Riverbend Floats

What a great trip! We had a mix of experienced floaters and first-timers and we all had a wonderful time.

The team was so helpful over the phone during booking and check-in was a breeze.

It was a comfortable, casual float and we had a blast. The rafts we used were sound and sturdy. Will definitely use Riverbend again.

(Parking was a bit difficult, but we managed.)

May-2024 float. Great online tech - easy to book, complete the waiver and receive the receipt and notifications online. Easy location access - short wait to be dropped off at the river and the kayaks were as expected. Staff were friendly and waiting for us at the landing. We would definitely book with Riverbend Floats again.

Everyone was helpful from booking via phone to driving us to the drop off point and eventually helping us up the riverbank upon trip completion. My son and I did the 9 mile trip. It was difficult but fun! I didn't realize how hard it would be; the name "river float trip" is a bit like false advertising, if you ask me. It was more like an "intense workout, paddle almost the entire way river trip". 🤣 seriously, it was, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My son and I had a great time, even if our arms and shoulders are sore. It was very tiring but great! I highly recommend this trip. I also recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks. The staff was accurate about the time estimate - they said it would take 4 to 6 hours; it took us 5 hours to paddle 9 miles, with only a few breaks along the way. I brought eight 20 ounce water bottles and that wasn't quite enough for the two of us. We paid 118$ for the raft (you pay for the raft not the number of occupants). They say it'll hold 6 adults but I honestly think 4, max. There was plenty of room for the two of us, our cooler and bag but think 6 adults is pushing it. I recommend wearing board shorts that are about mid thigh or longer. I wore some little 3 or 5 inch inseam ones and, unfortunately, my legs chafed and stuck to the side of the raft, leaving bruises (staff recommended straddling the side of the raft, it made paddling much easier than sitting in the raft, proper). The water was crystal clear and the perfect temp. They have kayaks available and we might try those next time. I think they might be easier to manage. Most of the river had a depth of 3 to 4 feet, with some deeper and shallower areas. We had to physically get out of the raft 3 times, to pull it through areas less than about 18 inches but it wasn't for much distance. To sum it up, I highly recommend this provider of Illinois River recreation.

We had a great time at Riverbend! Booking was super easy and the rooms were comfy. They picked us up at the halfway point even when we couldn’t go any longer 😅 friendly staff and a great place to stay!

We had a great time floating with Riverbend! We ended up cutting our long float short due to lightning and storms moving in, but the service and equipment were both great, as well as the first half of our float. I look forward to floating with them again.

Second year staying at Riverbend Inn and still my favorite place to stay while floating the river. Amy was amazing and easy to communicate with throughout the entire time. We cannot wait to go back!

Love bringing my friends to Riverbend! Stayed in the Big House, enjoyed every minute of it. Staff are always accommodating and helpful. Made for a very stress free and relaxing weekend! See you next year!

Really fun. The short route was indeed short. This was great and it was just what we wanted. However, don't hesitate to do the long route for a half day adventure. Great guys, super friendly.

Had a great time spending two nights here at the inn, and floating the river on Saturday!!! Everyone was friendly and accommodating, and the rooms were clean and spacious. The rooms came with a microwave and mini fridge with freezer, TV with Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc, VERY EFFECTIVE AC unit (we stayed cool!), coffee pot, and soap and towels were provided. The beds were comfortable too! We had a raft for the float trip, and it was very beautiful and scenic route. After our float trip, we used the grills out in front of the rooms. A great experience, thank you all!!!

This is my absolute favorite place to float the Illinois river!! The staff is very professional, nice, and make the day fun! Not only do they float a beautiful stretch of the river, they also have fun events and live music during the summer. The cabins are nice and clean! I would recommend Riverbend to everyone wanting to spend time on the river!

Excellent family adventure. Very safe even with 2 kids. We'll be back. Bring an ice chest, food for a picnic. Plan to start early in the day and make a day of it. People working are very very helpful. Make sure to store your keys at the front desk.

Riverbend Floats provided a nice afternoon on the river. The water was pretty clear in most area and very refreshing. It was an enjoyable time. I would definitely suggest water and sunscreen!

I highly recommend this team. Super friendly, great attitudes, and just really good people. The river is amazing and worth getting out and doing.

This was the first time to float with Riverbend Floats, and we loved it! The equipment was in excellent shape, the people were friendly, and the overall experience was one we will do again.

We got lost and showed up late and they were nothing short of patient. They still shuttled us up and dropped us in even though we were the only person new on the bus and almost an hour later

Stayed at Riverbend Inn for the weekend and it was better than I expected! Jessie was amazing and so helpful. We definitely can't wait to go back and this place will be the only place we book our stay from now on!

People were nice on the phone and gave me all the information. They were one of the only places still open durning the week days. Had a great time.

Riverbend was very a very pleasant place to float! Facility was clean, check-in was easy, and they call your name to board the buses. Not one complaint!

New to the area. Love kayaking and was told to kayak the Illinois River. I had my nephew and niece with me so we needed to rent some kayaks for them. We went with this outfitter. They were professional, looked out for my nephew and niece. Made sure we had everything needed. The River is gorgeous and the water is clear. Will definitely be back.

Nice and clean rooms, friendly staff, perfect environment. Had everything ready for us to get on the river in the morning!