Where to SUP in Minnesota
Paddleboarding in Minnesota is a journey through pristine lakes and winding rivers. With over 10,000 lakes, including the iconic Lake Superior, Minnesota offers endless paddling opportunities. Explore the clear waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or enjoy the calm of Lake Minnetonka. Minnesota's waterways are surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for paddleboarders seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
Now let's discover where to paddle board in Minnesota!
Root River
City
Lanesboro
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Lanesboro
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Root River, flowing through southeastern Minnesota, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Lanesboro provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Root River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Zumbro River
City
Rochester
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Rochester
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Zumbro River, flowing through southeastern Minnesota, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Rochester provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Zumbro River's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Cannon River
City
Northfield
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Northfield
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Cannon River, flowing through southern Minnesota, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Northfield provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Cannon River's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Minnesota.
Lake Harriet
Bandshell Beach
City
Minneapolis
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Minneapolis
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Harriet, located in the heart of Minneapolis, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its calm waters and scenic surroundings. Bandshell Beach provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's peaceful surface, enjoy the stunning city views, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Harriet's natural beauty and urban charm make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Minnesota.
Itasca State Park
Lake Itasca
City
Park Rapids
Type
Lake
Best Time
June-September
Fee
$7 per vehicle
City
Park Rapids
Type
Lake
When To Go
June-September
Fees
$7 per vehicle
Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Lake Itasca provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's serene surface, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Itasca State Park's natural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Vermilion
Armstrong Bay
City
Tower
Type
Lake
Best Time
June-September
Fee
Free
City
Tower
Type
Lake
When To Go
June-September
Fees
Free
Lake Vermilion, located in northeastern Minnesota, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Armstrong Bay provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's numerous bays and inlets, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Vermilion's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Mississippi River
St. Anthony Falls
City
Minneapolis
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Minneapolis
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Mississippi River, flowing through the heart of Minneapolis, offers an urban paddleboarding experience with its scenic route through the city's core. St. Anthony Falls is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the river and stunning city views. Paddleboarders can navigate the river's gentle currents, explore the vibrant riverfront, and enjoy the unique blend of urban and natural scenery. The Mississippi River's accessibility and urban charm make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Minnesota.
St. Croix River
Interstate State Park
City
Taylors Falls
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
$7 per vehicle
City
Taylors Falls
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
$7 per vehicle
The St. Croix River, forming part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination. Interstate State Park, located along the river, provides access to calm waters and stunning rock formations. Paddleboarders can enjoy the river's natural beauty, explore hidden coves, and even spot the occasional bald eagle. The park's amenities and scenic views make it a must-visit location for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Minnetonka
Excelsior Bay
City
Excelsior
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Excelsior
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Minnetonka, located in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, offers a popular paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Excelsior Bay provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake's numerous bays and inlets. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's expansive surface, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Minnetonka's accessibility and natural beauty make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Superior
Duluth Harbor
City
Duluth
Type
Lake
Best Time
June-September
Fee
Free
City
Duluth
Type
Lake
When To Go
June-September
Fees
Free
Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its vast expanse and stunning shoreline. Duluth Harbor is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the lake and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Superior's natural beauty and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Entry Point 30
City
Ely
Type
Lake
Best Time
June-September
Fee
$10 per vehicle
City
Ely
Type
Lake
When To Go
June-September
Fees
$10 per vehicle
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers a pristine paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and remote wilderness setting. Entry Point 30, located near Ely, provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the area's numerous lakes and waterways. Paddleboarders can explore the serene waters, enjoy the untouched natural beauty, and even camp along the shoreline for a multi-day adventure. The Boundary Waters' unique wilderness experience makes it a top destination for paddleboarding in Minnesota.