East Race Waterway

01/01/2026

Happy New Year, Racers 🧡💙

11/21/2025

We'll miss you, Bob! 🥹

Robert E. Heiderman, affectionally known as Cheeseburger Bob, Bicycle Bob, and Brother Bob, hereinafter referred to as “Bob,” retired from the City of South Bend after 60 years of service.

If you’ve taken a ride down the East Race Waterway or a stroll along the Coal Line Trail, it's likely that you've run into Bob and were greeted with a warm smile or a friendly wave. Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor Bob’s service to our city.

From working the opening day at East Race Waterway to the very last day of the waterway’s 40th season, Bob’s dedication and hard work never wavered. In addition to his role as East Race Waterway Supervisor, Bob held several positions with the Parks Department, including Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Lessons Instructor, Howard Park Ice Rink Guard, and Aquatic Supervisor.

He was also instrumental in preparing the department and the community with vital water safety skills as a certified Water Safety Instructor.

There are so many known and unknown ways Bob has positively impacted our community, and we can’t say thank you enough. Your key to the City of South Bend is well-deserved.

Enjoy retirement, Bob! We can’t wait to share a story or a wave around South Bend sometime soon.

06/09/2025

Check out Blue's trip down the East Race Waterway⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKprQmuvFW5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWxkMHYzanNidmJmOQ==

06/02/2025

Hands in the air for East Race opening THIS SATURDAY! 🌊😎

The countdown to 12 PM Saturday, June 7 starts NOW.

Book your tickets today at eastracewaterway.com 🔗

Know before you go:
▪️Regular Season is June 7 - Aug. 31.
▪️Open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 PM.
▪️Required height for rafting is 54″.
▪️Children under the age of 16 who meet the 54” requirement need to be accompanied by an adult in the raft.
▪️ Rubber-soled shoes with heel strap are required. Flip flops and sharp jewelry/objects are not permitted.
▪️All equipment is provided.
▪️The East Race runs at a Class 2 rafting and is 1,900 feet. (Class Two: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering.)
▪️It takes approximately 5 minutes at a moderate speed to travel down the East Race Waterway.
▪️We offer 3 different-sized rafts: a two-person raft, a four-person raft, and a five-six-person raft.
▪️It is recommended you bring an extra set of clothes and towels – you will get wet! ▪️Note: There are no changing rooms, but a handicap accessible portable restroom is available along with an outdoor rinse shower.
▪️Kayakers are welcome on the East Race, but must supply their own equipment.
▪️PARKING: Parking is available in the East Bank Emporium parking lot as well as street parking along Niles Ave.

05/28/2025

Who's ready for opening weekend?✋✋✋

June 7 & 8 cannot get here faster, Racers!

Book your tickets today at eastracewaterway.com 🔗

05/16/2025

🌊 Get paid to work at the race!

Looking for a fun summer gig with weekend hours? Join Venues Parks & Arts' East Race Waterway Team!

Earn $16/hr while driving VPA trucks, hauling gear, and helping guests. Perfect for students who love the outdoors!

✅ Must be 18+ with a valid driver’s license
✅ Training provided
✅ Seasonal openings

Apply now⬇️
sbvpa.org/eastracedriver

07/29/2024

Don't let the fear of falling keep you from experiencing the joy that comes after conquering the rapids! 😎

Book your tickets today⬇️⬇️⬇️
eastracewateryway.com

07/27/2024

Water levels are where we need them to be. We are OPEN this weekend!

Book your tickets today at eastracewaterway.com 😎

07/19/2024

Due to high water levels, East Race Waterway will be closed this weekend, Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21.

We are looking forward to being back on the rapids next week, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, as long as water levels continue to drop.

Fingers crossed that we'll see you soon, East Racers!

07/12/2024

The East Race Waterway will be closed this weekend Saturday 7/13/2024 and Sunday 7/14/2024 to ensure the safety of participants and staff due to extremely high-water levels. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. We hope to see you out with us another weekend.

07/02/2024

Thank you all for joining us this weekend, celebrating East Race Waterway's 40th year 🎉

Special thanks to the East Race Whitewater Kayak Club for partnering with us to make this event happen and to all of our incredible vendors and guests.

We're looking forward to another 40 years of adventure-filled thrill out on the rapids.

We'll catch you back on the rapids this Saturday and Sunday, East Racers.

06/28/2024

Tomorrow//

You're invited to the East Race 40th Year Celebration Block Party!

In traditional block party fashion, we're shutting down S. Niles Ave. from E. Jefferson Blvd. to E. Washington St.. Enjoy extended rafting hours, VPA's rock wall, giveaways, Happy Campers playing all your favorite tunes, and more.

The event is free to attend but regular rafting rates will apply.

Catch you out on the rapids, South Bend 😎

P.s. we'll be giving away 7 signed copies of Trey Mock's book, Blue's Road Trip Through Indiana. Colts fan, we're talking to you!