Paddle Boarding in Minneapolis: 11 Best Places to Go (2023)
One of the best ways to enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful waterways this summer is to go paddle boarding in Minneapolis.
Paddle boarding is a fun and unique way to explore the lakes and rivers of the Twin Cities, providing a different perspective of the city’s skyline and surrounding scenery.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Minneapolis has a variety of locations and rental options for paddle boarding, making it an enjoyable activity for everyone.
Let’s go over some of the best places to get out and go paddling in and around the Twin Cities!
Where to Go Paddle Boarding in Minneapolis
Below are some of the very best places to go paddle boarding in the Twin Cities, including where to rent nearby and where to launch!
1. Lake Harriet
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance from Minneapolis: 20 minutes
Lake Harriet is one of the most popular lakes for paddle boarding in Minneapolis, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting for paddlers to explore, without having to leave the city.
It’s located near Uptown Minneapolis and is part of the Chain of Lakes, which is made up of a few of the largest lakes in the city.
You can launch your paddleboard from a few points around the lake, including from Lake Harriet Bandshell Park.
There are also rentals available from Wheel Fun Rentals near the park. You can choose to rent them for either half, full day, or hourly.
During the summer, you can watch movies and music in the park at Lake Harriet Bandshell, which is a great activity after dark.
Gas-powered motor boats aren’t allowed on Lake Harriet, so you’re typically in the clear from waves, but still watch out for boats with electric motors.
2. Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun)
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
If you’re looking for a nice peaceful lake to visit within a short drive of Minneapolis, head to Bde Maka Ska.
This lake has some great history, as it was originally named Bde Maka Ska, then it was changed to Lake Calhoun, and now, the original name has been restored.
Though this lake was once called Lake Calhoun, the family of the Dakota tribe who once named it worked to restore the name, to properly teach the people of Minneapolis the history of the Dakota.
Because this lake is within the city limits, no gas-powered motorboats are allowed on it, so you won’t have to worry about hitting their waves while paddling!
There might still be boats on the water if they have electric motors, but no gas-powered motors are allowed.
Bde Maka Ska is just beautiful, and you’ll be surprised that you’re still within the city of Minneapolis.
You can grab a rental board from Wheel Fun Rentals on the Northeast side of the lake, and launch right from there!
3. Christmas Lake
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 30 minutes
Located over in Excelsior, just south of Lake Minnetonka, is Christmas Lake.
If you’re missing out on the holiday season during the summer months, maybe a trip to Christmas Lake will help you feel a bit more festive.
This nice lake lets you escape the busyness of some of the other lakes on this list, since most of them are so popular.
Chrismas Lake is a bit smaller but still offers beautiful, clear water to paddle on and enjoy the warm, Minnesota weather.
The best place to launch from is on the northwest side of the lake, where you’ll find the Christmas Lake public boat launch.
There aren’t any rentals available here, so you’ll need to be sure to bring your own.
Also be sure to watch for motorboats, since boat traffic is allowed on the lake!
4. Mississippi River
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 5 minutes
The Mississippi River runs right through Minneapolis, and goes past some of the best attractions in the city.
You can paddle along the river and gain a new perspective of these attractions, as well as the beautiful city skyline.
The river is one of the most significant waterways in North America and provides a picturesque setting for paddlers to explore.
With the rushing waters of the river, paddle boarding on the Mississippi is more challenging than on some of the calmer lakes in the area, but it is an experience that is well worth the effort.
You can launch at the East River Flats Park and paddle for about 5 miles, ending around Hidden Falls Regional Park.
5. Lake Minnetonka
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 40 minutes
As one of the largest lakes in the Minneapolis area, getting out and paddleboarding on Lake Minnetonka is quite the experience, and one of the best places for paddle boarding in the Twin Cities.
Launch your board out into the sparkling waters of Lake Minnetonka and enjoy the breathtaking shoreline and surrounding landscape.
The lake is part of a very large chain, including many smaller lakes and bays, all interconnected by riverways.
The most popular places to launch are within Wayzata Bay or Excelsior Bay.
