Kayaking in Minneapolis and St. Paul: 13 Best Places to Go (2023)
Are you looking to enjoy some of the beautiful lakes and waterways in Minnesota by going kayaking in Minneapolis?
With over 10,000 lakes in the state of Minnesota, it’s no surprise that Minneapolis has become a popular destination for kayaking enthusiasts of all skill levels
From the large urban lakes in the heart of the city to the serene wilderness areas just outside of the city, Minneapolis offers a lot more opportunities for kayaking than one would think!
I’ve been kayaking since I was just a kid, and I’ve had the great opportunity to explore these excellent places.
In this post, I’m going to share with you some of the best places to launch your kayak and enjoy Minnesota’s nature, without having to go too far from the city.
Best Kayaking Near Minneapolis
1. Bde Maka Ska
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 15 Minutes
As the biggest lake in Minneapolis’s Chain of Lakes, Bde Maka Ska makes for a perfect spot to get out on the water with your kayak.
Enjoy that there aren’t any large speedboats out there making a wake, since only electric boats are allowed on the water.
Of all of the Chain of Lakes, this is definitely the most popular, and there’s no doubt that there will be other people on the water.
Bde Maka Ska was the original name of this lake, before it was changed to Lake Calhoun.
In recent years, the family of the Dakota tribe who originally named it fought hard to have the original name restored, and it was decided in 2017 that it would be changed back to Bde Maka Ska.
Launch your kayak from the northeast part of the lake, where you’ll also find Wheel Fun Rentals, which offers kayak rentals.
2. Snake River
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 1 hour
If you’re a bit more advanced at kayaking and are okay with driving a bit out of the city, consider heading to the Snake River.
The Snake River winds through Mora and Pine City, before crossing the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and connecting with the St. Croix River.
Where you will kayak is part of the Snake River State Water Trail, and you may see wildlife such as river fish, white-tailed deer, and beavers./im
During the spring, the water fluctuates a lot in the river and it can be dangerous when it’s too high, so be sure to check the water levels before setting out.
The areas between Mora and Pine City has fewer rapids and the water is typically calmer.
The Snake River also flows near the Kettle River, from Banning State Park, which both flow into the St. Croix River.
There aren’t any rentals in this area, so you’ll need to make sure you have your own gear.
3. Cannon River
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed:
Distance From Minneapolis: 45 minutes
Cannon River flows through Cannon Falls, before finally merging with the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.
This beautiful scenic river is perfect for any type of floating down the river, including kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing.
You might even be able to spot wildlife as it roams along the side of the river, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and possibly even a black bear, although rare.
Enjoy the sounds of nature around you, and listen as the water flows underneath your kayak and past your paddle.
You can get rentals available at Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike, which is located right in the small city of Cannon Falls.
4. Mississippi River
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance From Minneapolis: 5 minutes
The beautiful Mississippi River starts its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico in northern Minnesota in Park Rapids, but weaves through Minneapolis before passing through.
To kayak the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, you’ll get to experience one of the most important waterways in the entire country!
You’ll also get to enjoy a new perspective of the city’s skyline from the water, and there are many great restaurants and coffee shops to check out along the way.
It can be more challenging to paddle on a river than a lake, due to the moving current, but it’s still doable! You’ll just need a plan to get back to your starting point.
You can launch a kayak in a few places along the Mississippi, with East River Flats Park near the University of Minnesota is a good option.
There aren’t any rentals along the river, so if you don’t have your own equipment, you’ll want to choose one of the other locations.
5. Rum River
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 30 minutes
A float down the Rum River State Water Trail makes for a great way to spend a summer day in Minnesota.
It flows south from around the Mille Lacs area, down in through the Twin Cities area, before merging with the Mississippi River in Anoka.
It goes through locations like Cambridge, Isanti, and St. Francis.
One of the best routes to take is to start at the Martin’s Landing public access in Isanti, and paddle for about 11 miles before ending near the Rum River North County Park.
There are also boat launches near the Rum River Central Regional Park, which is only about 30 minutes away from Minneapolis.
6. Vermillion River
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 30 minutes
Different from the rest of the places for kayaking in Minneapolis, the Vermillion River State River Trail is located south of the Twin Cities, about 30 minutes away.
Escape the busyness of the city by embarking on a float down the beautiful Vermillion River, which is surrounded by lush trees.
The river flows pretty slowly, so it’s a little easier to paddle down than some of the other, faster rivers.
You can launch anywhere along the river that is on public land, but the best places are just downstream of Highway 52.
If you’re looking for some great kayaking in the Twin Cities, this is the perfect location for you.
7. Lake Harriet
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 20 minutes
As part of the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, Lake Harriet is situated right in the middle of the city and offers great summer recreation.
Launch your kayak near Lake Harriet Bandshell Park, where you’ll also find a beach and a stage where concerts and movies are played during the summer months.
Because this is a city lake, you won’t find any gas-powered motors on this lake, so you don’t have to worry as much about the wake of boats.
Although you still should stay along the shoreline to avoid any boats with electric trolling motors sneaking up on you.
If you don’t have your own equipment, make a stop at Wheel Fun Rentals, which offers kayak rentals.
8. St. Croix River
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance From Minneapolis: 1 hour
Perhaps one of the most beautiful places for kayaking near Minneapolis is along the St. Croix River.
It’s truly a breathtaking experience that offers unparalleled views of the stunning river bluffs and beautiful scenery.
As you paddle down the river, you’ll be immersed in the tranquil surroundings of lush greenery and the towering cliffs that drop into the river.
