Due to the small nature of our business, we do not keep regular hours. Boat rental times or tours can be arranged are based on availability by using our online booking system with Peek-pro. In addition, tour times are based on the customers desired time and guide availability and should be arranged several days in advance if possible. We recommend Google maps or MapQuest when searching for address.
October 1st, Hunter Moon Paddle
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The first full moon that appeared in October was called the Hunters Moon, so named as the preferred month to hunt summer-fattened deer and fox unable to hide in now bare fields. 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 close, 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 discussed and shared some of the history and lore surrounding the Cache river and surrounding areas.
March 17, Sap Moon Paddle
The Sap Moon, as it marks the time of the year when
maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins. Cold weather or not, we kicked off a year of paddling with our first full moon tour.
March 28th, Sap Moon Paddle
6:30-8:30 P.M.
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We will 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)
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​Adults (18-up) $30
Teens (12-17) $20
Youth (5-11) $17
April 19, Pink Moon Paddle
The Pink Moon Tour represents a time in the year were spring flowers are in full bloom. paddlers listened to chorus frogs, spring peepers, and barred owls singing there thanksgiving songs to welcome spring.
May 18, Strawberry Moon Paddle
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The Strawberry Moon Tour represents a time in the year were early fruits are yielding abundance. Paddlers had to opertunity to sample some of Iroquois Strawberry drink.
June 16th, Frog Moon Paddle
The Frog Moon paddle dives into the life of night time creatures in the Cache River wetlands. We learned about frog habits, life cycles, and what creatures are active during this time of year within the Cache River watershed.
April 13th & 14th Spring Retreat & Sunday Paddle
Join Sarah Brenes, Yoga Instructor & Bonnie Burton, Retreat Facilitator, for this nature inspired spring retreat. Sarah offered three yoga sessions throughout the weekend that were "mixed level. Followed by a paddle
on the Cache River that Sunday afternoon.
May 4, Earth Skills of Southern Illinois
Wilderness Guide Mark Denzer led an adventure in the woods. Guests learned to use materials from nature for friction fires, food, shelter, plant fiber rope making, safe water collection and much more! We spent the day hiking with pack baskets, minimal gear and discussed safety techniques for staying healthy and safe while traveling through the wilds of southern Illinois.
May 25th Flower Moon Paddle
6:30-8:30 PM
Join us for another Full Moon adventure! This Flower Moon will be the biggest and brightest super moon of the year! May marks the time when seeds should be started for the farming season ahead, birds begin to lay eggs, and flowers spring forth in abundance across North America. Come enjoy the frogs calling in our local wetlands.
Price includes, paddle, life jacket, paddle instruction and a professionally trained naturalist.
$17.00 Youth
$20.00 Teen
$35.00 Adults
July 5th, Thunder Moon Paddle
6:30-8:30pm & 7:00-9:00pm
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Join us as we paddled 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. The guides will share their knowledge of beavers, bats and owls of the Cache River.
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There will be two separate trips of 13 people each leaving from our docks 30 mins apart in order to reduce the risk or Covid-19 exposure.
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Adults (18-up) $30
Teens (12-17) $20
Youth (5-11) $17
July 9th Earth Skills Paddle
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Mark Denzer (Traditional Native Skills practitioner) led a paddle through the Cache River and taught about traditional Native American uses of plants, trees, animals and other resources of the area. He taught participants how to make plant cordage from local sources, friction fire from local native wood, gather wild edible plants and talked about how local Native Americans once lived from the land on the Cache river and told stories passed down to him from local Native people.
July 5th, Thunder Moon Paddle
​
We paddled through the ancient wetlands of the Cache River at night and heard the call of this ancient wild place. We paddled under the first full moon of the summer, sometimes referred to as the Thunder Moon. The guides shared their knowledge of beavers, bats and owls of the Cache River.
