Race to Close the Opportunity Gap
The Race to Close the Opportunity Gap. Get ready to make a splash!
Every year, we team up with the National Park Service and the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to take over the Mighty Mississippi for the Great River Race — and we want you in the boat!
This isn’t just a race; it’s an action-packed celebration of community, grit, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time paddler, you and your team will command a 24-foot canoe in a quest for glory – or at the very least, bragging rights!
Don’t miss the boat — the adventure of the season is waiting for you! Your Race, Their Resilience When you join the race, you aren’t just paddling — you’re a powerhouse for change.
Every stroke you take fuels our Canoemobile program, a life-changing initiative that:
- Closes the Opportunity Gap: Engage 30,000+ youth annually in place-based outdoor education
- Connects youth to educational and career opportunities across the outdoor sector
- Builds unstoppable confidence: Helping the next generation discover their resilience through place-based learning.
- Inspires the next generation to enjoy, explore, and protect public lands
Discover how you can fuel outdoor education and ignite student confidence with Wilderness Inquiry – sign up to race today!
Save the Date - 2026 Great River Race!
Get Involved
Sponsor a Boat
Build a team of paddlers and race the Mighty Mississippi in a 24-foot canoe while highlighting your organization's dedication to equitable outdoor access for youth.
Volunteer
From timekeeping and registration to boat wrangling and more - volunteers make the Great River Race happen. Sign up to volunteer at the greatest event of the year!
Donate
Donate to the Great River Race and know that your contribution helps connect youth to place-based outdoor learning opportunities on their local waterways.
Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