The river bluffs provide a dramatic backdrop, and during the fall months, the changing colors of the trees make for a picturesque view.
You can launch your kayak in a few places, including the Osceola Boat Launch, William O’Brien State Park, Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, and near Stillwater.
9. Lake Como
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Another location that is near Minneapolis that is great for kayaking and canoeing is Lake Como in St. Paul.
Right across the Mississippi River from Minneapolis is the capital city of Minnesota, St. Paul.
This is a smaller lake, and is right near the ever-popular Como Park, which is home to a zoo, golf course, pool, and small amusement park.
Beautiful walking paths surround the lake, so you may see many people wandering around the lake on warm days.
You can launch your kayak from near the Como Lake Pavillion, which also has a variety of fishing and boat docks.
There are rentals, from Wheel Fun Rentals, just on the shore of the lake, so you can be sure to grab one if you don’t have your own.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced kayaker, this is a great place for kayaking in Minneapolis.
10. Minnehaha Creek
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 30 minutes
The Minnehaha Creek is a beautiful body of water that flows right through Minneapolis and turns into the fantastic Minnehaha Falls.
It starts at Lake Minnetonka and flows until it reaches Minnehaha Falls, which is one of the most popular places for hiking.
As one of the most popular waterfalls in the entire state, you’ll most definitely want to stop and see the falls before you call it a day.
On the river, you’ll wind through dense wetlands and neighborhoods right in the city.
You can launch right from Lake Minnetonka, and then travel for as long as you’d like down the stream.
Rentals are also available near Lake Minnetonka, in Wayzata and Excelsior.
11. Lake Nokomis
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance From Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Located just a short distance from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a visit to Lake Nokomis is a great way to spend a summer day, kayaking in the Twin Cities.
There are often many people out on the walking paths, as they surround the lake.
While you’re on the water, enjoy the lush greenery of the trees encompassing the area, and you’ll be surprised that you’re still so close to the Twin Cities!
If you have your own equipment, there is a specific spot to launch your kayak on the northern part of the lake called the Lake Nokomis Kayak Launch.
You can rent a kayak from Wheel Fun Rentals, right on the shores of the western part of the lake, and you’ll be able to launch right from the beach.
12. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance From Minneapolis: 30 minutes
Just 30 minutes south of Minneapolis, in Eagan, is Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which offers some nice kayaking.
Within the park, there are several small lakes that you can kayak or paddleboard on, and they can all be reached via trails or through the parking lots.
At Jensen Lake within the park, there is a specific kayak and canoe launch point.
You could also kayak on Schulze Lake or McDonough Lake, which are both located near the visitor center.
You can grab a rental during the summer months from the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, so if you don’t have your own, don’t worry!
It’s the perfect way to escape some of the city, without having to drive more than an hour away.
13. Lake Minnetonka
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance From Minneapolis: 40 minutes
As the largest lake in the vicinity of Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s no surprise that a day spent kayaking on Lake Minnetonka is a day well spent.
It is a short drive to reach the lake, but you’ll be glad that you took it, since it’s such a nice lake!
Because this lake is so large, it is very popular and you’ll likely see many others on it, including kayakers, paddleboarders, and motorboats.
You can either bring your own gear or grab a rental from either Wai Nani in Excelsior or Wayzata, or at Bay Rentals in Mound.
Wai Nani will allow you to launch from either Excelsior Bay or Wayzata Bay, while Bay Rentals can be launched from Cooks Bay.
Where to Rent Kayaks in the Twin Cities
If you don’t have your own equipment but still want to get out for some kayaking in the Twin Cities, then check out these rental locations around the area.
- Wheel Fun Rentals: Locations at Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, & Lake Como
- Wai Nini: Locations in Excelsior & Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka
Can I Go Kayaking in the Twin Cities?
Yes, there are many places to go kayaking down near the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, because of how many lakes are in Minnesota.
A few of the best lakes include Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Bde Maka Ska, and Como Lake.
You can also kayak on some of the rivers, including the Mississippi, Cannon River, and the Rum River.
What Do I Need to Go Kayaking?
There isn’t a whole lot of gear that’s required to get out and go kayaking, but there are a few important things that you’ll need.
Here are the top pieces of equipment that you should have to get on the water.
- Kayak: Of course, you’ll need the watercraft itself.
- Paddle: You’ll need a double-sided paddle.
- Life Jacket: Minnesota law states that everyone on board needs a life jacket either on their body or in the boat. Children under 10 are required to wear it.
- Dry Bag: Bring a dry bag to keep any personal belongings you have with you dry.
FAQs
If your kayak is over 10 feet long, you will need to obtain registration. If it is below that length, there is no need to register it.
You can kayak on almost any of the lakes near Minneapolis, as long as they have public access. A few of the best include Lake Nokomis, Lake Harriet, and Bde Maka Ska.
Yes, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Mississippi River. There are a few launch spots, but near East River Flats Park is a popular location.
It’s best to choose a lake that has minimal boat traffic and that has a nice launching spot. It’s also best to go when there aren’t a lot of waves, as it can be harder to stay afloat with waves.
You can hike alone, as long as you’re wearing a USCG-approved life jacket. You also should always tell someone that you trust where you’re going to be. It can be a nice activity for solo travelers in Minneapolis.
Wrap-Up: Kayaking Twin Cities
With numerous lakes and rivers to explore, kayaking is a perfect way to enjoy the city’s picturesque surroundings while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, there are plenty of rental options and places to go to make the most of your adventure.
So if you’re looking for a nice way to enjoy the warm Minnesota weather, be sure to give kayaking in Minneapolis a try at these locations.
