Flat Water Paddling in Minneapolis, MN

Only an hour from the Twin Cities, the scenic and recreational Cannon River Water Trail offers over 80 miles of flat water. Perfect for a day retreat or a weekend get-a-way.

Minneapolis may be a metropolis, but with a 13-mile circuit of interconnected lakes just 15 minutes southwest of downtown, you will forget you are in a bustling city. During a warm and sunny summer day, paddling the Chain of Lakes circuit is a must-do either solo or with the whole family.

Starting from Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek offers paddlers a relaxing 22-mile stretch of flat water that leads all the way to the Twin Cities.

Lake Minnetonka is one of the best lakes in the Twin Cities for recreational paddling. You will enjoy your time on Minnetonka’s calm waters whether it be with a canoe, kayak, or SUP.

If you want to do some portaging, but don’t have the time to drive five hours north to the BWCA, then head on over to Lebanon Hill’s Regional Park for its 2.5-mile canoeing route.

The 42 mile-stretch of the Rum River from Cambridge to Anoka offers wide, deep waters either for hard paddling or sitting back and letting the current take you.

The Root River Water Trail is a calm stretch of flat water that meanders through towering bluffs and floodplain forest.

Roaring through both Minneapolis and St. Paul, you don’t have to go far for one of the best flat water paddling routes found in the Twin Cities.

North of St. Paul, you can find the 9-mile long Upper Rice Creek water trail that meanders through the scenic Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park