Since this is a pretty large lake, it can sometimes be susceptible to strong winds and the waves can become large. So always use caution! Boat traffic is also allowed.
You can rent a SUP in either Excelsior or Wayzata at Wai Nani, and the rental prices are based on the hours you spend out on the water.
Rentals are also available at Bay Rentals, which is located in Mound, just off of Cooks Bay.
6. Cedar Lake
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance from Minneapolis: 10 minutes
As another part of the Chain of Lakes, paddle boarding on Cedar Lake makes for an easy way to get out on the water without having to leave the city.
Enjoy the views of the lush trees surrounding the water, with towering buildings peeking out above the treeline.
There are three public beaches around the perimeter, including on the east, west, and south ends of the lake.
You can launch your paddle board from any of these places, and take a dip into the cool water at the same time!
Again, since this is a city lake, you won’t find any gas-powered motors on the lake, only those with electric trolling motors.
You can rent a board from Wheel Fun Rentals at the northeast tip of Bde Maka Ska, and head on over into Cedar Lake, by using the canals that connect the two lakes.
If you take this route, you’ll also end up crossing through Lake of the Isles.
7. St. Croix River
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour
Although the St. Croix River is located a short drive from Minneapolis, about one hour away, it’s one of the most beautiful places to go.
You’ll kayak along the beautiful river bluffs of the St. Croix, which makes for a gorgeous experience.
Launch your SUP near Taylors Falls, which is home to Interstate State Park.
There’s a launching point at the Osceola Boat Landing, and you can follow the river for about 8 miles until you reach William O’Brien State Park.
Another option is to launch near Interstate State Park, and travel to either Osceola Landing (6 miles) or all the way to William O’Brien State Park (14 miles).
The closest place for renting a kayak near the St. Croix River is in Stillwater at St. Croix Stand Up Paddleboard Co.
8. White Bear Lake
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 25 minutes
White Bear Lake is the large, namesake lake of the town of White Bear Lake, just about 25 minutes Northeast of Minneapolis.
Enjoy getting away from some of the crowds on the Chain of Lakes and head just a bit north for your day spend paddling on the water.
There do tend to be quite a few boats on this lake though, so try to stay close to the shoreline and watch out for boat traffic!
At Tally’s Dockside on the eastern side of the lake, you’ll find SUP rentals, which you can take out by the hour for a set price.
9. Lake Nokomis
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Lake Nokomis is a very popular lake in southern Minneapolis, just a few minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The beautiful lake is surrounded by trees and walking paths, so you’ll often see people out going for a morning or evening stroll.
Launch your board at the Lake Nokomis Kayak Launch on the northern side of the lake. It’s nice to have a specific launch for human-powered watercrafts, so you don’t have to worry about the wake of boats.
It’s another city lake, so again, no gas-powered boats here! But still, be sure to stay along the shoreline to watch out for electric-powered boats.
Wheel Fun Rentals also has a location at Lake Nokomis, so if you don’t have your own SUP, you can get a paddle board rental from them!
10. Lake of the Isles
Rentals Available: Yes
Motor Boats Allowed: No
Distance from Minneapolis: 10 minutes
Another part of the Chain of Lakes, Lake of the Isles connects Bde Maka Ska to Cedar Lake.
This lake is smaller than the others, but offers a nice place to escape the crowds that often congregate on Bde Maka Ska.
While you’re paddling, you can actually connect these three lakes through a variety of canals and riverways, so you can experience all of them in one day.
You can launch your board from the northern side of the lake, where you’ll find a public launching point.
There aren’t any rentals on Lake of the Isles itself, but you can head on over to Wheel Fun Rentals on the Northeastern side of Bde Maka Ska and grab a rental board there.
11. Chisago Lake
Rentals Available: No
Motor Boats Allowed: Yes
Distance from Minneapolis: 40 minutes
If you’re looking for a less crowded place to get out on the water and go paddle boarding near Minneapolis, then head to Chisago Lake.
Found in the small town of Chisago City, just northeast of Forest Lake, this large lake is interconnected with multiple other beautiful lakes.
