escape outdoors


the Mini Expedition, an Adventure with everything

 

“My family & i do this trip every year. It is our favorite thing on the planet!”

  • Jill Mulikin (Chicago IL)

This trip is your one stop shop adventure for the whole family. It is the highest quality and most exclusive trip we offer. From the moment you walk in the door, we handle everything. From your shuttles and trips, to your meals and gear. With us doing all the heavy lifting, you and your group are free to enjoy all of the amazing adventure opportunities that the Mini Expedition has to offer. On this trip you will get to experience the Menominee River in a way that no one else can.

The Menominee River is one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the Upper Midwest, and whitewater rafting in Piers Gorge with our friends at Northwoods Adventures is consistently referred to as a world class whitewater experience.

Our 2-day mini expedition gives you the opportunity to experience both the exhilaration of rafting and the relaxation of camping. Your guide will ensure that every aspect of your trip is covered, from your arrival through your departure is covered. Don't worry about lifting a finger; however, if you're the eager type, we welcome your involvement in setting up camp and food preparation. it's your trip; make the most of it! The rafting is world class, the food is to die for & the stories of your Mini Expedition will be told for years to come.

With the volume of these rapids the Menominee River boasts characteristics similar to those found on the Colorado River. Late in the summer, when other rivers are low and some may be even un-runable, the dam released Menominee River will continue to produce high volume whitewater and outstanding rafting experiences all the way from our put-in in Wisconsin to our take-out in Michigan. Due to the class III and IV rapids on the Menominee, we run our seven person rafts with a guide in every boat.



pricing and details

Pricing Options

  • $1,500 - For First 2 People (minimum 2 people)

  • $100 - For Each Additional Person (max 12 people)

Trip Duration: 2 days

Minimum Age

  • 4 years old or 50 lbs (for flat water)

  • 12 years old & 100 lbs (to paddle class IV section)

Trip Start Time: 10:00am CST (flexible trip times)

Package Includes

  • 1 night of camping

  • Transportation from True North Outpost to launch areas

  • Transportation from landing area to camping

  • AM Whitewater Rafting Trip & PM Flatwater Duckie Trip (raft, paddles, life vest, helmet and guide provided)

  • Food and preparation of 3 meals Including:

    • Grilled lunch at the outpost

    • Traditional hand cooked camp dinner

    • Continental style breakfast (day 2)

    • Snacks and Drinks (at island camp)

  • Tents, Sleeping Bags, Foam Sleeping pads, Camp Pillows.

  • Photo & video package of your whitewater rafting trip

  • 20% off all other activities provided by True North Outpost Climbing Gym, Equipment Rentals, etc.

  • Youth Guide Training - Children Under 12

Things To Bring On Raft Trip: Closed toe water shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen.

Post Raft Trip: Towel, change of clothes, wet clothing storage.

Things To Bring Camping: Toiletries, warm clothes (spring & fall trips), any essential personal items.

ADD ON OPTION

  • 6 mile scenic flatwater paddle from camp to Pemene Falls. (Day 2) - $250

  • 10% off afternoon activity on day two. (excludes whitewater rafting trips)

Photo courtesy of Resanda Blog - https://www.resanda.com/blog/pemene-falls-menominee-river

trip description

This trip was designed with you in mind with every little detail taken care of for you, so all you need to do is focus on having the time of your life!

Our journey begins at True North Outpost where you will check in, gear up and meet your guide. This is a private trip so it will be just you and your group out on the river in your own boat. We will shuttle you to the put-in in Niagara, WI, where the river flows next to granite bluff walls of 100 or more feet. On the trip, we’ll guide you past these rugged rock bluffs and through breathtaking scenery, where it is not uncommon to see native wildlife such as deer, fish and native birds like the Bald Eagle, as we are floating right through their nesting habitat.

Once we are on the river, we’ll go through an initial safety discussion, learn to paddle, and play some games to get started. Again, since this is a private trip there are a lot more options open to you, such as, swimming, exploring dead man island, walking the gorge trail, etc. After about 45 minutes of team building and drifting we enter a stretch of class I – II+ rapids that travel through a dense northern forest.

Before entering the class IV + rapids, we arrive at the ancient Piers Gorge Portage Trail. Anyone who does not meet our minimum requirements or who does not want to ride through the class IV+ rapids will remain at the portage trail overlook to watch from shore. Those who are willing and able to ride through the Gorge will climb back into the raft and get ready for the adventure ahead.

After traveling through this whitewater section of river, we walk back up to the overlook to rally with our onlookers, we can then switch supervising adults, before we go through the Gorge a second time. We then collect our onlookers, depart from the lower beach, and travel down a little further to our last rapid, ‘Terminal Surfer’. At "surf hole" (conditions dependent) we will surf any who are willing.

When we are done with the am raft trip, it's less than 5 minute ride back to True North Outpost where we will have lunch ready for your group. Lunch is provided by the True North Outpost staff (Grilled Hamburgers and fixings - Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free & dairy free meal options are available). After Lunch when your group is ready, we will load up in the shuttle and head to Saler’s Boat launch to start the afternoon flatwater float down to the island campground. This part of the trip features beautiful forest views, an abandoned trapper’s cabin, and Quiver falls - a fun class 2 section right at the island.

When you have finished your afternoon trip on the river you will arrive at the island camping area in the late afternoon. The island guide will already have camp set up and a hand made camp dinner cooking when you arrive. Snacks and drinks will be provided while dinner is cooking. After dinner, you will be free to relax around the fire where you can take in the beautiful and serene northern night air while laughing and sharing stories.

In the morning when your group rises, a hot breakfast will be prepared for you to get you ready and on your way to your next awaiting adventure. Swimming and tubing may be available for those who crave more. After that the group has a short paddle over to the take-out and 20 minute shuttle ride back to the outpost.

ADD ON OPTION

If you are looking for just a little more adventure on your second day. After you have breakfast you can get back in your duckies and paddle with your guide down the next stretch of untamed north woods beauty. This lower section of the Menominee River known as the Pemene Falls Unity is a wide, winding river path through lush forests and tranquil scenery. It is a perfect way to spend the morning.

At the end of your 6 mile paddle, you will get the chance to look at Pemene falls. There you will see the beautiful waterfall running through the remnants of an old concrete dam. During the spring flow, the water thunders through a granite constriction in the river corridor. Trust us, it is well worth the trip. There you will be picked up by our shuttle and taken back to the outpost and on to your next adventure!

Due to this river’s unique operating platform we are able to accommodate children and persons with certain impairments on a class IV river trip. Persons who require supervision must be accompanied by a competent individual from their group on the portage trail. The supervising adult will have the opportunity to switch out with another supervising adult for the second run, ensuring everyone gets a ride through the Gorge.

At approximately a half mile in length, the Class IV section of Piers Gorge whitewater rafting is short in duration in comparison to other rivers, but it is not to be minimized. The rapids are large, immensely powerful, technically challenging, demanding, and FUN!


Other Adventure options