August 16 Green Corn Moon Paddle
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The August full moon is referred to as the Ripening Moon, Sturgeon Moon or Green Corn Moon. We set out from the docks of Cache Bayou Outfitters and paddled out to Button Land Swamp and enjoy the peace and sounds of Illinois Hidden Bayou under moonlight.
​
June 7th Outdoor Yoga and Kayak Outing at Horseshoe Lake
June 7th 9:00am -1:00pm
Meet at pavilion located near Horseshoe Lake spillway- East Side Dr and Promised Land Rd.
Carpool from Makanda Boardwalk available.
​
Healing Traditions and Cache Bayou Outfitters are joining forces to bring you an outdoor adventure!
We will begin the morning at 9:00am with outdoor yoga, including sun salutations, and yummy deep stretching. Our yoga practice will be followed by a brief meditation to help attune ourselves to the subtle energies of the natural environment around us.
Then an enjoyable light and healthy breakfast together in the pavilion at 10:00am, followed by a few hours of kayaking on beautiful horseshoe lake. Mark Denzer of Cache Bayou Outfitters will be kayaking with us and is happy to answer questions regarding the local ecology and wildlife. Also if you have never kayaked before Mark will provide you with basic instructions to get you started.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have some outdoor fun with a great group, or maybe a chance to try something new. Those that have never practiced yoga or haven’t tried kayaking are encouraged to join us. To provide a personalized experience we are limiting this outing to only 10 individuals.
$50 price includes yoga class, light breakfast, and 3 hour kayak rental (including paddle and life jacket).
Rain Date Monday June 14th
Pre-paid registration is required
September 13
Harvest Moon Paddle
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We will set out from the docks of Cache Bayou Outfitters and paddled out to Button Land Swamp and enjoyed the peaceful sounds of Illinois Hidden Bayou under moonlight. Referred to as the Harvest Moon, Septembers special theme reflected an ancestral time of the year where cultures sang, danced, and celebrated a bountiful harvest.
October 13th
Hunters Moon Paddle
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 close, 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 discussed and shared some of the history and lore surrounding the Cache river and surrounding areas, while paddling though the swamp.
May 23rd Couples Moon Light Tour
6:30-8:30 PM
Join us with your significant other for a moon light tour and sunset paddle. Hear the call of Cache River wetlands and learn from your river guides about its natural history and importance!
Price includes, paddle, life jacket, paddle instruction and a professionally trained naturalist.
$35.00 per Adult
May 25th Flower Moon Paddle
6:30-8:30 PM
Join us for another Full Moon adventure! This Flower Moon will be the biggest and brightest super moon of the year! May marks the time when seeds should be started for the farming season ahead, birds begin to lay eggs, and flowers spring forth in abundance across North America. Come enjoy the frogs calling in our local wetlands.
Price includes, paddle, life jacket, paddle instruction and a professionally trained naturalist.
$17.00 Youth
$20.00 Teen
$35.00 Adults
Adventure Tour
Not available until Fall 2020
Please calling 618-201-4090 for availability and bookings.
On this all day tour of the Cache River we will paddle a total of 8-9 miles to the Cache Rivers Visitor Center and back. Tours will be scheduled to leave early morning in order to complete the journey by late afternoon. The state of the art visitor center is always a highlight of our trips, although we will also be visiting prominent landmarks and see more of the Cache River than most visitors get to see. We will break for lunch a catered lunch that is included in the price.
This is an adventure for the physically fit and adventurous spirit.
Not for young children.
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$70.00 Adult
$50.00 Teen
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Large group rates available.
For more information about the Visitor Center you can visit https://www.dnr.illinois.gov
June 7th Outdoor Yoga and Kayak Outing at Horseshoe Lake
June 7th 9:00am -1:00pm
Meet at pavilion located near Horseshoe Lake spillway- East Side Dr and Promised Land Rd.
Carpool from Makanda Boardwalk available.
​
Healing Traditions and Cache Bayou Outfitters are joining forces to bring you an outdoor adventure!
