This six-mile paddle from Hidden Falls Regional Park to Harriet Island Park takes you along the banks of Coldwater Spring, Fort Snelling State Park, Pike Island, Bdote (the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers), and Crosby Farm Regional Park. In addition to forested areas and wildlife, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Saint Paul skyline at sunset. The park ranger lead tour includes a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.
Meet in the parking lot of Harriet Island Park near the west entrance at 5:30 PM. A shuttle will take you to Hidden Falls Regional Park where you will get a kayak and paddle back to your car / the starting point at Harriet Island Park.
West Entrance and Parking Lot: Closest To Padleford Boats and Wigington Pavilion. Follow Plato Blvd until it ends at Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. Turn right onto Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd and follow into parking lot. Overflow parking is allowed on the uphill side of Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd and on Water Street. Please do not park in the private business lots nearby unless the lot is specifically signed to allow parking.
This event is $35 per person, or $30 for members of Mississippi Park Connection. Learn more about membership here. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@parkconnection.org or call 651.291.8164
Please note: All attendees must be 18+ and able to manuever a kayak on the Mississippi River. There is a significant chance of encountering barge and other commercial traffic in this stretch. Extra caution and experience required. This is a commercial stretch of river. To ensure your safety, please stay close to the bank when passing a large boat that is moving. It is extremely hard for large vessels and tow boats to see small boats such as kayaks and difficult for them to move quickly. When paddling past a boat that is docked, stay at least 100 feet away. When the river is high, currents near large boats can pull small boats under.
Space is limited to 10 people; 8 single kayaks and 1 tandem kayak.