

Morgan’s Canoe & Outdoor Adventures Announces Closure of Their Little Miami River Business in Warren County After 60 Years
Warren County, Little Miami River, OH – Its a huge win for the Lucky Little Miami river, and area conservation! Little Miami Conservancy and the ODNR have acquired 5 properties and over 25 acres along the river from the Morgan family.
After six decades of connecting local families and residents to nature and helping them create cherished memories along the Little Miami River, the Morgan family has made the bittersweet decision to close their business operations in Ohio. This decision helps ensure the preservation of the Little Miami River and protects their family’s river properties for future generations, marking the end of an extraordinary era.
The Morgan family business holds a special place in the region’s history as the first canoe livery service in the tri-state area. Established in 1969 by former Sycamore teacher Bob Morgan and his wife June, the family business, with the help of their five sons, introduced countless guests to the wild beauty of the Little Miami River. Morgan’s has also been a beloved part of the community, employing thousands of young area residents throughout the canoeing seasons and connecting families and friends to nature through memorable experiences. Their mission statement, “Preservation by Utilization,” reflected their belief that experiencing and enjoying the river was key to saving and protecting it, fostering a love story between the Little Miami River and outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
The final chapter in the story of this iconic outdoor business has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Little Miami Conservancy (LMC), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and the generosity of the Susan Geier Peters Foundation. Together, these partners have worked to ensure that the Morgan family’s properties will remain protected as a vital part of the region’s natural heritage.
The genesis of this remarkable partnership began with a wilderness canoe trip taken by then-teenager Dick Geier in 1967. He joined 18 other young men on a “Canoe Trails” trip led by Bob Morgan—a two-week journey on a Kentucky river that cemented Dick’s love of rivers and the outdoors for his lifetime….. Fast forward to this past summer, when a serendipitous encounter on the Little Miami River brought together Southwest Scenic Rivers Manager Aaron Rourke, longtime Morgan family friend Tom Conlin, and river enthusiast Dick Geier during a river cleanup event.
Aaron mentioned he had been in discussions with the Morgan brothers about acquiring their properties for the state. Dick, who was in the process of establishing the Susan Geier Peters Foundation, saw the opportunity to contribute. The connection was made, and the rest will be river history.
“This is a perfectly beautiful ending to our lifelong stewardship of the river. It’s about preserving the future of the Little Miami River,” the Morgans shared. “This is an ending we know our parents would be so proud of—one they would have wanted. The legacy of this river and its importance to people and wildlife will live on through conservation efforts that protect its beauty and ecosystem.”
The transfer of these properties represents a significant win for conservation. Incorporating the Morgan family’s lands into protected areas helps safeguard the Little Miami River, ensuring its natural beauty and biodiversity are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
While Morgan’s Little Miami location will no longer operate, the family’s Indiana location on the beautiful Whitewater River in Southeast Indiana will remain open. Guests are warmly invited to continue the tradition of outdoor adventure there. Morgan’s Canoe & Outdoor Adventures
The Morgan’s hope this story will inspire others to support the Little Miami Conservancy and similar conservation initiatives. “The Little Miami River has been a cornerstone of community life for decades, and protecting it for future generations requires a shared commitment to preservation.”
“To our loyal customers and extended family: Thank you for 60 incredible years,” the Morgan family shared. “You, our guests, have been an essential part of our journey, helping us turn a family dream into a legacy. Your support has meant the world to us and has made all of this possible. We are proud to leave this river better than we found it and to ensure its protection as part of our family’s story and yours!”
Sincerely, The Morgan Family
