Brochure from the MINNESOTA TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER
Minnesota's thousands of miles of canoe rivers offer a tremendous variety of experiences, in terms of scenery as well as the degree of canoeing skill required. Waterways range from broad, placid rivers to rocky gorges with challenging stretches of whitewater, set among dense pine forests, gentle prairies, steep, hardwood-covered bluffs and lush farm country.
Each of the three seasons of canoeing offers its own particular charms. In the spring, signs of emerging life are everywhere, from songbirds and other wildlife to blooming wildflowers and budding greenery. In summer, the cool, inviting waters flow through the lush, green warmth of the days. The pleasant crispness of fall is accompanied by the visual drama of oak, aspen and maple leaves turning color to signal the coming winter.
Canoe camping is possible on most of the rivers. Designated campsites have a fire ring, pit toilet, and table. Most do not provide pumped water. Wilderness rivers do not have as many designated campsites and, therefore, good backcountry camping skills are required. In remote areas it may be difficult to get help in emergencies, and canoeists should have good wilderness survival skills.
All the rivers listed in this guide have been designated as canoe and boating routes by the state (except for the Vermilion, a National Forest River), and are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Accesses, campsites, portages and rest areas are provided and maintained on these rivers by the DNR as well as by county and local governments.
Detailed, pocket-sized maps of state-designated rivers are available free from the DNR, providing mile-by-mile information including accesses, campsites, towns, road crossings, rapids, portages and other information. For maps or other information on these rivers, call the DNR at the phone numbers listed on the back of this brochure.
State-Designated Canoe Routes
This brochure briefly describes some of Minnesota's most popular canoe rivers, and lists canoe rental, shuttle and trip outfitting businesses that serve those rivers. Only rivers directly served by such businesses have been included, although other rivers throughout the state offer excellent opportunities for recreational canoeing.
Canoeists seeking a wilderness lakes environment might consider the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, a million-acre network of pristine lakes and portages (foot paths between lakes) in Superior National Forest.
For a free Boundary Waters brochure, contact the Minnesota Travel Information Center at 800- 657-3700, or 296-5029 in the Twin Cities area.
Weekly water level reports are prepared for designated canoe rivers by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The reports note whether the water levels are sufficient for canoeing or whether they are dangerously deep and swift. To hear these reports, call the DNR Information Center number listed on the back of this brochure.
All the rivers listed in this guide have been designated as canoe and boating routes by the state (except for the Vermilion, a National Forest River), and are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Accesses, campsites, portages and rest areas are provided and maintained on these rivers by the DNR as well as by county and local governments.
Only major recreational rivers served by canoe rental, shuttle or trip outfitting businesses are included in this listing, although other rivers throughout the state offer excellent opportunities for recreational canoeing.
Detailed, pocket-sized maps of state- designated rivers (including several not listed in this brochure) are available free from the DNR, providing mile-by-mile information including accesses, campsites, towns, road crossings, rapids, portages and other information.
State-designated canoe rivers are maintained to provide safe and enjoyable canoeing experiences. Weather factors, such as high winds or heavy rainfall, may create hazardous conditions on some river stretches. If you should encounter a safety problem, please contact the DNR Trails and Waterways Unit or the local county sheriff.
Choose a canoe route that does not exceed your skill level. A novice is someone with little or no canoeing experience, but with the ability to swim in most water conditions. An intermediate has some experience in canoeing and instruction in canoeing skills, is able to handle Class I and II rapids easily, and can negotiate large bodies of water. An expert has had extensive instruction and experience in canoeing under a variety of situations, and is able to negotiate difficult rapids (Class II and up) and large bodies of water. Expert canoeists also know emergency and rescue procedures.
Obtain maps and water level information before your trip. Water levels change the conditions on rivers in short periods of time; call the DNR Information Center to get an up-to-date report on the river you plan to visit.
Use a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device; state law requires that one be accessible in the canoe for each person on board. (Wet suits and helmets are recommended for canoeists and kayakists in rough whitewater.) Bring a spare paddle.
Scout rapids. Stop upstream of rapids, get out of the canoe and survey the river for hidden dangers and possible routes through the rapids. When in doubt, portage it out.
