Mississippi River Paddle Share Program

Don’t have your own kayak but want to get out on the water? No problem! You can rent a kayak via the Mississippi River Paddle Share Program.

With warmer weather coming up, we wanted to remind you all about the Mississippi River Paddle Share program. The 2025 season runs from May 23rd – October 31st.

If you don’t own your own kayak but have kayaked before, the Mississippi River Paddle Share Program is something you may want to check out. You can choose to rent a single-person or tandem kayak.

You’ll choose a specific starting point and reserve your kayak online. Use your access code to unlock your locker at your starting location.

Then put on your life jacket (provided) and use the map inside your kayak to explore the river and navigate to your end location.

Once you’re there, you’ll need to return all the equipment to the locker by closing time (varies).

There are five different routes you can choose from:

• Nature Route
  • Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to North Mississippi Regional Park (7.5 miles, ~2 hours 30 minutes paddle time)
• Nature to City Route
  • River Park (Brooklyn Park) to Boom Island Regional Park (8.5 miles, ~3 hours paddle time)
• City Route
  • North Mississippi Regional Park to Boom Island Regional Park (4 miles, ~1.5 hours paddle time)
• The Gorge Route
  • Bohemian Flats Park to Minneapolis Rowing Club (Lake Street) (3 miles, ~1 hour paddle time)
• Pickerel Lake Station
  • At Lilydale Regional Park (~2 hours paddle time)

Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and your reservation code! They recommend you wear water shoes/sandals and clothes that are OK to get wet.

Consider bringing rain gear or warmer layers as well as insect repellent, a dry bag, sunglasses, and a hat.

Prices vary by day and route but range from $20-$40 for a single kayak and $35-$50 for a tandem kayak.

 

More information on the availability, price and hours of the program can be found here. Reservations can be made up to 21 days in advance.