The Great Float

Grab a boat, round up your crew, and join the river for the Great Float — an annual paddle down the Great Miami River, capped off with live music, food, and a little friendly competition on shore.

The Route

A 3.5-mile paddle south, taking roughly two hours from start to finish. Gather time is 1:00 PM from Adventures on the Great Miami. Whether you’re in your own kayak or one of ours, the river does most of the work — just watch out for pirates, and remember: it’s shark week too.

Bring Your Own, or Rent One*

• Personal boat: $15/boat
• Single-person inner tube: $20/tube
• Single-person kayak: $25/boat
• Two-person kayaks: $35/boat

Optional boxed dinner available for $16/person

*Register before July 15 for a free Riverway t-shirt with brand new design.

Float and Give Back

The first 50 participants who agree to take a trash bag and help clean up the river along the way get a discount — bringing the cost down to just $5 with your own boat, or $15 with a rental kayak. Use the code “cleanup” to commit to filling a trash bag.

Limited spots, so register early.

After the Paddle

Pull your boat up and stick around —

·       BYOB is welcome once you’re off the water (not during the float)

·       Live music from the Possum Creek Ramblers takes the band shell from 4–6 PM

·       Boxed meals are available for pre-order from Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co.: $16/person

Pirates of the Great Miami: The Scavenger Hunt

Hidden along the route are clues, sightings, and a few surprises planted by our sponsors. Grab a scavenger hunt card at registration, keep your eyes open as you paddle, and turn your card in at the finish line for a shot at the prizes — including a VIP Experience with the Dayton Dragons.

Hosted by the Great Miami Riverway.
Great Float Registration deadline: Friday, July 24, 2026.