Where to Kayak, Paddleboard, and Rent Gear Around the Twin Cities
Summer is the perfect time to go out on the lake, and if you live in the Twin Cities, you have plenty of lakes to choose from. There are thousands of beautiful spots near Minneapolis homes for sale and St. Paul homes for sale where you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Here are a few we like.
Twin Cities Kayaking and Paddleboarding Adventures
Phalen Regional Park - St. Paul, MN
1600 Phalen Drive, St. Paul, MN 55106
The only motors allowed on the lake in Phalen Regional Park are electric, so there's no wake to worry about. You can paddle around the 198-acre lake, or continue through the channel toward Round Lake and Keller Lake. It's also a great place for fishing or a swim, and a perfect spot for a family gathering, with amenities like:
- Picnic shelters and pavilions
- BBQ grills
- Fire pit
If you just want to focus on the water, there are watercraft rentals and sailing lessons available. It's a beautiful area for a quiet day trip.
Lake Nokomis Park - Minneapolis, MN
4955 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Lake Nokomis Park is a beautiful, 400-acre park with over 200 acres of water. You can rent a kayak, canoe, boat, paddleboard, or even a bike. There are also two fishing piers at the north and south ends of the lake. Or it's a great place just to walk around, with walking paths, public art installations, a decorative fountain, and a Little Free Library.
Hidden Falls Regional Park - St. Paul, MN
1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St. Paul, MN 55116
The view of the small, spring-fed waterfall at Hidden Falls Regional Park is worth the trip by itself, especially after recent rain. There are several paved trails to reach it, great for running, hiking, and cycling. Plus, a set of stairs provides a scenic view of the falls from above. There are great boating opportunities, too! The park is right on the Mississippi River, with a boat launch from which you can paddle downstream. There are also several picnic tables, with barbecue grills and electrical outlets.
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park - Minneapolis, MN
Shorelines of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, MN
There are plenty of paddling opportunities at Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The area encompasses a total of five lakes, with Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Bde Maka Ska connected by canals for a longer paddling route. There are canoe launches at Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, Lake of the Isles, and Bde Maka Ska, and a boat launch on Lake Harriet. Plus sports facilities, including:
- Soccer field
- Tennis court
- Volleyball court
There are also scenic walks through Lyndale Park Gardens and Roberts Bird Sanctuary, as well as a place for pets at Lake of the Isles Dog Park.
Fort Snelling State Park - St. Paul, MN
101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55111
Located right on the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, Fort Snelling State Park offers river access for experienced paddlers, along with calmer paddling on Snelling Lake. There are several boat launches on the river, plus trails to:
- Gun Club Lake
- Snelling Lake
- Pike Island
And there's a ranger station that sells firewood. The area is also a historic site, where you can visit the Dakota Memorial or the beautiful Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel.
Your Twin Cities Home Awaits
There's plenty to explore in the Twin Cities, in summer and throughout the year! Call today if you're ready to make your new home here.