Summer on the White River gives families a way to get outside without committing to a full day of hiking in the heat. White River Canoe Company in Noblesville rents tubes, canoes and kayaks for trips that range from a short one-mile route to a full-day paddle.
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The company runs trips from its River Road livery, with shuttle service to the launch points and a float or paddle back toward the livery. The biggest thing for families to know before booking is that the trips are not interchangeable. Some are slow and beginner-friendly. Some are longer, require more stamina and are better for older kids or adults who will not be shocked to learn that paddling is, in fact, exercise.
For more warm-weather ideas, check out our guide to summer activities around Indianapolis and kid-friendly hikes around Indianapolis.
How White River Canoe Company Trips Work
Guests check in at White River Canoe Company’s main livery at 17180 River Road in Noblesville. From there, the company shuttles guests to the launch point for the selected trip, then families float or paddle back toward the livery.
Trip times vary by route, water levels, wind and how often the group stops along the way. Reservation times are approximate shuttle departure times, not a guaranteed push-off-the-bank moment. The company recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the desired departure time, and even earlier on holidays and peak-season weekends.
White River Canoe Company provides the tube, canoe or kayak, plus shuttle service, paddles and flotation vests. Seat cushions, kayak gear straps and tube links may cost extra. Online booking is strongly recommended during the summer season, especially on weekends between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Tubing Trips on the White River
Families looking for the most low-effort river option will probably start with tubing. White River Canoe Company offers two main tubing choices: the shorter Forest Park route and the longer Potter’s Bridge float.
Forest Park Short Trip
The Forest Park Short Trip is the easiest entry point for younger paddlers, beginners or families who want a shorter outing. The route is one mile and usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It can be done by river tube, canoe or kayak.
This trip launches from the Forest Park ramp in downtown Noblesville after check-in at the River Road livery. The current is normally slow, according to White River Canoe Company, and the company notes that paddlers may be able to paddle back upstream for an extra lap or two when conditions allow.
Forest Park Short Trip pricing starts at $25 for a river tube or single kayak, $40 for a canoe or tandem kayak and $25 for a cooler tube. During the summer season, posted departure times are 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. This trip is not available in the early or late season.
Potter’s Bridge River Tubing Trip
The Potter’s Bridge River Tubing Trip is the longer tubing option. The route is three miles and typically takes about four to five hours, depending on water levels.
Guests check in at the River Road livery, then shuttle to historic Potter’s Bridge north of downtown Noblesville and float back to the livery. Departure times are posted as 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, with extended times available on weekends and holidays. Weekend peak pricing may apply.
River tubes and cooler tubes are listed at $30. White River Canoe Company notes that the Potter’s Bridge route may stop running in late-season low-water conditions, when the shorter Forest Park trip may be the only tubing option.
Canoe and Kayak Trips
White River Canoe Company’s canoe and kayak trips cover more ground than the tubing routes. Canoes typically seat two people, and the company says small children may be able to ride as additional passengers depending on size, water levels and weather conditions. Single kayaks fit one passenger, and tandem kayaks fit two.
Rusty Oar Trip
The Rusty Oar Trip is the company’s most popular canoe and kayak route. It covers six miles and usually takes about two to three hours.
Guests check in at the livery and shuttle upriver to the Rusty Oar property, then paddle back to the livery. Summer departures are listed as 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends, with possible weekend peak pricing. Early and late season departures are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Posted prices are $55 for a canoe, $30 for a single kayak and $60 for a tandem kayak. An extra canoe seat is listed at $10 when allowed.
White River Campground Trip
The White River Campground Trip is a longer 10-mile canoe or kayak route that usually takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Guests check in at the livery, shuttle upriver to the White River Campground near Strawtown and paddle back to the livery.
This trip requires a portage around the low-head dam at Clare, which means participants need to be able to carry, not drag, their canoe or kayak and gear around the dam. It also must be booked at least one day in advance. No same-day walk-ins are accepted for this route.
Posted prices are $60 for a canoe, $35 for a single kayak and $70 for a tandem kayak. An extra canoe seat is listed at $10 when allowed.
Lafayette Trace Trip
The Lafayette Trace Trip is the longest regular canoe and kayak option listed by White River Canoe Company. It covers 16 miles and usually takes 5.5 to 8 hours.
This route starts with check-in at the livery and a shuttle to the Lafayette Trace Park access point. Like the White River Campground route, it requires a portage around the low-head dam at Clare. This is not the trip to pick for a first family paddle unless everyone involved is ready for a longer day on the water.
Posted departures are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. from May 30 through Aug. 31, with no early-season, late-season or holiday week availability listed. The trip must be booked at least one day in advance, and same-day walk-ins are not accepted. Posted prices are $70 for a canoe, $45 for a single kayak and $75 for a tandem kayak.
A Few Rules Worth Knowing Before You Book
- No infants or toddlers who cannot walk unassisted: White River Canoe Company does not allow infants or toddlers who cannot walk on their own.
- Bring the right life jacket for small children: Children under 30 pounds must bring their own U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket rated for their weight, with a strap that passes between the legs.
- An adult must rent the equipment: Guests must be 18 to rent a canoe, kayak or tube. Minors need a parent, guardian or consenting adult participant to sign the waiver and be present at check-in/payment unless part of a qualifying group outing.
- Wear shoes: The company strongly recommends shoes because the river bottom may include sharp rocks, debris, broken glass or other hazards.
- No glass: Glass is not allowed on trips.
- Pets are not allowed on tubing trips: Pets are allowed on canoe and kayak trips, but not tubing trips.
- Every boat and tube must be back by 6:30 p.m.: Additional fees may apply if rented equipment is returned late.
Plan Your Visit
White River Canoe Company
17180 River Road
Noblesville, IN 46062
Trip types: Tubing, canoeing and kayaking
Season: Summer season runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Early season runs April to Memorial Day weekend, and late season runs after Labor Day through the end of October. Trip availability changes by season.
Pricing: Trip pricing varies by route and equipment type. Posted prices range from $25 for the shortest tubing or single-kayak route to $75 for the longest tandem kayak option. Weekend peak pricing may apply on some trips.
Good to know: Book online when possible, especially during peak summer weekends. Check the official site, Facebook page or live chat before heading out, since river conditions, water levels and weather can affect trip availability.
Official website: whiterivercanoe.com
