Wabash River Challenge

Fall is the best time to paddle in northeastern Indiana! You can't beat the fall colors, cooler temps, and less crowded rivers!  Well, let's change that last one and flood the Wabash River with boats on October 4th for the Wabash River Challenge!

In celebration of the new Vera Cruz public access site and installation of new wayfinding and interpretive signage on the river, Northeast Indiana Water Trails, Wells County Trails, and Bluffton City Parks are teaming up to lead the Wabash River Challenge!  Can you paddle 18 miles? (If not, we have shorter options available: six and 12 miles).

We are also offering participants free shuttles and lunch at Kehoe Park at 11:30, thanks to Family Ford of Bluffton and the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission. This event is free, but you must RSVP by October 4th to help us plan lunch and the shuttles. RSVP here.

• Vera Cruz to Markle - 18 miles
  • Push off - 9 am
  • Shuttle pickup at Markle - 8:15 am (latest pickup)
• Vera Cruz to Kehoe Park - 6 miles
  • Push off - 9 am
  • Shuttle pickup at Main St - 8:40 am (latest pickup)
• Kehoe Park to Markle - 12 miles
  • Push off - 12:15 pm
  • Shuttle pickup at Markle - 11:15 am (latest pickup)

If you take advantage of the shuttle you will drop your boat at the put-in and one person from your party will park at the take out. The shuttle will pick you up there and take you back to the put-in to take off with the group. If you are able to arrange a shuttle yourself, please do so as we are expecting many participants needing a shuttle for this one.

Final details including your scheduled shuttle pickup (if utilizing the shuttle) will be emailed to the address provided below on October 3.

We have a special gift for those who complete the entire 18 mile challenge with us! Also, be sure to sign up for the Wabash River Kayak Challenge...you can complete that challenge with this one paddle trip and help support a Wells County Trails Organization who is working to make outdoor recreation more accessible in Wells County! (https://www.wellscountytrails.org/event-details/wells-county-trails-wabash-river-kayak-challenge)