Explore Minnesota’s Top 6 Kayaking Destinations

One of the best parts of living in Minnesota is exploring the many beautiful lakes, and one of the very best ways to enjoy the lakes is by kayaking. From relaxing sunset paddles to exhilarating whitewater adventures, check out these six beautiful places to kayak, including rental options.

1. Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis

   One of the most classic spots to kayak is the Chain of Lakes.  What makes this spot so spectacular is there are three lakes (Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake) connected. Along the route are views of downtown Minneapolis, islands, old bridges and a cool canal that connects Cedar Lake to Lake of the Isles. This location is also a great option for beginners and those without kayaks, because you can rent from Wheel Fun Rentals on the Northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska.

2. St. Croix River, Taylors Falls St. Croix River, Taylors Falls

   Scenic is an understatement for how beautiful the Taylors Falls area is to kayak. The St. Croix River runs between rocky cliffs covered in foliage, which makes it spectacular in both summer and fall. Since it’s easier to kayak in one direction on a river, a great option is to rent your watercraft from Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental and flow with the river downstream to Osceola Landing (7 miles) or William O’Brien State Park (17 miles), then take their shuttle back to your car. 

3. St. Louis River, Carlton St. Louis River, Carlton

   For a truly exhilarating kayak experience, try whitewater kayaking on the St. Louis River. If you haven’t gone before, start with an introductory course with Swiftwater Adventures in Carlton – just 15 minutes from Duluth. If water levels are too low (which can result in unsafe whitewater kayaking conditions), Swiftwater Adventures also offers the option of whitewater rafting, which is fun for the whole family.

4. Blue Earth River, Mankato Blue Earth River, Mankato

   In southern Minnesota, a fun kayaking adventure is on the Blue Earth River. Bent River Outfitters offers guided kayak tours that go through a series of small rapids (suitable even for beginners) and near waterfalls.  If you’d rather paddle without a tour, you can also rent kayaks and use their shuttle service. 

5. Lake Itasca Lake Itasca

   At the headwaters of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasca. This glacial lake is a scenic spot to spend an afternoon kayaking, and rentals are available from Itasca Sports in Itasca State Park. 

6. Mississippi River, Minneapolis Mississippi River, Minneapolis

   Whether you’re looking for a city route or a nature route, the Mississippi River has multiple scenic options. Paddle Share makes it easy to reserve a kayak rental and pick it up from a locker with a provided code for the trip. Just leave a car where you plan to finish, or plan some other way back once the kayaking journey is over.  

For additional kayak ideas around Minnesota’s many state parks, check out rental options here. From June through August, many state parks also offer I Can Paddle! programs, which provide an introduction to kayaking for beginners.