The area around Chisago City is known as the ‘Chisago Lakes’ district and is only about a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis.
As you meander along the shores of Chisago Lake, you might spot wildlife like sandhill cranes, loons, or beavers.
If the weather is warm, be sure to take a dip in the water! Just watch out for boats, as motorized vehicles are allowed on the lake.
Where to Rent Paddle Boards in the Twin Cities
There are many places to rent paddle boards around the Minneapolis area, many of which are just around the corner from the lakes!
If you’re looking to get out and do some paddle boarding in Minneapolis but don’t have your own board, check out these locations.
- Wheel Fun Rentals: Locations on Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Lake Como, Bde Maka Ska
- Wai Nani: Location near Lake Minnetonka
- Minnesota Mermaid: Location in Prior Lake
- St. Croix SUP Co.: Location in Stillwater
Where Can I Paddle Board in Minneapolis?
With over 10,000 lakes in the entire state of Minnesota and over 20 alone in Minneapolis, there are plenty of places to get on the water.
One of the most popular locations for paddle boarding is Lake Calhoun (otherwise known as Bde Maka Ska), which offers calm and clear waters and stunning views of the city skyline.
Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis are also popular spots for paddle boarding, with picturesque shorelines and ample space to explore.
You can also paddle along the Mississippi River, which runs right through the city.
Where Can I Paddle Board in Minnesota?
There is no shortage of where to go paddle boarding in the state of Minnesota, with so many amazing lakes scattered around the state.
Near the Twin Cities, you can head to Lake Minnetonka, Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, or Lake Nokomis to get on a paddleboard.
The St. Croix River is also beautiful, running through the river bluffs along the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Up in the northern part of the state, Lake Superior is a beautiful place to go when the waves are calm.
You can really almost kayak on any lake that you like, as long as there’s a public access point.
What Do I Need to Go Paddle Boarding?
There really isn’t a whole lot of gear that you need to get out and go paddle boarding, but a few things are required for safety.
First, you’ll of course need your stand-up paddleboard and a paddle. If you have your own, great! If not, rent one from a local outfitter.
Secondly, you’ll need a US Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket. This is Minnesota law. It should be either on the boat or worn, but children under 10 must wear it.
Third, it’s recommended to have a leash for your board. This straps to your ankle and keeps the board attached to you if you fall off.
Fourth, if your board is over 10 feet long, it must be registered in the state of Minnesota.
Lastly, you might want to carry a dry bag with any of your personal belongings. Whether that be your phone, water bottle, car keys, etc. I recommend leaving it in the car, but if you need to bring it, pack a dry back to keep it safe!
FAQs
If your paddleboard is under 10 feet long, then no registration is required. However, if it is over 10 feet, then you must register it before heading out on the water.
Yes, you can go paddle boarding in the Twin Cities in many locations. Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake Minnetonka, and the Mississippi River are all great places to go.
Yes, it is Minnesota law to have a USCG-approved life jacket on board or worn for every person on the board. And children under the age of 10 must be wearing their life jacket. I personally recommend just wearing it anyways. It won’t do you much good just sitting in the boat!
Yes, you can paddle board on almost any lake, as long as it isn’t private land and there’s a public access point.
You should really only launch your paddle board near public landings or beaches. Trying to launch from weedy areas, off of an incline, or on private land is never a good idea.
Yes, you can paddleboard alone. But you should always wear a life jacket and let someone that you trust know where you’ll be. Also, be sure to check out the weather conditions to ensure they’re safe. But, it is best to go with someone else for safety reasons, especially if you’re a beginner.
Yes, paddle boarding is great exercise. You’ll use your core, arms, and legs during a paddle.
Wrap-Up: Paddle Boarding Minneapolis
Going paddle boarding in Minneapolis is a fantastic way to experience the city’s beautiful lakes and rivers.
With numerous locations to choose from and various rental options available, it’s an easy and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and skill levels.
And with so many great places to go within just a short distance of the Twin Cities, it makes for one of the best summer activities.
So grab a board and paddle, and get ready to explore the stunning waterways of this vibrant city.
