By Lauren DeGennaro, Outdoor Recreation Planner Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Originally published in our Spring/Summer 2020 print newsletter; repurposed for web in 2021.

A participant paddling on the river during the Paddle with The Ranger Event. They are smiling while wearing sun glasses and it is sunny out while there are trees off on the bank of the river.

Mississippi River Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak program that lets you rent a boat for up to six hours and paddle to a destination downriver. Its sixth season in operation brings new routes and ways to have an on-water experience in the park.

The Nature route starts at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, where paddlers can walk across the first dam on the Mississippi River before setting out. The extended Nature to City route will satisfy adventurers seeking a longer paddle. The 8.4-mile paddle showcases the transition from towering trees and serene wildlife habitat to industrial structures and the Minneapolis skyline. This route and the City route pass a pit-stop dock just south of Lowry Avenue Bridge where paddlers can get out and visit one of several restaurants within walking distance, like The Sample Room, Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge, Fletcher’s Ice Cream, Kieran’s Kitchen Northeast, and Mojo Coffee Gallery.

The new Gorge route runs through the only gorge on the Mississippi River, from Bohemian Flats Park to the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Undeveloped steep bluffs line a deep channel carved out thousands of years ago by a cascading waterfall. This route feels calm and remote despite starting in the heart of the city. To complete the trip, refuel at a nearby restaurant or coffee shop, like the Longfellow Grill, Dairy Queen, The Bungalow Club, Hi-Lo Diner, Dogwood Coffee, or El Norteño.

Someone out on the river kayaking while smiling for the camera.

Paddle With a Ranger on Pickerel Lake is a program perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a more predictable paddle. The fully outfitted program at Lilydale Regional Park in Saint Paul offers instruction for all abilities, with optional adaptive paddling equipment like supported hand adaptations or specialized outriggers for balance. The Pickerel Lake station is a great way to gain more kayaking experience before getting on the river.

Visit the redesigned Paddle Share website to find trip planning resources, updates regarding construction and other events that might impact a route, and a simplified reservation experience. Paddle With a Ranger events will be listed on our website.

New Paddle Share Adventures