2025 Calendar of Events
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Horseshoe Lake Eagle Tour
March 9th 10am-2pm
​Join the staff of Cache Bayou Outfitters for another adventure exploring the science and lore of America’s first national symbol the bald eagle. Our Bald Eagle Kayak/Canoe Tour is offered only during the months of March and November when paddling conditions are suitable, and visibility and abundance of eagles is at its greatest. Up close encounters with eagles are common as they swoop down from cypress trees and catch fish.
Horseshoe Lake is a 2,007 acres natural oxbow lake in Alexander County, Illinois. It is the site of Illinois's Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, a state park 10,645 acres in size. It has a 20 miles shoreline and a depth of 4 ft, with a maximum depth of 5–6 feet
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this unique wilderness experience. The still waters of Horseshoe Lake make this tour easy for all ages. Meet at the Horseshoe Lake Dam south end of the lake
Canoes, single and tandem kayaks are available.
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$55.00 adult
$21.00 teens
​Sap Moon Paddle
March 14, 2025 5pm-7:30pm
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Join us as we kick off the year with a paddle in the Cache River Wetlands under the full moon. At this time of the year, the ground begins to soften enough for earthworms to become active, inviting the returning summer birds to feed—a true sign of spring. Roots also begin to stir and push their way up through the soil, as the Earth awakens from its winter slumber. The sap begins to run and time for harvest in southern Illinois.
The Ojibwa share this teaching.....
"Ziizaabaakwaadoke Giizis (Sugar Moon)
The third moon of Creation is Sugar Moon, is when the sap of Ninaatigoo Mitig (Maple Trees) starts to flow (ziigwang) as the maple sap begins to run, we learn of one of the main medicines given to the Anishinaabe which balances our blood and heals us.
During this time, we are encouraged to balance our lives as we would our blood sugar levels
Some also say; Aandekgo Giizis (Crow Moon).
Watch the skies as the Crows start to play, gather and sing as they group up and also partner up as they get twitterpated as most do in Spring / Ziigwang / In the Time of Flowing."- Barbara Wright (Ojibwa)
​Adults (18-up) $55
Teens (12-17) $23
Youth (5-11) $18
Pink Moon Paddle
April 12th, 2025
​​Join us on our Full Pink Moon Paddle. The Pink Moon symbolizes the sprouting of seed and the explosion of spring flowers particularly wild ground phlox or pink moss phlox which is one of the first flowers to bloom with the arrival of the spring. Kayak the Cache wetlands and hear the swamp come alive with the sounds of spring peepers, southern leopard frogs and so much more.
We will meet at 15 minutes before the paddle at 240 Dean Lane, Ullin, Illinois, 62992 . We recommend bringing a flashlight and drinking water.
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$55 for Adults 18-up
$23 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
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The Blossom Moon marks the arrival of high spring. Come Join river guide Max Hooten for a night paddle around the Cache River Wetlands canoe trail. Listen along the way for the sounds of spring and watch the moon rise over the water.
We will meet 15 minutes before the paddle at 240 Dean Lane, Ullin, Illinois, 62992. We recommend bringing a flashlight and drinking water.
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$55.00 for Adults 18-up
$23.00 for Teens 12-17
$18.00 for Youth 5-11
Mothers Day/ Blossom Full Moon Paddle Sunday, May 11th, 7pm​​
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Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin, Illinois, 62992
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$55.00for Adults 18-up
$23.00 for Teens 12-17
$18.00 for Youth 5-11
Strawberry Moon Paddle
Sunday, June 8th, 7pm
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The perfect Father’s Day activity. What better way to spend Father’s Day than being greeted by the sounds of wildlife in the Cache at sunset. We will launch from the boathouse, and paddle for about 2 hours, stopping along beaver lodges, ancient cypress groves and hearing about the rivers historic past.
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin, Illinois, 62992
$55 for Adults 18-up
$23 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Father's Day Sunset Paddle
Sunday, June 15th, 6-8 p.m.
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Join us as we paddle through the ancient wetlands of the Cache River at night and hear the call of this ancient wild place. We will be paddling under the first full moon of the summer sometimes referred to as the Thunder Moon. Your guides will share their knowledge of beavers, bats and owls of the Cache River.
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Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois 62992
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$55 for Adults 18-up
$23 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Full Thunder Moon Paddle
Friday July 10th, 7pm-9pm
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The August full moon is referred to as the Ripening Moon, Sturgeon Moon or Green Corn Moon. Come join us as we will set out from the docks of Cache Bayou Outfitters and paddle out to Button Land Swamp and enjoy the peace and sounds of Illinois Hidden Bayou under moonlight.
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Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois 62992
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(Registration coming soon)
$55 for Adults 18-up
$23 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Full Green Corn Moon Paddle
August 6:30
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Come join us for Septembers super moon. We will set out from the docks of Cache Bayou Outfitters and paddle out to Buttonland Swamp, enjoying the peace and sounds of Illinois's hidden bayou under moonlight. Referred to as the Harvest Moon, this month's special theme reflects an ancestral time of the year where cultures sing, dance and celebrate a bountiful harvest.
No prior canoe experience required. Please arrive early and get a lesson if needed.
(Registration coming soon)
$55 for Adults 18-up
$23 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
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Harvest Moon Paddle
September 6-8 p.m.
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The full moon that appears in October is called the Hunters Moon, so named as the preferred month to hunt summer-fattened deer and fox unable to hide in now bare fields. Like the Harvest Moon, the Hunters Moon is also particularly bright and long in the sky, giving hunters the opportunity to stalk prey at night. Probably because of the threat of winter looming, the Hunters Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes. We will discuss and share some of the history and lore surrounding the Cache river and surrounding areas. Please come early and get a lesson if needed.
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Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois, 62992
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$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17$
18 for Youth 5-11
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Hunters Moon Paddle
October 17th
Dates TBA
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Sponsored by Friends of the Cache River!
Join Mark Denzer, Primitive Technologist, and Professional Wilderness River Guide, as he takes you on a journey through the lens of human’s ancient, complex and romantic relationship with the technologies of fire. This lecture will cover how fire was and still is used by humans for cooking, heating, rituals, festivals and transforming landscapes. Following the lecture, a demonstration and hands-on workshop will be given on the various methods of creating fire from friction and percussion, including flint and steel, hand drill and bow drill. Mark's knowledge of fire comes through study and teaching primitive technologies for over 25 years, including academic research though experimental archeology and attending and working for various wilderness programs throughout the country.
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Location: Eagle Lodge at Cache Bayou Outfitters
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Mysteries of Fire:
Methods, History, & Our Ancient Connections