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Shedd Aquarium

The Annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta

Sat, Apr 26 , 2025

1205 W Pleasant Hill Rd, Carbondale, IL 62903

Southern Illinois University originated the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta dating back to 1974.

This event is not only a SIU campus tradition but has created thousands of participants worldwide. Each spring, aspiring boaters put their engineering and creativity skills to the test, constructing cardboard creations capable of completing the 200-yard course. Contestants can walk away with a number of awards. The most popular award named the "Titanic Award" in which boaters proudly abandon ship for the mightiest sink.

Places to stay nearby...

Best Western Saluki Inn

Carbondale

Whether guests are attending homecoming, graduation or an alumni event at Southern Illinois University, or if they enjoy the great outdoors, our Carbondale, Illinois hotel provides…

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Cabin on the Hill

Carbondale

Cabin rental near the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Read more about Cabin on the Hill

Hampton Inn - Carbondale

Carbondale

The Hampton Inn Carbondale hotel is located on the east side of Carbondale on Illinois Route 13. We're close to the many restaurants, golf courses and…

Read more about Hampton Inn - Carbondale

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