Hugh Heward Challenge 2026
Schedule
Sat, 25 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Verlen Kruger Memorial | Portland, MI
Advertisement
The Hugh Heward Challenge is open to all paddlers and is a FREE self-supported event.
This annual paddling event reenacts a one-day, 50-mile sprint down the Grand River in Mid-Michigan by British fur trader Hugh Heward and his French-Canadian crew in two birchbark canoes on April 24, 1790.
Join Verlen Kruger Legacy at Thompson Field in Portland between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the challenge with pancakes and a chance to connect with others. VKL will offer a complimentary pancake lunch to all paddling participants. Donations received during the event will help support Verlen Kruger Legacy and maintain the Verlen Kruger Memorial.
Check out https://krugerlegacy.com/hugh-heward-challenge/ for the most up to date information including suggested launch times for the Full (50 mile), Half (25 mile) and Quarter (13 mile) distances. We encourage paddlers to utilize this event discussion board for Q&A about logistics and general support topics.
We hope to see you there!
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Verlen Kruger Memorial, 655 Canal St, Portland, MI 48875-1363, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
