I Can Paddle!
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Give your kids a blockbuster summer—all at a beginner's level! Learn paddling skills from experienced guides while exploring some of Minnesota's most stunning lakes and rivers, and let your kids discover the kind of amazing views that can only be seen from a canoe during an I Can Paddle! program. These programs are designed especially for first-time paddlers, so no experience or equipment is necessary. Through firsthand experience you'll develop all of the skills necessary for a lifetime of paddling. |
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Small group sizes mean you'll get the attention you need to become a paddling pro in no time. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided. Kids are welcome (see age requirements below).
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Slide show of photos of families learning to paddle. This slideshow requires the latest version of
Adobe Flash Player Photo 1 © MN DNR; all others © Rolf Hagberg Photography
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On the Lake: Perfect for beginners, these two-hour programs cover the basics.
On the River: These 4-5 hour programs cover the basics too, but go into more depth and provide a little more experience.
Sea Kayaking: These two-hour programs will introduce you to sea kayaking on the Lake Superior State Water Trail.
Sign Up Now!
Preregistration is required for all I Can Paddle! programs.
Early registration is recommended, as these programs tend to fill up fast.
Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day—just click "Reserve" next to the program you've selected. Or, if you prefer to sign up by phone, call us toll-free, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Fri and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat & Sun: 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008).
I Can Paddle! - On the Lake
You'll learn paddling skills from experienced guides while exploring some of Minnesota's most stunning lakes. These programs teach the basics of canoeing on lakes, from launching a canoe to paddling efficiently and planning a safe canoe outing.
- No experience required; all equipment provided.
- $10 per canoe, with up to three people per canoe (two paddling, one sitting in the middle).
- Programs last two hours.
- Advance registration is required.
- Children must be at least five years old.
- Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- A vehicle permit is required to enter all Minnesota state parks ($5/day or $25/year).
Schedule
Date |
Time |
Location (nearest city) |
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Sat., 6/1 |
10-noon |
Sakatah Lake State Park (Waterville) |
Full |
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Sat., 6/29 |
10-noon |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sat., 6/29 |
1-3 p.m. |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sun., 6/30 |
10-noon |
William O'Brien State Park (Stillwater) |
Full |
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Weds., 7/10 |
6-8 p.m. |
Fort Snelling (St. Paul) |
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Sat., 7/13 |
10-noon |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sat., 7/13 |
1-3 p.m. |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sun., 7/28 |
10-noon |
William O'Brien State Park (Stillwater) |
Full |
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Weds., 8/7 |
6-8 p.m. |
Fort Snelling (St. Paul) |
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Sat., 8/17 |
10-noon |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sat., 8/17 |
1-3 p.m. |
Lake Louise State Park (LeRoy) |
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Sat., 8/24 |
10-noon |
Lake Shetek (Currie) |
Full |
I Can Paddle! - On the River
Take your canoeing experience to the next level! Paddle along miles of the most scenic rivers in Minnesota. On the water we'll practice a variety of paddling techniques and maneuvers. You'll also learn how to plan a river trip for your entire family.
- No experience required; all equipment provided.
- $25 per canoe, with up to three people per canoe (two paddling, one sitting in the middle).
- All programs start at 10 a.m. and go until approximately 3 p.m.
- Advance registration is required.
- Children must be at least eight years old.
- Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- A vehicle permit is required to enter all Minnesota state parks ($5/day or $25/year).
Pre-Trip Information and Shuttling
Because of the length and remote nature of I Can Paddle! On the River programs, participants will be provided with a pre-trip packet including a packing list, program description, directions to water access, etc. These packets will be mailed out following your registration.
Participants will meet at a program's designated water access; from there, we will shuttle you to the put-in where you will begin the program and then paddle back to your cars at the water access.
Schedule
All I Can Paddle! On the River programs run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Date |
Location (nearest city) |
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Sat., 6/15 |
Watonwan River State Water Trail (Mankato) |
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Sat., 6/22 |
Cannon River State Water Trail (Faribault/Northfield) |
Full |
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Sat., 6/29 |
Zumbro River State Water Trail (Zumbro Falls) |
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Sat., 7/13 |
Root River State Water Trail (Lanesboro) |
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Sun., 7/14 |
St. Croix State Water Trail (North Branch) |
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Sat., 7/27 |
Crow Wing River State Water Trail (Staples) |
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Sat., 8/3 |
Minnesota River State Water Trail (Mankato) |
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Sat., 8/10 |
St. Louis River State Water Trail (Cloquet) |
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Sun., 8/18 |
St. Croix State Water Trail (North Branch) |
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Sat., 8/24 |
Rum River State Water Trail (Princeton/Cambridge) |
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Sat., 9/14 |
St. Croix State Water Trail (Taylors Falls) |
I Can Paddle! - Sea Kayaking
So you've paddled lakes and you've paddled rivers...but have you paddled a Great Lake? Try sea kayaking on the Lake Superior State Water Trail! You'll learn all the basics of sea kayaking while gliding past towering cliffs and the Split Rock Lighthouse.
- No experience required; all equipment provided.
- $35 per person.
- Programs last two hours.
- Advance registration is required.
- Children must be at least 12 years old.
- Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- A vehicle permit is required to enter all Minnesota state parks ($5/day or $25/year).
Schedule
Date |
Time |
Location (nearest city) |
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Sat., 7/20 |
10-noon |
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park |
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Sat., 7/20 |
1-3 p.m. |
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park |
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Sat., 8/24 |
10-noon |
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park |
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Sat., 8/24 |
1-3 p.m. |
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park |
Cancellations
All programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or hazardous conditions. Cancellations for I Can Paddle! programs can be made up to one week prior to the program.
Questions?
Still have questions? Please contact the DNR Information Center toll-free at (888) 646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also get more information by emailing ican.dnr@state.mn.us.
Packing checklist 
: What to bring to an I Can Paddle! program
Safety tips : Best practices when you are on the water
This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.