We will begin the morning at 9:00am with outdoor yoga, including sun salutations, and yummy deep stretching. Our yoga practice will be followed by a brief meditation to help attune ourselves to the subtle energies of the natural environment around us.
Then an enjoyable light and healthy breakfast together in the pavilion at 10:00am, followed by a few hours of kayaking on beautiful horseshoe lake. Mark Denzer of Cache Bayou Outfitters will be kayaking with us and is happy to answer questions regarding the local ecology and wildlife. Also if you have never kayaked before Mark will provide you with basic instructions to get you started.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have some outdoor fun with a great group, or maybe a chance to try something new. Those that have never practiced yoga or haven’t tried kayaking are encouraged to join us. To provide a personalized experience we are limiting this outing to only 10 individuals.
$50 price includes yoga class, light breakfast, and 3 hour kayak rental (including paddle and life jacket).
Rain Date Monday June 14th
Pre-paid registration is required
Hunters Moon Paddle
October 20th 6:30pm -8:30pm
​
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 close, 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. Moonrise at 7:13pm Please come early and get a lesson if needed.
$35.00 for Adults 18-up
$20.00 for Teens 12-17
October Wabash River Trip
October 23rd
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Join us on the beautiful Wabash River for our annual adventure to the great state of Indiana at the Grayville, Indiana boat ramp on the Wabash and floating down to the New Harmonie State Park. This years trip will include a Smithsonian exhibit called Waterways of Indiana. This all day adventure includes a meal of burgers and brats at the end of the float. Preregistration is required by calling (812) 838-4191 x 3054
Halloween Paddle at HorseShoe Lake
October 31st 9am - 12:30pm
Cache Bayou Outfitters will be hosting Halloween paddle to bring you an outdoor adventure! Mark Denzer of Cache Bayou Outfitters will be kayaking with us and is happy to answer questions regarding the local ecology and wildlife. Also if you have never kayaked or canoed before Mark will provide you with basic instructions to get you started. This is a fantastic opportunity to have some outdoor fun with a great group, or maybe a chance to try something new.
Meet at pavilion located near Horseshoe Lake spillway, and bring a sack lunch.
​
Pre-paid registration is required.
$35.00 per adult
$20.00 teen
$17.00 Youth
October Wabash River Trip
October 23rd
​
Join us on the beautiful Wabash River for our annual adventure to the great state of Indiana at the Grayville, Indiana boat ramp on the Wabash and floating down to the New Harmonie State Park. This years trip will include a Smithsonian exhibit called Waterways of Indiana. This all day adventure includes a meal of burgers and brats at the end of the float. Preregistration is required by calling (812) 838-4191 x 3054
Halloween Paddle at HorseShoe Lake
October 31st 9am - 12:30pm
Cache Bayou Outfitters will be hosting Halloween paddle to bring you an outdoor adventure! Mark Denzer of Cache Bayou Outfitters will be kayaking with us and is happy to answer questions regarding the local ecology and wildlife. Also if you have never kayaked or canoed before Mark will provide you with basic instructions to get you started. This is a fantastic opportunity to have some outdoor fun with a great group, or maybe a chance to try something new.
Meet at pavilion located near Horseshoe Lake spillway, and bring a sack lunch.
​
Pre-paid registration is required.
$35.00 per adult
$20.00 teen
$17.00 Youth
Earth Skills for Youth
November 6th 9am-3pm
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Join us at Wildcat Bluff Prairie Farm for a Day of connecting to the Earth with ancestral skills! Shelter building, lost proofing, friction fire, rivercane bunch bows & arrows and awareness games! Please bring a sack lunch.
Adults are free as long as they bring a child.
