Canoe and kayak outfitters
The businesses in this list are private. Inclusion in this list does not represent an endorsement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
(Alphabetical by river name)
Big Fork River |
|
|
Bigfork Outfitters |
Main Street Store, Big Fork, MN; 218-743-6878 or 218-743-3613. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service from Dora Lake to the Rainy River. |
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit |
|
Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota |
(Gorden's Hardware/Wild River Gifts, two blocks west of Hwy 71 and Hwy 6) 312 2nd St NW, PO Box 38, Big Falls, MN 56627. 218-276-2481 or 877-481-2569. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttling services, free trip planning, guide service, tents and other camping gear. www.riversnorthmn.com |
Blue Earth River |
|
|
A to Z Rentals |
1428 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388.1677. Canoe and kayak rental. http://atozrentalmankato.com |
|
Bent River Outfitter |
The Hugo Building, 530 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388-BENT (2368). Canoe and kayak rental, eco-tours, and shuttles. www.bentriveroutfitter.com |
|
Kato Canoe and Kayak |
20092 State Hwy 66, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-327-7235. Rental and guided services from ice off to ice on. Overnight guided trips available by request. www.katocanoeandkayak.com |
Cannon River |
|
|
Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental |
615 N. 5th Street, Cannon Falls, MN 55009; 507-407-4111. Just north of the bridge over the Cannon River. Canoe, kayak, raft & bicycle rental. Shuttles available. www.cannonfallscanoeandbike.com |
|
The Gear ReSource Outfitters |
200 Division St. N. Northfield MN 55057; 507-407-GEAR or 507-407-4327. Canoes and kayak rental, shuttle service and guided trips on the Cannon River between Faribault and the West edge of Lake Byllsby. www.thegearresource.com |
|
Welch Mill Canoeing & Tubing |
26389 County 7 Boulevard, Welch, MN 55089; 800-657-6760 or 651-388-9857. Canoeing, kayaking and tubing available. www.welchmillcanoeandtube.com |
Chippewa River |
|
|
Clean Up the River Environment |
117 S 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265; 877-269-2873. www.cureriver.org |
Cloquet River |
|
|
Positive Energy Outdoor (Ed)Ventures |
15 miles north of Duluth; 218-428-5990. Guided kayak fishing trips, flatwater and whitewater kayak instruction and guiding on NE Minnesota rivers, inland lakes and Lake Superior. Shuttle service available. www.outdooredventures.org |
|
The Canoeist |
701 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN; 218-834-3523 or 877-353-3523. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle service. www.TheCanoeist.com |
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit. Also serves Big Fork, Little Fork, Mississippi, Saint Louis, and Vermilion Rivers. |
Crow Wing River |
|
|
Easy Riders Bicycle and Sportshop |
415 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401; 218-829-5516. Canoe and kayak rentals. Mississippi River to Crow Wing State Park, Riverton to Lum Park, Brainerd, or lakes in Crow Wing or Cass Counties. www.easyridersbikes.com |
|
Gloege's Canoe Outfitters |
30153 Huntersville Road, Sebeka, MN 56477; 218-472-3250. Canoe rentals and shuttle service. A full service outfitter. Campground available. Also serves Shell River. |
|
Huntersville Outfitters |
23516 380th Street, Menahga, MN 56464; 218-564-4279. Canoe rental, soft goods, shuttle service. www.huntersvillecanoeoutfitters.com |
Crow River: North Fork |
|
|
Riverside Store |
64768 318 St, Litchfield, MN 55355; 320-693-6711. Canoe and tube rental, trailer available, store with groceries. |
Kettle River |
|
| Hard Water Sports |
979 Charles Ave. St Paul MN 55104; (651) 302-1774. Canoe and camping gear rental, whitewater canoe rental, trip planning. |
Lake Superior Water Trail |
|
|
Bear Track Outfitting Co. |
2011 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604; 800-795-8068 or 218-387-1162. Complete or partial canoe, sea-kayak & backpacking outfitting. www.bear-track.com. Also serves Eastern zone of Boundary Waters Canoe Area. |
|
The Canoeist |
701 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN; 218-834-3523 or 877-353-3523. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle service. www.TheCanoeist.com |
|
North Shore Expeditions |
Post Office Box 149, Grand Marais, MN 55604; 218-370-8351. Guided Grand Marais kayaking tours, multi-day Lake Superior kayaking trips and kayaking instruction. www.northshoreexpeditions.com |
|
Positive Energy Outdoor (Ed)Ventures |
15 miles north of Duluth; 218-428-5990. Guided kayak fishing trips, flatwater and whitewater kayak instruction and guiding on NE Minnesota rivers, inland lakes and Lake Superior. Shuttle service available. www.outdooredventures.org |
