After 60 Years, Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures Has Closed Shop On Its Little Miami River Locations

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Five properties, previously owned by Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures, will be transferred to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Natural Areas and Preserves for long-term stewardship. The news was announced last week by both the Little Miami Conservancy and  The Morgan Family on Morganscanoe.com.  

"It's a huge win for the Lucky Little Miami River and area conservation! Little Miami Conservancy and the ODNR have acquired 5 properties and over 25 acres along the river from the Morgan family," reads the Morganscanoe.com press release. 

The Little Miami Conservancy was able to purchase the property from Morgan's Canoe because of a generous grant from the Susanne Geier Peters Foundation. 

"We are grateful to the Little Miami Conservancy, ODNR, and the Susanne Geier Peters Foundation for helping us ensure the future of the river,” noted Dirk Morgan, one of five sons of Bob and June Morgan who began the Morgan family legacy of conservation on the Little Miami River.

The Morgan's mission statement, “Preservation by Utilization,” was reflected in their belief that experiencing and enjoying the river was key to saving and protecting it. In 1969, Bob, a former Sycamore teacher, and June began helping people experience and enjoy the river when they opened the region’s first canoe livery service in the tri-state area. And, for the last six decades, it has been "the family business." 

Through those years, the Morgan family has introduced countless guests to the wild beauty of the Little Miami River while connecting families and friends to nature through memorable experiences. Morgan's has also employed thousands of young area residents throughout the canoeing seasons.

Jason Brownknight, Executive Director of Little Miami Conservancy noted, "the collaboration between the Little Miami Conservancy, Susanne Geier Peters Foundation, the Morgan family, and ODNR will help preserve the Little Miami River, maintaining its pristine beauty and accessibility." 

"The transfer of these properties represents a significant win for conservation. Incorporating the Morgan family’s lands into protected areas helps safeguard the Little Miami River, ensuring its natural beauty and biodiversity are preserved for future generations to enjoy," added Dirk Morgan, who is also VP Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures. 

“We are honored to continue this legacy of conservation, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy and appreciate the Little Miami River for decades to come,” added Brownknight. “The generosity of the Susanne Geier Peters Foundation and the Morgan family’s dedication to stewardship has been invaluable in making this project possible.”   

Future of Morganscanoe.com

Though the Ohio operations are closing, the Morgan family’s Indiana location on the Whitewater River will continue to operate, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy canoeing and outdoor adventures. Guests who have visited the Little Miami location are encouraged to visit the Indiana location for continued outdoor recreation. For more information, please visit https://www.morganscanoe.com/brookville/.  

Future of Canoeing on the Little Miami River

The river access at Fort Ancient is a public access so that will remain open to the public. Paddlers with their own boats can paddle from the Caesar Creek Public Access to the Fort Ancient Public Access, or they can put in at Fort Ancient and paddle down to the Halls Creek Public Access in Morrow. 

"We will be finalizing plans for each property over the coming months. The properties will primarily be protected as natural areas for the benefit of wildlife and the river. While the canoe/kayak business will not be reopened, we do want to remind visitors that there are 5 liveries still operating on the river between Bellbrook and Milford," Brownknight added.

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