Canoecopia - 2025 Presentations by Category

Canoecopia is presented by

Presenting Sponsor

Location
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Way
Madison, Wisconsin

Show Hours
Friday: 3 PM to 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Tickets
1-Day: $17.00
3-Day: $35.00
Ages 17 and under are FREE
Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the event

Parking Fees
1-Day: $8.00
Credit only, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center
Advanced passes may be purchased HERE.
Feedback

History

Rick Eilertson, Bev Vaillancourt

Baraboo River Restoration—30 Years since the Waterworks Dam Removal

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Rick Eilertson will cover the Dam history of the Baraboo River from 1846 when the first dam was constructed to 2001 when the last dam was removed, giving the Baraboo River it's national significance as the longest stretch (120 miles) of river ever returned to it's natural, free-flowing condition. Highlights include the controversial fights over the Baraboo Waterworks Dam removal in 1994, which created the domino effect to continue removing the private dams from La Valle all the way to the ... Read More

David Johnston

Ancient Finds of Lake Superior

Superior - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

If you know where to look, the Lake Superior shoreline is filled with both ancient and old finds for you to discover. The hard part is that you can easily paddle right by, not knowing about what you just missed. In this presentation, David will introduce you to some of the cool stuff out there including pictographs, Pukaskwa Pits, voyageur trading posts, shipwrecks, trainwrecks and ghost towns. He will also cover places to start your research so you can discover them on your own journeys.

David Johnston

The Weird History of Sea Kayaking

Quetico - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Superior - main floor Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Did you know that Pope John Paul II was an avid kayaker? What happened to the prisoners who built that kayak and escaped from San Quentin Prison?

Come join David Johnston as he explores the fascinating history of modern sea kayaking in North America and along the way we will discover the humble origins of the sport and learn about why the Great Lakes were the centre of the kayaking universe for nearly fifteen years starting in the mid-80's.

Zack Kruzins

The Forgotten Canadian Coast: Lake Superior's True Northern Island Paddlers Paradise

Bear - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

In this talk we will explore the human and natural history of the past, present, and future of the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior. Zack explains how his 50 day sea kayak research expedition here inspired a lifelong love and connection to the area. We will focus on the idea of slow travel by watercraft as a unique way to experience the region, gain an appreciation and zest for life and a desire to protect this special place.

Cody Little

Paddling Indigenous Waters

Algonquin - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

This session covers the story of Cody's life—growing up on the San Juan River, raised by river guides and today owning his very own commercial outfit on the river that has shaped every aspect of his life. Most importantly, the presentation will cover his story of cultural bridge building with local Diné Communities and the level of respect and humility that it takes to paddle Native Lands. Over the last five years Cody's earned his spot as the only Bilágaana with a Backcountry Waterways ... Read More

Tamara Thomsen, Sissel Schroeder

Ancient Canoe Caches of Wisconsin

Algonquin - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

In May 2024, the Wisconsin Historical Society announced the discovery of up to 11 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsin ranging back to 4,500 years ago. The canoes were found submerged in what archaeologists believe was once an ancient shoreline. Caching, or the sinking of dugout canoes to store them during the winter, was a common practice in the past and such cached canoe have been found in other lakes and rivers throughout Wisconsin. Learn what to look for and what to do when ... Read More