Frequently asked questions:

We want to book a group trip. How many people can you accommodate at once?

We love hosting groups! Our maximum number of people per day is 10. Please let us know if you have other needs, and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you.

I would love to bring my children! What’s the minimum allowed age?

We’re always delighted to connect children to nature and where their food comes from! The minimum appropriate age is six years; please consider that we will be on the water for about two hours. If you’d like to bring a younger child who has demonstrated mature behavior and the ability to stay calm for extended periods of time, we will consider making an exception. Contact us for more information.

You’re all booked, and I’m bummed! Do you have a wait list, or any other options?

Yes! To join our wait list, please contact us through our contact form. Please include the number of spaces you’re waiting for. Additionally, if our rain dates aren’t needed, they become available for tour dates. This year, those are Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th. However, we won’t be able to determine that until one week prior. We recommend saving those rain dates if you’re on our wait list.

Why isn’t a location listed?

We will be meeting at the boat launch at a location yet to be determined. Like any other plant, wild rice is inconsistent in where it grows best from year to year. As we approach harvest time, your guides will be scouting out the best locations—within a 30-45 minute drive from Rhinelander, WI—to learn and harvest. As soon as we pinpoint the optimal body of water, we will share that with you.

I don’t work out. How hard is it?

You don’t need to be a gym buff to harvest wild rice! We will exerting ourselves for a couple of hours, and everyone is free to go at their own pace. You will not be required to carry equipment to shore, but will need to paddle or harvest—both of these require movement of the upper body. Contact us if you have questions or concerns!

I see pictures of people standing in a canoe to harvest. My balance isn’t that great; do I have to stand up?

Luckily, you don’t have to stand up to propel the canoe! Each crew of two people can choose either (1) standard paddles which are used while sitting, or (2) a long pole to test their core strength and balance! Most people are more comfortable keeping their center of gravity low by sitting.

What should I wear?

Dress in comfortable layers, with long sleeves and pants. Choose lightweight if it’s warm, and heavier layers for cool temperatures. Please avoid fleece, as the hulled rice sticks to it easily. Wear closed-toed shoes and eye protection—either corrective lenses or sunglasses.

What should I bring?

Protective eye wear: corrective glasses or sunglasses

Long sleeve lightweight shirt

Brimmed hat

Raincoat

Optional items:

Sunscreen

Water bottle

Favorite snack or two

Dry bag (highly recommended)

Life jacket

Camera or other photo-taking device: Most people enjoy taking photos, but keep in mind that we’ll be on the water for part of the day. Bring a camera or phone at your own risk; waterproof cases are available for many modern technologies at online retailers. Dry bags can help secure your items if you choose to bring them on the water.

What’s for lunch…?!

Wild rice, of course! Well, not just wild rice….

We will be providing a healthy and organic lunch, which will include homegrown and wild foraged foods. Please inform us of any food allergies when you fill out your personal information form.

Speaking of wild rice…will I be bringing home wild rice?

Yes! You’re welcome to take home your harvest, although most people choose not to. Wild rice needs extensive processing—which you’ll be learning all about!—and most people aren’t equipped with the time or the materials to do so. Not to worry, though: instead, we’ll have pre-processed rice for everyone to bring home to enjoy long after your tan has faded.

I’m coming in from out of town. Where should I stay?

We recommend staying in or around Rhinelander or Three Lakes, Wisconsin.

Our favorite overnight stay is found at Holiday Acres, where you can book lodge rooms or cottages ( https://www.holidayacres.com/ ).

If you prefer a more rustic stay, West Bay Camping Resort is just across the street from the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom (CAVOC), a 1200 acre public forest, with well-groomed trails perfect for families to explore ( http://westbaycampingresort.com/ ).

Local hotels, campgrounds, and Airbnb offer a range of alternatives.

What if it rains?

We will do our best to keep you dry. We assess the weather conditions as our tour date approaches. Please bring a rain jacket in the event of a few sprinkles. In the event of lightning, we will reschedule to one of two rain dates the following weekend (September 7 and September 8). If rescheduling isn’t possible for you, you will receive a full refund.

I have health problems. Can I still join?

We welcome people of all abilities. It is your responsibility to determine if you’re physically capable of joining. If you take medication, please be sure to bring it with you in a sealed dry bag. Aimee is a Wilderness First Responder and can assist if any emergency arises. If you have specific concerns, please contact us.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Full refunds are given in the event of weather cancellations and inability to reschedule to a rain date (9/6 and 9/7).

Greater than 60 days before the event: 75% refund.

Between 30-60 days before the event: 50% refund.

30 days or less before the event: 25% refund.