This guided tour with National Park Service rangers and Three Rivers Park District staff starts just downstream of the Coon Rapids Dam. The towering tree canopy drapes the riverbank on this quiet, winding stretch of the Mississippi River. Keep an eye out for wildlife on your paddle as the natural riverfront, islands, and parks provide habitat along this route. A National Park Service ranger will help interpret your journey. This 7.5-mile paddle from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to North Mississippi Regional Park includes a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.
Free shuttle service back to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park after your paddle is provided by Three Rivers Park District. The paddle BEGINS at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and ENDS at North Mississippi Regional Park near the Carl W. Koening Nature Center. If you choose to not use the shuttle, we recommend bringing a friend and two cars, parking one car at the Carl W. Koenig Nature Center and driving together to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to start your paddle. You may also use rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber, Nice Ride, or take the bus.
Attendees must be 18+ and must be able to maneuver a kayak on the Mississippi River. A person under 18 years old may attend if they are in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household. We recommend that you have at least some paddling experience. The Pickerel Lake Paddle Share station is a great alternative for beginners!
Please note when ordering tickets: double (tandem) kayaks are for 2 people from the same household.
COVID-19 Safety Protocol:
Social Distance: Keep a distance of 6+ feet from anyone who is not a part of your household at the event, including the park ranger.
Avoid touching other participant’s equipment.
Sanitation: The kayak, paddle, and life jacket will be sanitized prior to the event, with CDC-approved cleaning agents. Staff will sanitize the equipment for you after the event so it is ready for the next user.
Participants may choose to wear a mask.