About us
Founded in 1982, The Central Indiana Wilderness Club (CIWC) is a non-profit volunteer-run club organized for the purpose of providing affordable wilderness adventures. Based in central Indiana, our activities include backpacking, car camping, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing. <br>
Each year CIWC conducts trips ranging in length from one to ten days to destinations as diverse as southern Indiana, the Grand Canyon and the Smokey Mountains. We have day events, overnight trips for beginners and extended trips for those with lots of outdoor experience and everything in between. On a CIWC trip you will have the opportunity to explore new places and meet new friends. Our overnight trips are small and friendly, averaging eight people per trip, organized by a CIWC member. Our membership includes members who vary widely in age, experience and ability. <br>
We are a teaching club so we can allow you to learn at your own pace. We have formal classes and workshops and can loan gear (i.e. tents and backpacks) to help you on your first few trips.
Being on Meetup is not the same as full membership. Meetup does allow you to participate in most day events, but not in our traditional overnight trips. To become a dues-paying member take the link below to our main web site.
Membership fees are $35 per year for individuals and $50 for families. Membership brings you the Trail Mix, our quarterly newsletter which allows you to preview and sign-up for trips before they are posted on the website. Membership also enables you to get the latest information about new trips via email via email updates. Go to https://ciwclub.org and click on JOIN and then scroll down to select Membership Level (Single or Family).
Questions: ciwcinfo@gmail.com
Main Website: ciwclub.org
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Upcoming events
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CIWC June 10th Social & Presentation on Paddling in Indiana
Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN, USAll are welcome—whether you’re a longtime member or new to the club.
Please register here to help the club anticipate turn out:
Central Indiana Wilderness Club - CIWC 2026 June Public Meeting & Social - Paddling in IndianaWednesday, June 10 • 6:30–8:30 PM 📍 Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
Curious about canoeing in Indiana or looking for new places to paddle this summer? Join CIWC for our June public meeting and social! This month’s presentation, “Paddling in Indiana,” covers the best spots to paddle, reputable outfitters, common rivers, basic gear, and key safety tips. Whether you’re brand‑new or a seasoned paddler, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and inspiration to get on the water.
As a bonus, we’ll also share details about our June 14 White River canoe day trip — a perfect chance to try out your skills and meet new paddle buddies.
👥 Open to everyone — members and non‑members 📧 Event Coordinator: Susie Payne (ciwcinfo@gmail.com)3 attendees
Volunteer day Holliday Park, June 13th
Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, US🌳 CIWC Volunteer Day at Holliday Park — June 13
Join us for a light outdoor volunteer day to help support our partnership with Holliday Park. Work clothes recommended; gloves and tools provided. A waiver may be required onsite.⚠️ Do NOT RSVP on Meetup.
Please register on the CIWC website so we can anticipate and track attendance.🔗 Register here:
Central Indiana Wilderness Club - CIWC Volunteer Day at Holliday Park, June 13, 20262 attendees
CIWC Canoe White River - June 14, 2026
White River Canoe Company, 17180 River Road, Noblesville, IN, USREGISTRATION REQUIRED VIA LINK: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6714699
🚣♀️🌞 Ready to paddle into summer? Join CIWC on June 14 for a fun, beginner‑friendly 6‑mile “Rusty Oar” canoe trip on the White River! Smooth water, great people, and the perfect way to spend a Sunday.
🕘 Meet 9:15 AM | 🚌 Bus at 10 | ⏰ Back by 3 📍 Noblesville — White River Canoe Company 💵 $27.50 per person (paid at livery) 🦺 Life jackets required
Bring a friend and come make a splash!
NOTE: RSVPing on Meetup is not sufficient to attend, please register via link at the top of this description so that we can plan accordingly.3 attendees
CIWC: Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail (Kokomo → Rochester)
Location not specified yet🚴♀️ CIWC: Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail (Kokomo → Rochester)
📅 July 11–12, 2026
📍 Nickel Plate Trail, Kokomo, IN
Join us for a fun two‑day summer ride on the scenic Nickel Plate Trail! We’ll cycle from Kokomo to Peru on Day 1, enjoy dinner and the Peru Amateur Circus, stay overnight in a hotel, then finish the ride to Rochester on Day 2. A great weekend for moderate‑pace cyclists looking for a supported group trip.
IMPORTANT:
👉 RSVP on Meetup does NOT count as registration.
👉 You MUST register using the link below to attend.
🔗 Central Indiana Wilderness Club - CIWC Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail - Kokomo to Rochester, July 11-12, 2026
Trip Snapshot:
• Total distance: ~45 miles over two days
• Moderate pace (approx. 12 mph)
• Paved/hard‑pack trail
• Luggage transport + hotel included
• Adults; youth with leader approval
Full trip details, cost, policies, and required forms are available at the registration link.
Questions? Email ciwcinfo@gmail.com2 attendees
Past events
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