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!

Kelpie SUP

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.