BRULE CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Two Days on the River of Presidents: Stones Bridge to Pine Tree, 20 Miles of Forest, Rapids and Meadows
A two-day, 20-mile canoe trip through the Bois Brule State Forest from Stones Bridge to Pine Tree—this guide distills the route, nightly camp and key rapids so you can plan the float with confidence.
Two Days on the River of Presidents: Stones Bridge to Pine Tree, 20 Miles of Forest, Rapids and Meadows.
Float through scenic forests and past historic estates on a two-day, 20-mile river adventure along the Bois Brule State Forest. The route, run by Brule River Canoe Rental, threads upper tranquil stretches and rolling rapids, with an overnight at the Bois Brule campground before finishing at Pine Tree canoe landing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meadows, Forests and Quiet Wildlife
Much of the lower stretch is known as the meadows—slow, winding river channels framed by forest that are prime for birdwatching and moments of near-complete solitude.
Historic Estates and Riverside Houses
The upper river paddles you past notable properties including the famous Cedar Island Estate and a string of 19th- and 20th-century houses that line certain river bends.
Rapids, Bridges and a Train Trestle
Expect a mix of placid stretches and named rapids—Little Joe Hall’s Rapids, Doodle Bug—and to pass under several bridges including a mid-20th-century wrought-iron train trestle before the final small rapids into Pine Tree landing.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Day Float Feels Like
The trip begins with tranquil upper-river paddling past grand riverside homes and a handful of short rapids, then settles into an easy campsite for the night. Day two opens with named rapids and transitions to a long, meandering lower river of wide channels and reed-fringed banks—the kind of stretch prized for steelhead fishing and birdwatching—ending through a few final small rapids at Pine Tree landing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip works for—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two-day (1 night), 20-mile float from Stones Bridge to Pine Tree canoe landing; trip length and timing are fixed to the operator's itinerary—confirm specifics when booking.
Consult Brule River Canoe Rental for the definitive gear and rental list for paddles, PFDs, campsite equipment and any seasonal recommendations.
Day one includes upper-river rapids and historic riverside estates; day two features Doodle Bug rapids, meadows and a mid-20th-century wrought-iron train trestle before the Pine Tree takeout.
Rated beginner to intermediate—participants should choose appropriate equipment and review safety guidance; verify any age or health considerations with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The trip is two days long (one overnight).
How many miles will we paddle?
The route covers 20 miles from Stones Bridge to Pine Tree.
What is the difficulty level?
The outing is rated beginner to intermediate.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes—information lists the trip as open to all ages.
Where do we camp overnight?
The first night is spent at the Bois Brule campground.
What wildlife or activities can we expect?
The lower river meadows are noted for birdwatching and steelhead fishing, alongside general wildlife viewing in the forested corridor.