​​
​
​
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.
​
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Pink Moon Paddle
April 21st, 2024
What better way to spend Mother's Day than being greeted by the sounds of nature of the Cache River at sunset. We will launch from the boathouse at 6 p.m. and returned at sunset. We'll paddle for about 2 hours, stopping along beaver lodges, ancient cypress groves and learning about the river's historic past.
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois, 62992
​
​
​
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Sunday, May 12
Mothers Day Sunset Paddle
.jpg)
The Blossom Moon marks the arrival of high spring. Come Join river guide Mark Denzer 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. Registration coming soon!
​
$40.00 for Adults 18-up
$21.00 for Teens 12-17
$18.00 for Youth 5-11
Blossom Moon Paddle
May 23rd
​
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
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Father's Day Sunset Paddle
Friday, June 16th 6-8 p.m.
​
​​​
What is the spiritual meaning of the Strawberry Moon? The Strawberry Moon's spiritual meaning is tied to the fact that it represents a time of new potential, renewal and abundance in line with ripening fruits. Join us for the beautiful summer paddle when wild fruits are in abundance. Guided tour includes choice of kayak, double kayak, or canoe, life jackets and paddle. Instruction for first timers is available by coming a half hour early. Join us for another Full Moon adventure!
​
7 p.m. launch time
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin, Illinois, 62992
​
$40.00for Adults 18-up
$21.00 for Teens 12-17
$18.00 for Youth 5-11
Strawberry Moon Paddle
Friday, June 21st
​
​
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.
​
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois 62992
​
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Full Thunder Moon Paddle
July 21st 7p.m.
​
​
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.
​
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois 62992
​
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
Full Green Corn Moon Paddle
August 18th 6:30-8:30p.m.
​​
Join us once again for our yearly free guided tour on the Lower Cache River in celebration the Cache River Days in Ullin, Illinois! Open to the public, but we have limited spots. So reserve your spot today!
This tour is a 1.5 hour paddle through the Button Land Swamp, eagle pond and the main channel of the Cache River! We will be sharing its rich history from its prehistoric Native American past, through its French inhabitant's, to its American settlement and more. Additionally, we will share its rich ecological significance as Americas Northern most Cypress and Tupelo Swamp!
This a free tour offered to the public, however tips and donations to our non for profit 501c3 are appreciated but are not mandatory! 100% of the donations will go to the Eagle House, a facility for outdoor education for local and regional youth! When you register it will give you the option of a costume amount. So please consider helping us!
Please bring water, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Cache River Days Free Tour!
September 7th 9a.m.
​
​
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.
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17
$18 for Youth 5-11
​
Harvest Moon Paddle
September 15th 6-8 p.m.
Ancestral Earth Skills Paddle & Atlatl Making
Dates TBA
$75 per Adult
$55 per teen
Mark Denzer (primitive technologist) leads a paddle through the river and talks about traditional Native American uses of plants, trees, animals and other resources of the area. Learn how to make traditional Atlatl (spear dart thrower) and plant cordage from local sources, friction fire from local native woods, explored and gathered food plants and hear 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 will be present for participants to ask questions about.
​
​
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.
​
Location: Cache Bayou Outfitters
240 Dean Lane, Ullin Illinois, 62992
​
$40 for Adults 18-up
$21 for Teens 12-17$
18 for Youth 5-11
​
Hunters Moon Paddle
October 17th
Eagle Tour at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander County)
March and November
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.
Canoes, single and tandem kayaks are available. March 10th! is available for registration! March 10th
$55.00 adult
$21.00 teens
10am-2pm Meet at the Horseshoe Lake Dam south end of the lake
​
​
Dates TBA
​
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.
​
Location: Eagle Lodge at Cache Bayou Outfitters
​
Mysteries of Fire:
Methods, History, & Our Ancient Connections