Ages 13-18 $25.00
Ages 5-12 $20.00
Past Events 2021
October Earth Skills Paddle
October 3rd from 11AM-4PM
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Mark Denzer (primitive technologist) led us on a paddle through the river and talked about traditional Native American uses of plants, trees, animals and other resources of the area. We learned how to make plant cordage from local sources, friction fire from local native woods, explored and gathered food plants and heard about how local Native Americans once lived from the land on the Cache river through stories passed down to Mark from local Native people. A display with locally made items was present for participants to ask questions about. Please bring a packed lunch, bottled water and a knife.
​
September Harvest Moon Paddle and Soup!
September 19th from 5:30-7:30PM
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The Full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox is named the Harvest Moon since, during this month, the Moon helps the harvest by providing more light at the right time than other Full Moons do. Come join us for our monthly Full Moon paddle. Plans are to have a nice bowl of Harvest soup of the Oyster mushroom and Wild rice variety.
August Green Corn Moon Paddle
August 21st from 7-9PM and 22nd 7:30-9:30
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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. No prior canoe experience required. Please come early and get a lesson if needed.
​
June 22nd and 23rd Strawberry Full Moon Paddle
​
We hosted another Full Moon adventure on the Cache River. The Strawberry Moon (June’s full Moon and typically the last of spring or the first of summer) marks the ripening of strawberries that are ready to be gathered. The name has been used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others.
June 20th Father's Day Sunset Paddle
The perfect Father’s Day activity, kayaking/canoeing on the swamp with family and friends! it was a great way to spend Father’s Day. We paddled out at sunset and then greeted a waxing moon on the Cache. We paddled for about 2hrs, stopping along beaver lodges, ancient cypress groves and hearing about the rivers historic past.
June 13th Earth Skills Paddle
Mark Denzer (primitive technologist ) led us on a paddle through the river and talked about traditional Native American uses of plants, trees, animals and other resources of the area. We learned how to make plant cordage from local sources, friction fire from local native woods, explored and gathered food plants and heard about how local Native Americans once lived from the land on the Cache river through stories passed down to Mark from local Native people. A display with locally made items was present for participants to ask questions about.
July 23 & 24 Thunder Moon Paddle
The Farmers Almanac refers to the July full moon as a Full Thunder Moon. For this months full moon we paddled through the ancient wetlands of the Cache River on two different nights. The Guide shared their knowledge of beavers, bats, owls, and other local nightlife.
June 7th Outdoor Yoga and Kayak Outing at Horseshoe Lake
​
Healing Traditions and Cache Bayou Outfitters joined forces to bring you an outdoor adventure! We began the morning with outdoor yoga, followed by a brief meditation. Then had a light and healthy breakfast together, followed by a few hours of kayaking on beautiful horseshoe lake. Mark Denzer answered questions regarding the local ecology and wildlife. This was a fantastic opportunity to have some outdoor fun with a great group!
May 25th Flower Moon Paddle
This Flower Moon was the biggest and brightest super moon of the year! May marks the time when seeds should be started for the farming season ahead, birds begin to lay eggs, and flowers spring forth in abundance across North America. To celebrate we enjoyed the sound of frogs calling while we paddled in our local wetlands.
April 25th Pink Moon Paddle
​
The first super moon of the year. The Pink Moon symbolizes the sprouting of seed and the explosion of spring flowers particularly the wild ground phlox or pink moss phlox which is one of the first flowers to bloom with the arrival of the spring.
March 28th, Sap Moon Paddle
​
We kicked 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.
​
April 16th,
Full Pink Moon Paddle
6:30pm- 8:30pm
Join us for the second full moon paddle of the season. The Pink Moon symbolizes the sprouting of seed and the explosion of spring flowers particularly the wild ground phlox or pink moss phlox which is one of the first flowers to bloom with the arrival of the spring. Canoe or kayak the Cache wetlands and hear the swamp come alive with the sounds of spring peepers and other calls of the night.
We will meet at 240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois, 62992 fifteen minuets before the paddle. We recommend bringing a flashlight and drinking water.
$37.00 per adult
$21.00 teen
$18.00 youth
