Rapid cool-off

Manchester’s whitewater rapids just the ticket on a hot Friday

Geoff Stellfox, - The Gazette

Jun. 17, 2022 7:45 pm

Andrew Weber, 12, of Mount Vernon, braves the rapids at the Manchester Whitewater Park on Friday in Manchester. The 800-foot course in the Maquoketa River features 6- and 18-inch drops and is open throughout the year. Admission is free. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

From left, Grant Schultz, 17, Andrew Weber, 12, Karlie Beierschmitt, 13, and Eder Mendez, 4, hike to the top of the rapids Friday at the Manchester Whitewater Park in Manchester, where it was close to 90 degrees. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Grant Schultz, 17, and Andrew Weber, 12, climb up rocks Friday to make another run down the rapids at Manchester Whitewater Park. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Jason Kastli and Rachel Leavell float along and bask in the sun Friday on the Maquoketa River near the Manchester Whitewater Park. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Kimberly Tritz of Dubuque and her daughter Elouise (left), 8, and Madisyn Tritz-Reefe, 13, make their first descent down the rapids Friday at Manchester Whitewater Park. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)