
Sunday, September 26 is World Rivers Day. It's an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our local rivers and streams, and there's no better way to mark the occasion than by taking a paddling trip in the Twin Cities.
We're blessed to live in a part of the world where numerous world-class rivers and streams are practically at our doorstep. If you're looking for a great place to kayak in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, look no further!
- Minnesota River - 101 Snelling Lake Rd., Saint Paul, MN 55111
The Minnesota River flows over 300 miles across nearly the entire state of Minnesota before eventually emptying into the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. It's a gentle and placid river throughout much of the year, and sections of it are protected as Wild and Scenic River. Needless to say, there's a lot of great kayaking along the way. If you're looking for a paddling spot convenient to these St. Paul homes for sale, check out the beautiful Fort Snelling State Park, which includes ample river access near the Minnesota River's confluence with the Mississippi.
- Mississippi River - 4801 S. Minnehaha Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55417
The Mississippi River is a vast waterway that courses through the heart of the Twin Cities. It offers a lot of great kayaking, though visitors should be advised that caution is always required, not only because of the size of the river but the size of the boats one must share it with. Still, there are great options near these Minneapolis homes for sale. One of the city's great outdoor playgrounds is Minnehaha Regional Park, which spans 170 acres along the river, with hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and plenty of room to launch a kayak on the mighty Mississippi.
- Lower St. Croix River - 16821 O'Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
The St. Croix River meanders along the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's an easily navigable stream, and its lower reaches are especially good for paddling, with beautiful forest scenery and no significant rapids. There are a lot of great places to get on the water here, but William O'Brien State Park is a favorite, with abundant river frontage where you can easily launch kayaks. The park is just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities and is also known for excellent walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.
- Crow River - 12595 Park Dr., Rogers, MN 55374
A great river for beginners and novice kayakers, the Crow River twists and turns through forests and farmlands west of the Twin Cities. It's a designated Wild and Scenic River, and sightings of bald eagles and great blue herons are common along its banks. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve is a favorite put-in on the Crow River. From there, it's a 15-mile paddle downstream to the Crow/Dayton Public Water Access, where the Crow River meets the Mississippi. The Reserve is just 40 minutes from Minneapolis.
- Rum River - 23100 Rum River Blvd. NW, St. Francis, MN 55070
The 151-mile Rum River curls snake-like across Minnesota, beginning at Mille Lacs Lake and eventually feeding the Mississippi River about 30 minutes from Downtown Minneapolis. The water is clear and clean, and the riverbanks are almost entirely lined with picturesque forest. Rum River North County Park is a great place to get on the water. From here, it's about 13 river miles downstream to a take-out spot in Rum River Central Regional Park.
The Twin Cities are a hub of not only art, music, and culture but also outdoor adventure. At Counselor Realty, where's here to help you get started on your own adventure. Call today to learn more about life in Minneapolis and Saint Paul!