy the scenery, and settle into the natural rhythm of the current.
 
Along the route, paddlers will encounter wooded shorelines, rocky islands, small ripples, shaded riverbanks, and scenic stretches lined with public parks and nature preserves. The extended route creates plenty of opportunities to relax, enjoy a riverside picnic, wade into the water, and take in the natural beauty of the White River while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, herons, turtles, deer, and other local wildlife.
 
This trip is ideal for:

  • Guests wanting a longer paddle experience

  • Couples and friends

  • Families with children

  • Repeat paddlers

  • Visitors looking to explore more of the White River
     

Most groups spend approximately 2.5–4 hours on the water depending on river conditions, paddling pace, and how often they stop to relax, wade, or explore along the route.
 
Your trip ends at Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve, where Ripple Kayak Company staff will meet you for equipment return.

Beautiful scenic river view from kayak perspective.

The Prairie Run

                 146th Street Launch → Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve

                                                Approx. 10 Miles
 

The Prairie Run is Ripple Kayak Company's longest and most immersive White River adventure—a full-day paddle through nearly 10 miles of some of the river's most scenic and diverse landscapes.
 

Launching near 146th Street, this extended float takes guests past the historic Conner Prairie before winding through a beautiful mix of wooded riverbanks, open stretches of water, quiet islands, and protected natural areas. Along the way, you'll pass several golf courses, Prather Park, River Heritage Park, Nonie Werbe Krauss Preserve, Hazel Landing Park, Fishers Heritage Park, Fishers White River Park, Town Run Trail Park, and many of the scenic landmarks that make this section of the White River so special.
 

With more time on the water than any of our other trips, the Prairie Run offers countless opportunities to stop on sandbars, enjoy a riverside picnic, cool off with a swim, explore the shoreline, and watch for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, turtles, deer, and other wildlife that thrive along the White River corridor.
 

This trip is ideal for:

  • Guests looking for a full-day river adventure

  • Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

  • Couples and groups seeking a longer paddle

  • Experienced or adventurous first-time paddlers

  • Anyone wanting to experience the White River from its most scenic perspective
     

Most groups spend approximately 4–6 hours on the water, depending on river conditions, paddling pace, and how often they stop to relax, swim, or explore along the route.
 

Guests park at Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve, where Ripple Kayak Company will shuttle you to the launch, allowing you to enjoy a seamless downstream journey back to your vehicle.

Splitting and winding White River in the summer in Central Indiana.

First-time Paddlers

Hazel Landing Park → Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve

Approx. 3.5 Miles

The First-Time Paddler Float is designed for anyone who has wanted to try kayaking but wasn't sure where to begin. Whether you've never held a paddle, feel a little nervous about being on the water, or simply want some extra guidance before heading out on your own, this relaxed adventure is the perfect introduction to paddling on the White River.

This is a guided, confidence-building river experience rather than a formal paddling lesson. Before launching, a Ripple guide will introduce the group to the basics, including paddling techniques, steering and maneuvering your vessel, river safety, what to expect on the water, and tips for making your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We'll answer your questions, help you get settled into your vessel, and make sure you feel prepared before setting off.

From there, you'll enjoy a leisurely 3.5-mile float from Hazel Landing Park to Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve along one of the White River's most beginner-friendly stretches. Your Ripple guide will remain nearby throughout the trip to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide assistance when needed, allowing you to relax, practice your new skills, and enjoy the experience.

Along the way, you'll paddle beneath three bridges, pass wooded riverbanks, and have opportunities to spot turtles, great blue herons, kingfishers, deer, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The route also includes several sandbars where the group may stop to stretch their legs, take a break, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

This trip is ideal for:

  • First-time kayakers

  • Guests who want additional guidance and support on the water

  • Guests who feel nervous about paddling or are not confident swimmers

  • Anyone looking for a relaxed and welcoming outdoor experience

Swimming ability is not required. Properly fitted life jackets are provided and must be worn throughout the trip.

Most groups spend approximately two hours on the water, depending on river conditions, the group's paddling pace, and any stops made along the route.

Guests park at Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve, where Ripple Kayak Company will shuttle the group to Hazel Landing Park. From there, you'll enjoy an easy downstream paddle back to your vehicle.

Beautiful scenic river view from kayak perspective.


Hazel Landing Park → Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve

Approx. 3.5 Miles
 

The Wednesday Morning Wildlife Paddle is designed for nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to experience the White River at its most peaceful. By launching early in the morning, when wildlife is typically most active and river traffic is at its lightest, you'll have the best opportunity to observe the incredible variety of animals that call this river home.

Limited to just eight adult guests, this paddle is intentionally kept small and quiet. Rather than racing downstream, the group stays together at a relaxed pace, allowing time to stop, observe, and appreciate the river's wildlife and natural beauty.

The 3.5-mile route from Hazel Landing Park to Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve winds through White River's scenic stretches, passing wooded riverbanks, quiet back channels, and islands that provide excellent wildlife habitat.  Depending on the season and a little luck, you may spot bald eagles, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, green herons, turtles, deer, river otters, osprey, beavers, and countless other birds and native wildlife. Every trip is different, making each paddle a unique experience.

This trip is ideal for:

  • Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

  • Birdwatchers and photographers

  • Adults looking for a peaceful outdoor experience

  • Couples and friends seeking a quiet morning on the river

Most groups spend approximately two hours on the water, depending on river conditions, wildlife activity, and how often the group stops to observe or photograph the scenery.

Guests park at Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve, where Ripple Kayak Company will shuttle everyone to Hazel Landing Park before the trip begins, allowing for a relaxing downstream paddle back to your vehicle.

Morning Wildlife Paddle

Splitting and winding White River in the summer in Central Indiana.
bottom of page