Posted in Wyoming Nature, Parks & Gardens April 01, 2018 by

Most People Don’t Know There’s A Kayak Park Hiding In Wyoming

Outdoor fun is what Wyoming is all about, and we have tons of natural attractions to enhance any experience.

A perfect example is the kayak park in Green River. The city took advantage of the river running through it to create a place where tubers, swimmers, and kayakers of all abilities can spend hours enjoying the water sports they love most. Strategically built around a national historical landmark, visitors get the bonus of experiencing a piece of history along with a thrilling ride.

There's loads of warm-weather fun to be had at the kayak park in Green River.
Mary Lou S/TripAdvisor
Expedition Island Park is located at 475 South 2nd East - right in the city of Green River.
It was built around the historic Expedition Island, the very spot from which John Wesley Powell started his famous exploration of the Colorado River as well as the Grand Canyon.
Ntsimp/Wikimedia Commons
The parks planners took advantage of the natural split the island creates in the river.
sarunit63/YouTube
One channel naturally runs a bit slower while the other channel runs at a faster pace.
sarunit63/YouTube
The slower channel is perfect for swimming and taking a leisurely float on an inner tube...
Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs/Flickr
...while the other channel is tailor-made for thrill-seekers who want to kayak or experience a more exciting tube ride.
Mary Lou S/TripAdvisor
The park is ideal for kayakers of any skill level. Beginners can start out on the north channel where the waters run more gently, then graduate to the south channel when they're ready to take on more serious rapids.
The secret to the exhilarating trip down the south channel is the series of drops that create rapids.
Ruben M/TripAdvisor
Some are natural, and some have been built in to enhance what Nature already installed.
Compressed air gates have been placed over some rapids to make them more challenging.
Vicki Padesky/Google Maps
The gates are manually controlled instead of relying on the whims of Nature, so those who brave the south channel are guaranteed a thrilling experience.
Shallow pools have been constructed near the island for wading...
sarunit63/YouTube
...and a tiered beach has been built on the shore, too.
Mary Lou S/TripAdvisor
Other features at Green River's kayak park include a splash park...
Mary Lou S/TripAdvisor
...and a scenic trail that leads up to a bridge spanning the Green River. It's the perfect spot for a full view of the entire park.
Mary Lou S/TripAdivsor
There is also a picnic area that is equipped with a shelter and picnic tables.
Whether you're just learning how to kayak, are more advanced, or are simply looking for a fun place to spend a day, Green River's Expedition Island should definitely be on your must-experience list.
sarunit63/YouTube
Check out this birds-eye view of the park before the kayakers and swimmers crowd in:

Have you visited the kayak park at Expedition Island? What other surprising adventures have you found hiding in Wyoming?

If you prefer a slower-paced experience once the summer heat finally hits Wyoming, you might be interested in a dreamy float down Wyoming’s Natural Lazy River.

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