About

The Paddle MO story, Missouri Stream Teams, and the Great Rivers State

Paddle MO is hosted by the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition (Stream Teams United). We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that formed in 1999. We are made up of Missouri Stream Team volunteer associations from around the state of Missouri. We work to promote Education, Stewardship, and Advocacy for Missouri Streams. Along with our partners (Missouri River Relief, Earth’s Classroom, and the Missouri Stream Team Program) and sponsors we host and coordinate unique annual river adventures along some of Missouri’s great rivers. Proceeds of the event support the general operations of our not-for-profit organization.

Along the way, historical and scientific experts join paddlers to share about the history and ecology of the rivers. We have a great team of educators and crewmembers, that are here to support you as we experience a one-of-a-kind river adventure.

For Paddle MO trips, we are your ground crew! Just bring a boat and your gear, and we take care of the rest. If you don't have a boat, boats are available to rent and we can help you find one!

Paddle MO was created in partnership with Magnificent Missouri in 2016. Paddle MO trips serve as a fundraiser for Stream Teams United so that we can continue our work for education, stewardship, and advocacy for Missouri's great rivers and streams.  Through our Paddle MO educational trips, we work to increase knowledge of our river systems, provide opportunities for people to connect with our state's rivers, and build the culture of river conservation in Missouri.

In 2019, Stream Teams United, with partnership of the LAD Foundation, expanded the Paddle MO program to include a 25-mile educational paddle on the Upper Current River, our nation's first National Scenic Riverway. 

In 2022, Stream Teams United expanded the Paddle MO program to two new sections of rivers, the Missouri River at Kansas City and the James River south of Springfield, MO!   In 2023, we hosted the longest Paddle MO yet, traveling 115 miles from Missouri's state capitol (Jefferson City) to the state's first capitol (St. Charles) over five days!

Find out more and register for our 2024 river adventures at paddlemo.org and Paddle MO Ozarks at www.paddlemo.org/ozarks.

Missouri….the Show-Me-State….also known as the Great Rivers State! In 2012, Stream Teams United and river enthusiasts worked through the Missouri state legislature to establish an a new official slogan for Missouri that celebrate’s its rich river heritage. On Friday, May 18th, 2012 just as the legislative session was concluding, a Senate Resolution (SCR 17) passed gifting Missouri a new state slogan: “The Great Rivers State.” This resolution highlights one of our greatest ecologic and economic resources. Find out more about the Great Rivers State and how to get a Great Rivers State license plate.