The Big Sioux River flows with a purposeful energy through Hartford, South Dakota, urging outdoor enthusiasts to engage not just with its currents, but with its care. The annual Big Sioux River Cleanup and Paddle offers a unique blend of purposeful action and scenic adventure. This event invites paddlers and volunteers alike to take to the water and shore, removing debris that strains the river’s health and wildlife. It’s an expedition where every stroke counts and every piece of trash collected is a step toward a cleaner, livelier ecosystem.

The route spans roughly 6 miles along a stretch of the river accessible from Hartford’s boat ramps. Paddle your canoe or kayak downstream, while stopping along the sandy and occasionally rocky banks to collect floating plastics, cans, and other refuse. The terrain around the riverbanks varies from gentle, grassy slopes to scattered clusters of cottonwoods and willows that lean toward the water, as if rooting for your effort. Elevation changes are minimal, making the paddle approachable but never without its moments of challenge—particularly where the current pushes forward with quiet insistence.

The river itself feels alive, daring paddlers to respect its flow while promising quiet rewards: herons patrolling the edges, turtles sunning on half-submerged logs, and the occasional splash of a fish startled by your presence. The cleanup aspect demands practical preparation. Bring gloves, a reusable trash bag, and water-resistant footwear. Hydration remains essential; the river sun can be unexpectedly strong even in cooler months.

Timing your trip in late spring or early fall ensures more manageable river levels and fewer crowds. Summer stretches the heat and invites abundant insect life, calling for diligent sun protection and insect repellent. Winter paddling is rare and requires specialized gear as the river tests your resolve with cold currents and patchy ice.

As the river carves South Dakota’s landscape, your role shifts between visitor and caretaker, forging a relationship that honors the water’s fierce independence and offers tangible impact. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or stepping onto the water for the first time, the Big Sioux River Cleanup and Paddle challenges you to engage actively, learning the rhythms of a river that refuses to be tamed but welcomes stewardship.

Practical tips include arriving early to secure parking, checking equipment before launch, and prepping for quick changes in weather. The event is more than recreation—it's a call to action paired with the thrill of paddle-powered exploration. Every bend of the river tells a story if you’re ready to listen, and every piece of trash gathered writes a chapter of restoration. Get on the water, take on the river’s challenge, and leave a cleaner path behind.