Always portage around dams. Canoeists have drowned trying to canoe over small dams during high water. What looks like an easy whitewater drop over the dam is an extreme hazard for canoeists. These dams create a strong recirculating current that can trap even strong swimmers wearing life vests below the surface.
Be prepared. Some stretches of river are remote, with a high frequency of fallen trees or other debris that can be trickier to navigate than rapid s.
>From Dora Lake to Rainy River on the Canadian Border; 165 miles. Quiet upper section amid wild rice marsh and tamaracks. From Big Fork to Big Falls, Class I and II rapids along densely wooded banks and rock outcroppings. Wilderness campsites. Not recommended for canoeing in high water.
>From 10th Crow Wing Lake near Akely to Mississippi River; 110 miles. Popular sandy-bottomed river for novice canoeists. A chain of lakes in headwaters gives way to a gentle river cutting through lush forest and marshes. Numerous campsites along route, small towns.
>From Hwy. 27 near Moose Lake to the St. Croix River; 55 miles. Wild and scenic river with densely forested banks. Intermittent class I rapids above Banning State Park suitable for novices, expert whitewater skills needed southward to Sandstone, then class I-II rapids below suitable for intermediate paddlers.
>From Lake Itasca to Anoka; 536 miles. From Itasca to Bemidii, wilderness river ideal for novice to intermediate canoeists; a few small rapids. South of Bemidii, good river for novice canoeing, although canoeists should be cautious on the large lakes. Those running the Sauk Rapids above St. Cloud should exercise caution as well.
>From Mille Lacs Lake (Mille Lacs Kathio State Park) to the Mississippi River at Anoka; 145 miles. Excellent novice route lined with pine and hardwood forests, except for periodic Class I and II rapids from Mille Lacs to Princeton. Several dam portages.
Above William O'Brien State Park; 140 miles. National Scenic Riverway offers wilderness-like canoeing close to Twin Cities. North of Taylors Falls, clear, shallow waters swiftly flow past heavily wooded banks, many campsites, requires novice to intermediate skills; rapids near St. Croix State Park require intermediate skill. One- mile portage through dam and rapids at Taylors Falls. Class II-IV rapids below dam require expert whitewater skills. Broad waters in bluffs region beyond requires novice skills, some motorboats.
>From Vermilion to Crane Lake; 39 miles. Long quiet stretches interrupted by rapids ranging from Class I-VI, many of which must be portaged. Flows between Superior National Forest and Kabetogama State Forest, wilderness areas with pine forests and marshy shores, scenic falls and gorge. Good route for both expert canoeists and novices careful to portage around rapids.
>From Lake Koronis to Mississippi River near Dayton; 126 miles. Suitable for novice canoeists with some class l rapids and dam portages. Watch for fallen trees, sharp bends in river. Above Kingston, river is small, shallow, winds through prairie, farmland and wooded lowlands. Lower portion broader, meanders through wooded floodplain. Many campsites in Wright County. Excellent day trip.
>From Anoka to Hastings; 57 miles. Section passes through Twin Cities, nonetheless offers very scenic and interesting canoeing. From Anoka to Minneapolis, countryside gives way to city. Spectacular wooded bluffs line the river downstream from downtown Minneapolis, and except for the bridges, the city does not intrude on the river. Canoes can pass through locks. Appropriate for novice canoeists, but skill and caution required near barge and boat traffic and going through locks.
>From Hwy. 13 bridge west of Sakatah Lake to Mississippi River north of Red Wing; 80 miles. Three man-made lakes, several dam portages. Twists and turns through rolling farmland, wooded valleys, and a deep picturesque gorge with rocky bluffs more than 250 feet above the river. Some class I rapids, good for novice canoeists except during high water.
>From Chatfield to the Mississippi River south of La Crescent; 90 miles. Hardwood forests, high limestone bluffs, and wooded pastures. Class I rapids can be negotiated by novices, although high water levels may require greater skill.
Class I: Easy, small waves, few obstructions.
Class II: Rapids with waves up to three feet high. Some maneuvering is required.
