Serious question. I had a friend born and raised near Seattle who I invited to come on a float trip in southeast Missouri. Her mind was blown that this is a thing people do - drinking and making a ruckus while floating down a river.
In MO, this is just a thing that people do. At least in rural areas. I had no idea it was regional. So, how far across this region does the concept of float trips go?
I’ve done sorta this in OhIo, but never with anyone who wants the ruckus part 😭 It’s been fun nonetheless
Tubing the kish(waukee river) is what we called it. We once strapped a keg in inner tubed and floated with a tap. I got so drunk I lost the only hat I’ve ever loved…
I’ve never been on one, but I can say that in KCMO, STL, and Rolla they’re pretty well known. I’ve worked at companies which have sponsored float trips before.
I do and I love them. Last year there was one organized on the North branch of the Chicago river. Didn’t go, but I may consider it this year. My favorite spot though is near Iron Mountain, MI on the Pine river. There is a natural oxbow and put in and take out are about 4 blocks from each other. And it’s about a 3-4 float of all completely undeveloped nature. Lazy river! Going next week!
Grew up and still live in Eastern Oklahoma. We definitely call it a float trip around. Illinois River is the popular one for it with canoe and raft rental places all along it. I don’t really drink alcohol so I’m mainly there to swim and maybe try to tip over my friend’s canoes. Don’t take anything with you on the river you don’t mind losing.
