Adrenaline Rush: Climb, Whitewater, Scuba Dive

Adrenaline rush activities, rock climbing and whitewater paddling

Get your heart racing in Minnesota this summer!

There are plenty of ways to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping in Minnesota. Dive deep, climb high, or shoot the rapids...there are exhilarating adventures to be had out there!

Make a weekend of it! Rent a campsite or cabin and get the full experience.

Purchase a vehicle permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas.

Rock Climbing

Looking for new places to use your climbing skills? These parks have excellent climbing opportunities. You will need a climbing permit, and they are free and can be obtained at the park office.

State map showing where this park is located.Blue Mounds State Park
Climbing map
Various spots offer excellent climbing opportunities—you can see for miles.

State map showing where this park is located.Banning State Park
Climbing map
Sheer sandstone cliffs rise 40 feet above the Kettle River, providing opportunities for bouldering.

State map showing where this park is located.Interstate State Park
Climbing map
Beautiful climbs cover a wide variety of levels for both traditional and top roping.

State map showing where this park is located.Temperance River State Park
Climbing map
Not for beginners, these challenging climbs are and safer to experience with a partner—so grab a friend!

State map showing where this park is located.Tettegouche State Park
Climbing map
There is no easy way to get out...except for up!

Whitewater Paddling

New to whitewater paddling and want to learn the basics? Sign up for an I Can Paddle! program and learn how to have fun while safely navigating Minnesota's waterways. Free rentals provided!

State map showing where this park is located.Banning State Park and the Kettle River State Water Trail
Check out the turbulent rapids at Blueberry Slide and Hell's Gate.

State map showing where this park is located.Jay Cooke State Park and the St. Louis River State Water Trail
Enjoy the exhilaration and thrill of nature's powerful forces on the St. Louis River north of Jay Cooke State Park.

State map showing where this park is located.Snake River State Water Trail
Easy rapids and falls ranging from Class I-IV along Snake River. 

State map showing where this park is located.Vermilion River State Water Trail
Vermilion River offers whitewater experiences for beginners through experts.

Scuba Diving

Although many of these dives are beginner friendly, make sure you undergo the necessary training before attempting to dive in any location.

State map showing where this park is located.Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Portsmouth Mine Pit is 352 feet deep and very clear. This site is great for all levels - beginners to advanced.

State map showing where this park is located. Gooseberry Falls State Park
Dive down to see debris remaining from the logging era of the early 1900s.

State map showing where this park is located.Silver Bay Marina on the Lake Superior State Water Trail
See a sunken wreck from 1905!

State map showing where this park is located.Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Most people know how lovely this park is above water, but its underwater beauty is definitely worth exploring.