|
Sawtooth Outfitters |
7213 West Highway 61, Post Office Box 2214, Tofte, MN 55615; 218-663-7643. Canoe, kayak, and bike rentals. Guided canoe and kayak tours. Shuttle service and outdoor gear store. www.sawtoothoutfitters.com |
|
Wintermoon Summersun Adventures for Women |
3388 Petrell Road, Brimson, MN; 218-848-2442. Sea kayaking instruction and group paddling for women. www.wintermoonsummersun.com |
Little Fork River |
|
|
La Croix Outfitters |
5713 Crane Lake Road, Buyck, MN 55771; 888-600-2842 or 218-993-2642. A full service outfitter including canoe rental, van shuttle service, trip outfitting and bunk accommodations. www.lacroixoutfitters.com |
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit |
|
Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota |
(Gorden's Hardware/Wild River Gifts, two blocks west of Hwy 71 and Hwy 6) 312 2nd St NW, PO Box 38, Big Falls, MN 56627. 218-276-2481 or 877-481-2569. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttling services, free trip planning, guide service, tents and other camping gear. www.riversnorthoutfittersmn.com |
Minnesota River |
|
|
A to Z Rentals |
1428 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507-388-1677. Canoe and kayak rental. http://atozrentalmankato.com |
|
Bent River Outfitter |
The Hugo Building, 530 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388-BENT (2368). Canoe and kayak rental, eco-tours, and shuttles. www.bentriveroutfitter.com |
|
Clean Up the River Environment |
117 S 1st Street, Montevideo, MN 56265; 877-269-2873; www.cureriver.org |
| Hard Water Sports |
979 Charles Ave. St Paul MN 55104; (651) 302-1774. Canoe and camping gear rental, whitewater canoe rental, trip planning. |
|
Kato Canoe and Kayak |
20092 State Hwy 66, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-327-7235. Rental and guided services from ice off to ice on. Overnight guided trips available by request. www.katocanoeandkayak.com |
|
Mitlyng's Bait & Tackle |
13045 1st Street West, Watson, MN 56295; 320-269-5593. Canoe rental only. |
Mississippi River |
|
|
Above the Falls Sports |
120 North 3rd Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401; 612-825-8983. Skill instruction, rentals, sales, and storage of kayaks, canoes and rowboats. Guided group tours available. Serves primarily metro area. www.abovethefallssports.com |
|
Clear Waters Outfitting Company |
100 Pine St, Clearwater, MN 55320; 320-469-1590. Half day, whole day and overnight trips, rentals, complete outfitting, daily shuttle service, new and used outdoor gear. Located on the banks of the Mississippi. www.cwoutfitting.com |
|
Cycle Path & Paddle |
115 3rd Avenue Southwest, Crosby, MN 56441; 218-545-4545. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service available for the Mississippi and Pine Rivers and the mine lakes of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by appointment. www.cyclepathpaddle.com |
|
Easy Riders Bicycle and Sportshop |
415 Washington St, Brainerd, MN 56401; 218-829-5516. Canoe and kayak rentals. Mississippi River to Crow Wing State Park, Riverton to Lum Park, Brainerd, or one of your favorite lakes in Crow Wing or Cass Counties. www.easyridersbikes.com |
|
Geyer Rental |
1816 West Saint Germaine Street, Saint Cloud, MN 56301; 320-252-5522. Canoe rental. No shuttle. Also serves the Sauk River. |
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit |
|
Goose Island Campground |
W6488 County Road Gi, Stoddard, WI 54658; 608-788-7018. Canoe rental only. Mississippi backwater route. Twelve canoes available; five flat bottoms. Kayaks also available. www.co.la-crosse.wi.us |
| Hard Water Sports |
979 Charles Ave. St Paul MN 55104; (651) 302-1774. Canoe and camping gear rental, whitewater canoe rental, trip planning. |
|
Keller Outdoors |
7581 Memorial Lane NW, Bemidji, MN 56601; 218-766-4438. Rental of canoes, camping and hunting equipment. www.kohunts.com/rentals.html |
|
Monticello Shuttles |
8414 Troy Marquette Dr, Monticello, MN 55362; 612-670-6981. Vehicle shuttles along the Mississippi River, from any points between the Clearwater Hwy 24 landing and the Dayton Crow River landing. www.monticelloshuttles.com |
|
Paddle Taxi |
389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN; 612-799-9668. A not-for-profit, free shuttle on the Mississippi River for kayak and canoe paddlers in the Twin Cities area. See website for specifics, maps, and contact info. www.paddletaxi.org |
|
River Treat |
15381 Gallus Road, Merrifield, MN 56465; 218-765-3172. Canoe rental (9 units), shuttle service and trip planning for 2 hour to 7 day trips, primarily north of Brainerd. Willing to operate during the entire open water season. Appointments preferred, call ahead. |