Class III: Difficult rapids with high, irregular waves capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow chutes may require extensive maneuvering. Usually considered the limit for an experienced paddler in an open canoe.
Class IV: Long, turbulent rapids with high, Irregular waves, constricted passages and blind drops. Decked canoes and kayaks only; open canoes should be portaged. Class V: Long, violent rapids with complex routes and steep drops or waterfalls. Hazard to life in the event of a mishap. Runnable only by experts in decked boats. Class VI: Cannot be attempted without great risk to life. Note: High water levels can make Some rapids far more treacherous.
All canoes used on Minnesota waters must be licensed, whether they are owned by a Minnesota resident or a resident of another state. A Minnesota canoe license costs $7, with an additional $3 surcharge for Eurasian milfoil control, and is valid for three years; validation decals must be placed on the canoe. The license is available from any local motor vehicle deputy registrar (the same office that issues vehicle license tabs) or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Those visiting from other states with a canoe license from their own state do not need to purchase a Minnesota canoe license; their own state's canoe license is valid for 90 days in Minnesota. Those from states that do not require a canoe license are required to purchase a Minnesota license to use their canoe in Minnesota waters.
For more information on canoe licenses contact the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55146, 612/296-2316, or toll- free from Minnesota 800-285-2000 (ask for the DNR).
This listing includes canoe rental, shuttle and trip outfitting business serving Minnesota's livers. The listing is not all-inclusive, but lists those who responded to an offer to be listed in the brochure for a small fee. The Minnesota Office of Tourism does not review or rate such businesses, and inclusion in this brochure does not constitute an endorsement.
Base on Crow Wing just north of Nimrod with canoe and camping equipment, shuttle services, riverside campsites, trips from a few hours to a week.
Personalized service with canoe trips tailored to individual or group, including instructions, camp set-up, food on request, or just canoe rental (Grumman or Alumacraft).
Complete/partial outfitting & shuttle service for 75-mile route. Supplies available along route. One- to five-day trips. Personal service, free parking, map, basic instructions available.
218/372-3993 612/333-5747 (from Twin Cities) On Kettle River, canoe rentals from a few hours to several weeks, shuttle service available at reasonable rates, canoeing at adjacent lakes. Full campground facilities.
Mississippi River canoe trips from half-day excursions to week or more, complete or partial outfitting, shuttle service.
Canoe rentals plus gas/convenience store, bait, tackle and souvenirs, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
79th year of quality service. Downstream, full- or half-day trips on scenic stretch of river, individuals or groups, free shuttle, hour from Twin Cities.
Complete or partial outfitting, shuttle service, special group rates, Grumman canoes, also outfits for portions of BWCA.
Home-based business providing quality, lightweight, kevlar Wenonah canoes for nearby Crow River, canoe triathlon use.
Rental and sales of kevlar & fiberglas canoes, canoeing instructions, canoe building materials, shuttle service.
Large canoe and kayak retailer, also offer canoe, kayak and camping equipment rentals. Sponsors canoe event last weekend in April.
Southern Minnesota
The Muskrat takes small groups (6-10 people) on river rambles-intimate, guided canoe tours with lodging in charming bed and breakfasts.
Located in Welch on Cannon River, offering five-mile Trout Brook trip and 12 mile Cannon Falls trip. Shuttle service, life jackets and paddles included with rental.
Travel planning information, including a brochure on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, directories of campgrounds, resorts, motels, hotels, and bed and breakfast and historic inns; brochures on biking, skiing and snowmobiling; information on specific towns and regions; and information on things to see and do in Minnesota. Operated by the Minnesota Office of Tourism. Open weekdays 8 am to 5 pm.
Telephone device for the deaf (TDD):
Free maps of Minnesota's designated canoe rivers, showing access points, campsites, rest areas, portages and more. Information on state parks, state forests and canoe licenses. Open weekdays 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Produced on recycled, recyclable paper by the Minnesota Office of tourism. with assistance from the Department of Natural Resources.
CR7-92-50M
MINNESOTA TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER
100 METRO SQUARE, 121 SEVENTH PLACE EAST
SAINT PAUL, MN 55101-2112
February 22, 2004