Paddle With A Ranger: Mississippi Gateway (shuttle included) dates: June 18, July 11 (5:30-8:30 PM), August 28 (9:30-12:30 PM)
*Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your program time to ensure parking, using the restroom, walking to the program's start location, and attending the safety briefing. Guides leave promptly at the program's start time--late arrivals may not be accommodated!
Paddle along a quiet, winding stretch of the Mississippi River with a National Park Service rangers and Three Rivers Park District!
This 7.5 mile guided tour takes paddlers from Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to North Mississippi Regional Park. It starts downstream of the Coon Rapids Dam. The towering tree canopy drapes over the riverbank, providing habitat for bald eagles and migratory birds. Paddle through the backwaters to see spiny soft-shelled turtles sunning themselves on logs and driftwood. Keep an eye out for egrets, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, otter, geese, deer, and fox while you relax and enjoy the natural outdoor show.
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.
More Details
Registration includes a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD) rental from Paddle Share. The program is appropriate for experienced kayakers ready to spend more time on the river or the intermediate/advanced kayaker interested in the social atmosphere of paddling with a park ranger. Events happen rain or shine.
Program cancellations due to heavy rain or lightning will be made at least two hours before the scheduled program time. Be prepared for the weather and bring sunscreen, hat, bug spray, rain jacket, snacks, and water. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Due to staffing limitations, we unfortunately cannot accommodate people bringing their own personal boats. Attendees must be able to maneuver a kayak on moving water. The program is not recommended for beginners, and we recommend participants have some paddling experience. The Pickerel Lake Paddle Share station is a great alternative for beginners to improve their techniques.