|
Riverland Outfitters |
P.O. Box 552, Alma, WI 54610; 608-385-4351. Kayak and canoe rental service. Boats can be picked up in Alma or delivery service is available. Specializing in Mississippi backwater and local river paddling. www.riverlandoutfitters.com |
|
Saint Cloud State University Outdoor Endeavors |
102 Halenbeck Hall, 720 4th Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301; 320-308-3772. Canoe and kayak rental. Shuttle service available on the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers by appointment. www.stcloudstate.edu/campusrec/outdoorendeavors |
|
Stand Up Minnesota |
389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN; 612-399-6081. Paddleboard adventure tours and education programs for small and large groups on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area. Paddleboard orientation, water safety training, equipment, photography and transportation provided. www.standupmn.org |
|
University of Minnesota - Center for Outdoor Adventure (COA) |
University Recreation Center, 1906 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-8790. Camping gear, canoes, and kayaks available for rental. http://recsports.umn.edu/coa |
|
Wilderness Inquiry |
808 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. wildernessinquiry.org |
Pine River |
|
|
Cycle Path & Paddle |
115 3rd Avenue Southwest (Highway 210), Crosby, MN 56441; 218-545-4545. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service available for the Mississippi and Pine Rivers and the mine lakes of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by appointment. www.cyclepathpaddle.com |
|
River Treat Canoe & Camping |
15381 Gallus Road, Merrifield, MN 56465; 218-765-3172. Canoe rental (9 units), shuttle service and trip planning for 2 hour to 3 day trips, primarily north of Brainerd. Willing to operate during the entire open water season. Appointments preferred, call ahead. |
Root River |
|
|
Eagle Cliff Campground |
35455 State Highway 16, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-467-2598. Canoe, kayak, tube and bike rental. www.eaglecliff-campground.com |
|
Little River General Store |
105 Coffee Street, Post Office Box 317, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 800-994-2943 or 507-467-2943. Canoe and kayak rentals and sales, full service outfitting. www.lrgeneralstore.net |
|
Ken's River Rats Outfitters |
103 Rivers Edge Road, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-429-7202. Located in historic Lanesboro, MN, at the northwest corner of Parkway Ave. and Ashburn, behind the old Hubbard feed mill. Just 2 blocks north of my old location! Shuttles are also available if you have your own boats. Prices vary depending on the distance. www.riverratsoutfitters.com |
|
Root River Outfitters |
109 South Parkway, Lanesboro, MN 55949. 507-467-3400. Canoe, kayak and tube rental. Guided fishing tours. www.riversideontheroot.com |
Rum River |
|
|
Country Camping Canoe & Tube |
27437 Palm St NW, Isanti, MN 55040; 763-444-9626. Canoe and tube rental. Shuttle service from Lake Mille Lacs to mile marker 30 on County Road 68, just south of Isanti. Tent and RV campground with showers, laundry, camp store and pool. One-hour to eight-day trips available by reservation. www.country-camping.com |
|
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park |
15066 Kathio Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359; 320-532-3523. Canoe rental only for the State Park. No shuttle. www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/mille_lacs_kathio |
Sauk River |
|
|
Friends of the Sauk River |
1020 County Rd. 134, St. Cloud, MN 56303; 320-281-9050. Free canoe rental. www.friendsofthesaukriver.org |
St. Croix River |
|
|
Andrew's Riverwood Canoe and Kayak |
25499 Sawmill Ave, Shafer, MN 55074; 715-222-2288. Canoe and Kayak rental with free shuttle. Park at the Osceola landing, launch from the Wisconsin Interstate Park and canoe or kayak to your vehicle. (Highway 8 to Osceola Landing.) www.facebook.com/RiverwoodCanoe |
|
Eric's Canoe Rental |
710 South Highway 35 (Highways 8 & 35), Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024; 651-270-1561. Canoe rental and shuttle service available at this location and also at Wild River State Park. Wildlife and nature tours of St. Croix Valley. www.ericscanoerental.com |
|
Merrill's Landing |
John W. Larson, 1125 County Highway 16, Post Office Box 118, Taylors Falls, MN 55084; 651-465-3523. Canoe rental. |
|
Namekagon Outfitters |
W5956 Pair O'Lakes Road, Trego, WI 54888; 715-635-2015 or 800-547-9028. Canoe rental, shuttle service, and campground with lodge, five cabins and RV park. Will shuttle privately owned canoes and vehicles. Also serves the Namekagon River. |
|
