Why is there a statue of Verlen Kruger alongside the Grand River in Portland, Michigan? Who was he? Why would there be a monument honoring him in the center of a bricked compass rose? Join us for an incredible story of a record-setting adventurer!
This memorial, created by a local art teacher, Derrick Rainey, was installed in June 2010.
Verlen Kruger set world records paddling his originally designed canoes. He had once said, “The contentment I feel while paddling tells me I am where I want to be. I’m following a dream.”
Who Was Verlen Kruger?
Born in 1922 in Indiana and raised near Lansing, Michigan, Verlen Kruger didn’t begin paddling until age 41! He proceeded to paddle over 100,000 miles (160,000 km), completing twelve extended expeditions crossing continents by canoe. Kruger was a father of nine, a steadfast conservationist and a whole-hearted adventurer. Verlen Kruger has been recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Photo Credits: “Keep It Moving” by Valerie Fons and Quiet Adventures
Not being able to find a canoe style to meet his expedition needs, this plumbing contractor invented his own light-weight, durable one-man and two-man canoes.
The Cross Continent Canoe Safari
Verlen Kruger’s first long distance paddle had been in 1971 at 49 years old. He and Clint Waddell began “The Cross Continent Canoe Safari” in Montreal and continued northwest for 7,000 miles to the Bering Sea.
The duo followed an Anishinaabe trading route, which had been later been used by the French voyagers and English adventurers. The pair pushed further, beyond this trade route, across western Canada and Alaska to the Bering Sea.
Photos and Quote from “Never Before Never Again” Documentary
Together they often had to paddle against the current and portage over a dozen of miles at a time. The men extended themselves over this meticulously planned route for 176 days. Their expedition had been made into a documentary, “Never Before / Never Again,” filmed by Phil Pemberton.
The Ultimate Canoe Challenge
Verlen’s “Ultimate Canoe Challenge” had been with his son-in-law, Steve Landick, canoeing 28,043 miles over three and a half years from 1980-1983. This feat had been completed in Kruger-crafted canoes and earned the pair a Guinness World Record for distance.
Photo Credits: Brook Sutton and Alchetron
Verlen Kruger brought environmental awareness to waterways across the globe! He celebrated his 80th birthday in 2002 by canoeing 2,040 miles of the Yukon River. In 2003 he was named “The River Guardian,” an honor bestowed upon him by the mid-Michigan paddling community. Sadly, Verlen passed away from cancer the following year on August 2, 2004.
Verlen Kruger’s Legacy Lives On
Verlen’s influence and inspiration lives on! A few years ago we met Valerie Fons, who had paddled with Verlen Kruger from the Arctic to Cape Horn. We also learned about Peter Frank, who despite debilitating odds due to injuries sustained at the age of 14, has honored Verlen Kruger in a solo “Great Loop” expedition. An annual “Verlen Kruger Award” celebrates an individual who models a love for paddling and conservation of waterways. In addition, Kruger’s family has been steadily fundraising to create a traveling exhibit of Verlen’s expeditions and accomplishments.
Valerie Fons
We’d heard from a friend that Valerie Fons, the world famous paddler, owned the Bread and Water Cafe on Washington Island located in Lake Michigan. A few years ago, during the Covid pandemic, Chuck and I stopped by her restaurant. As we opened the door, a woman sang out, “Good Morning!” Her voice was refreshing like a soft, spring rain. She shuffled toward us, “I am Valerie and I will serve you.”
Being the only customers, our conversation extended into tales of adoption, illness and adventure. When we asked about her paddling experience, a light illuminated from her eyes. This brightness brought a youthful glow and radiated energy, breathing life into the quiet room.
“Would you like to see my Canoe Museum?” She led us to the back of the restaurant and opened a door. The canoes leaned out from the wall ready to whisper tales of the 21,000 mile, two-continent adventure Valerie Fons and Verlen Kruger had shared. Their trip had spanned over two and half years from 1986-1989. The journey had started in the Arctic and ended at Cape Horn, South America.
After Valerie inscribed a copy of her book, “Keep It Moving,” She opened her thrift store umbrella. I put my arm around her. Together we sang. “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” It was a moment I’ll always cherish! “You’re the first person I’ve hugged in over a year.” Valerie’s eyes glistened and my vision blurred.
Valerie and I continued to correspond through email for the following eighteen months, as she received her final cancer treatments. Her kindred spirit has left a handprint on my heart.
The Adventure Continues . . . Peter Frank
Another Michigander, Peter Frank, has been following in Verlen’s paddle strokes and accomplishing global expeditions. Peter Frank, an Eagle Scout who has had a long recovery from an accident at 14 years old, has plans to travel 6,000 miles, circumventing the Eastern United States. Peter’s “Great Loop” expedition has been in his Kruger-built, 1982 Sawyer Loon, decked canoe.
He continued, “The best way to do that is to expose yourself to many different things.”
Photo Credit: Where is Peter Frank? website
Verlen Kruger had once explained the high-bred vessel he’d invented, “It is neither a kayak or a canoe, it’s neither a duck nor a goose, we call it the Loon.” Peter’s Loon canoe is one of only 40 prototypes.
Peter Frank chose to do this route in a clockwise fashion, where 25% of the journey is against the current. Peter Frank had written, “The great loop project is about living. It’s a story of not only failure, but personal growth; because failure is a stepping stone to success.” Peter continued, “Part of this expedition for me is to honor Verlen’s legacy, another aspect is to just simply see if it’s still possible.” Peter nodded, “It’s about the story you become through all of it.” Peter brightened when talking on a podcast, “I get to live the rest of my life like an after party. . . relishing in His creation. For me, it’s one of the most important parts of being alive.”
Verlen Kruger’s Influence Continues Today
And in reaching out, you grow, you learn, and you find out you can do things that you’re not sure you can do,”
An annual “Verlen Kruger Award” is bestowed upon a person who has demonstrated an appreciation for paddle sports and has promoted conservation, education and Michigan history. John Bollman is the twenty-nineth recipient. His name will be placed on a perpetual plaque at the foot of the Verlen Kruger statue in Portland, Michigan.
Verlen Kruger Legacy
A fundraising campaign has been started to create and maintain a traveling exhibit of Verlen Kruger with a host space in Michigan. Heading up this adventure are his two daughters, Christine and Mary, along with six of his forty-five grandchildren: Andrea, Jared, Jason, Brian, Stephanie and Scott.
Stretch Beyond Your Comfort Zone And Find Yourself
Just as Verlen Kruger and Peter Frank had explained, a person can learn about themselves by pushing through constraints and trying something new. Stay curious and make memories!
Related Links:
“The Remarkable Valerie Fons” Restless Viking article
Resources:
Verlen Kruger Legacy website
Kruger Canoes website
Never Before/Never Again YouTube Documentary by Phil Pemberton
Quiet Adventures Symposium website
Paddling Magazine “Remembering The Toughest Canoeist” article by Brook Sutton
Alchetron article
Where Is Peter Frank? website
Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Podcast August 2025 Peter Frank: Canoeing the Great Loop
Verlen Kruger Legacy website Contact the decedents through email
