Volunteer with the Riverfront Support Crew

The Mississippi River Challenge raises funds and awareness for a cleaner, healthier river — and it's just a great time. (Photos by Matt Holland for FMR)

It takes over 200 volunteers to keep our annual benefit paddle, the Mississippi River Challenge, running. If you like large-scale, high-energy events and are available during the last weekend of July, this is the perfect opportunity for both individuals, families and small groups.

As members of the Riverfront Support Crew, volunteers provide hundreds of paddlers with support, assistance, food and beverages, and a healthy dose of encouragement and good cheer.

The Challenge is a half-, one- or two-day paddle through the metro area that raises awareness of the importance of the Mississippi River. Along the route, there are over a dozen stops at which paddlers rest, refuel and learn about special places along the river. Individuals and volunteer groups are needed at each of these riverfront route stops, spanning from Bloomington Ferry in West Blooming/Shakopee to Grey Cloud Island roughly 20 miles south of St. Paul. With the support and direction of FMR staff, crew volunteers help with general event/site assistance — from assisting with boats and greeting participants and visitors to helping with refreshments or directing traffic. Qualified volunteers are also sought to for first-aid assistance.

Three and four-hour event-assistance shifts are available Friday evening through Sunday late afternoon. Volunteers can sign up for as many shifts as they like. Those completing two full shifts gain free entry to the Night at the Fort.

Volunteers receive a Mississippi River Challenge t-shirt and meals or snacks at their volunteer site(s), not to mention the gratitude of paddlers and staff.

A list of the shifts and locations as well as a Riverfront Support Crew registration form is available at the Mississippi River Challenge web site. Volunteer registration for families and individuals begins in mid-April. Large group reservations are taken ahead of time, typically between mid-February and mid-March. If you have a large group, please contact FMR Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator sue rich at 651-222-2193 x14.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area