Pardun's Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service |
The Pardun Family, Danbury WI, 320-384-0508 (May through June), 715-656-7881 (year round). Trips range in length from six to seventeen miles through the National Scenic St. Croix Riverway. Two locations: one at the corner of Main Street & 4th Avenue South (State Road 77) in Danbury, WI, and another in the beautiful St. Croix State Park, just two hours from the Twin Cities. www.pardunscanoerental.com |
|
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals |
Rent canoes and kayaks out of the MN Interstate State Park or from Wildwood RV Park & Campground, Taylors Falls, MN 55084; 800-447-4958 or 651-465-6315. Free shuttles back to your car at the end of your trip. Scenic boat tours and dinner cruises on the St. Croix River also available. www.wildmountain.com |
|
Wild River Outfitters |
15177 State Road 70, Grantsburg, WI 54830; 715-463-2254. Canoe and kayak rental; shuttle service and campground. Serves the Saint Croix River above Taylors Falls and the Namekagon River from Hayward to Saint Croix Falls. Help for planning extended trips and maps are available. www.wildriverpaddling.com |
|
Wilderness Inquiry |
808 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. wildernessinquiry.org |
St. Louis River |
|
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit |
|
Spirit Lake Marina & RV Park |
121 Spring St., Duluth, MN 55808; 218-628-3578. Canoe, kayak, boat and pontoon rentals. spiritlakemarinarv.com |
|
Superior Whitewater Rafting |
950 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton, MN 55718; 218-384-4637. Professionally guided whitewater raft trips on the Saint Louis River. No canoe rental. Call for reservations. www.minnesotawhitewater.com |
|
The Canoeist |
701 7th Ave., Two Harbors, MN; 218-834-3523 or 877-353-3523. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle service. www.TheCanoeist.com |
Snake River |
|
|
Snake River Outfitters |
Pine City, MN; 303-435-6726 or 612-718-0125. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle service, guided 22 foot "Big Canoe Adventures", camping and overnight trips available. Reservations recommended. www.snakeriveroutfittersmn.com |
Vermilion River |
|
|
God's Country Outfitters |
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. www.baitnet.com/gcoutfit. Also serves Big Fork, Cloquet, Little Fork, Mississippi, and Saint Louis Rivers. |
| Hard Water Sports |
979 Charles Ave. St Paul MN 55104; (651) 302-1774. Canoe and camping gear rental, whitewater canoe rental, trip planning. |
|
La Croix Outfitters |
5713 Crane Lake Road, Buyck, MN 55771; 888-600-2842 or 218-993-2642. A full service outfitter including canoe rental, van shuttle service, trip outfitting and bunk accommodations. www.lacroixoutfitters.com |
|
Vermilion River Cottages & Outfitters |
7494 County Road 422, Buyck, MN 55771-8477; 800-628-1438 or 218-666-2444. Canoe rental and shuttle service. www.vrcovacation.com |
Watonwan River |
|
|
A to Z Rentals |
1428 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 507-388-167. Canoe and kayak rental. http://atozrentalmankato.com |
Zumbro River |
|
|
Boulder Dam Canoe and Kayak |
20 East Center St. (P.O. Box 82), Oronoco, MN 55960, Located in downtown Oronoco, operates on three branches of the Zumbro River. Canoe and kayak rentals plus shuttle service available. www.boulderdamcanoe.com |
|
Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental |
700 West Silver Lake Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906; 507-261-9049. Located on the Zumbro River in Silver Lake Park in downtown Rochester. Canoes, kayaks, row boats and paddleboats for rental. |
|
Zumbro River Ratz |
59155 County Road 2, Millville, MN 55957; 507-798-2450. Provides up-river shuttle service on the Zumbro River, allowing you to float from Hammond back to Millville. Open seasonally, April-November, weather permitting. Rentals of various floating devices include kayaks, inner tubes, canoes, and pedal boats. www.zumbroriverratz.com |
|
Zumbro Valley Canoe Rental |
61772 Highway 63, Zumbro Falls, MN 55991; 507-753-2568. Canoe, kayak, and inner tube rental and shuttle service with hourly or overnight trip options. Camping is available nearby. www.zumbrovalleycanoerental.com |
Note: This is not a complete listing of all the outfitters in the state. The list exists to help people access the state's water resources and respond to numerous requests the department receives for information about canoe and kayak rentals. To request addition to the list, your business must rent canoe and/or kayak equipment, and/or provide trip guiding services.
Send requests to the Parks and Trails webmaster at: pat.web@state.mn.us

Also serves Cloquet, Little Fork, Mississippi, Saint Louis, and Vermilion Rivers.