Float the River, located at 126 Muskingum Avenue, Zanesville, celebrated its opening season with a ribbon cutting on May 23, 2025. The water recreation business provides a relaxing yet adventurous experience to its customers as they float or kayak on the Licking and Muskingum Rivers.
Owners T.J. and Savannah Mack first opened Float the River seven years ago in Cuyahoga Falls. They have goals of expanding to offer similar experiences across the country and decided to kick off their expansion by making Zanesville home to their second location.
“What I love about this location is that there’s so much community,” explained T.J. “It’s a smaller area, town, but it’s a lot more tight-knit, which I really love.”
The business offers tube and kayak rentals currently and plans to add raft rentals as well.
“We handle everything from getting you in the water, tying your group up together. Getting you out of the water, getting you on the shuttle. Everything you need is right here,” said T.J.
Float the River not only focuses on fun experiences for floaters, but also on how they can make an environmental difference.
“We take steps to prevent litter from entering the river,” said T.J. “We don’t allow the single-use items. Also, we host multiple river cleanups a year, and apply for grants through the ODNR to make sure that we’re making a really big impact.”
Gear such as waterproof bags, shirts, sunglass bobbers, and drink containers can be purchased at Float the River before heading out on a river adventure.
Gift cards can be purchased throughout their website for either their Zanesville or Cuyahoga locations.
There are several events planned for the future, including taking groups of kayakers on history-focused lock tours with a guide, as well as special holiday-themed events throughout the summer. Besides hosting their own events, Float the River will also be teaming up with other organizations to enhance beloved annual events like the Zane’s Trace Commemoration by sponsoring the Anything that Floats But a Boat race scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 15 and the Riverfest planned for August 30 and 31.
Float the River is open every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day weekend, with trips going out from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. To book your time on the river, visit floattheriver.net. You can also stay up-to-date with all things Float the River by following them on Facebook.
“Five years old to 105, anybody can do this,” said T.J. “Come out and have fun!”
