Canoe and Kayak Outfitters

Rentals near state water trails

The businesses in this list are private. Inclusion in this list does not represent an endorsement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota state water trails information and maps

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

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, fishing licenses, supplies, tents and other camping gear. Also serves the Littlefork River.

Blue Earth River

Bent River Outfitter

606 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388-2368. Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rental, eco-tours, and shuttles. Also serves the Big Cobb, Le Sueur, Maple, Minnesota and Watonwan Rivers.

Cannon River

Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental

615 North 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.

Gear ReSource Outfitters

201 Railway St. N, Dundas, MN 55019; 507-407-GEAR or 507-407-4327. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard, tents and other camping gear rental, shuttle service and guided trips on the Cannon River between Faribault and the West edge of Lake Byllesby.

Pilgrim Paddles

507-281-9516; [email protected]. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Mississippi, Root, and Zumbro Rivers.

Welch Mill Canoeing & Tubing

26389 County 7 Boulevard, Welch, MN 55089; 800-657-6760 or 651-388-9857. Canoe, kayak, and tubing rental available. Shuttles available when renting.

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

Positive Energy Outdoors

4757 Datka Road, Duluth MN 55803; 15 miles north of Duluth; 218-428-5990 or 218-391-0147. Flatwater and whitewater kayak instruction and guiding on inland lakes and Lake Superior. Shuttle service available.

Swiftwater Adventures

22 East. Riverside Road. Esko, MN 55733; 218-451-3218. Professionally guided wilderness and whitewater paddling experiences on the Cloquet River via canoe and kayak. Lessons, trips and eco-tours. Also serves the Kettle and St. Louis Rivers.

Crow River: North Fork

Three Rivers Park District

10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444; 763-694-7790 or 763-694-7693 Guided raft trips down the Mississippi River from West Coon Rapids Dam, Guided canoe and kayak trips on the Mississippi River. 763-694-7717 Also serving the Crow and Minnesota Rivers.

River Dragon Kayak Rental

612-567-1939, [email protected]. Kayak rentals on the Crow River between Hanover and Dayton.

Crow Wing River

Easy Riders Bicycle and Sportshop

415 Washington Street, Brainerd, MN 56401; 218-829-5516. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service available. Mississippi River to Crow Wing State Park, Riverton to Lum Park, Brainerd, or lakes in Crow Wing or Cass Counties. Also serves the Mississippi River.

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, kayak and tube rentals as well as canoe and camping packages, soft goods, shuttle service.

Water Wolverine Shuttling

Ironton, MN; 763-607-0411 or email [email protected] . Shuttle services for Mississippi, Pine Rivers and other waterways in Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton and Motley areas. Shuttles are by appointment only and advanced reservations are required.

Kettle River

Hard Water Sports

511 Main Street, PO Box 531, Sandstone MN 55072; 651-302-1774. Guided whitewater rafting, canoe, kayak and camping gear rental, trip planning services. Also serves the Snake and St. Louis Rivers.

Swiftwater Adventures

22 East Riverside Road, Esko, MN 55733; 218-451-3218. Professionally guided wilderness and whitewater rafting experiences on the Kettle River, May-June. Also serves the Cloquet and St. Louis Rivers.

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. Also serves Eastern zone of Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Day Tripper of Duluth

3515 E 4th Street Duluth, MN 55804; 218-390-1605. Guided canoe and kayak tours on Lake Superior and the Saint Louis River. Equipment, instruction, and snacks provided. No experience necessary! Also serves the St. Louis River.

Positive Energy Outdoors

4757 Datka Road, Duluth MN 55803; 15 miles north of Duluth; 218-428-5990 or 218-391-0147. Flatwater and whitewater kayak instruction and guiding on inland lakes and Lake Superior. Shuttle service available.

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.

Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

22 East 1st Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604; 218-387-3136. Ultra light canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards for rent. Also guided kayak, fishing, and standup paddleboard tours, and retail gear.

Wintermoon Summersun Adventures for Women

3388 Petrell Road, Brimson, MN, 55602; 218-848-2442. Sea kayaking instruction and group paddling for women.

Little Fork River

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

7255 Crane Lake Road, Crane Lake, MN 55725; 800-777-7186. A full-service outfitter including canoe rental, van shuttle service, trip outfitting and bunk accommodations. Also serves Vermilion River & BWCA.

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

Rivers North Outfitters of Minnesota

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, fishing licenses, supplies, tents and other camping gear. Also serves the Bigfork River.

Minnesota River

Bent River Outfitter

606 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388-2368. Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rental, eco-tours, and shuttles. Also serves the Big Cobb, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Maple, and Watonwan Rivers.

Mitlyng's Bait and Tackle

13045 1 Street West, Watson, MN 56295; 320-269-5593. Canoe rentals.

River Valley Kayaks

Located in Le Sueur, MN 56058;  507-262-1883. Kayak rental for trips on the Minnesota River starting in St. Peter and Le Sueur. Transportation and related gear provided.

Three Rivers Park District

10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444; 763-694-7790 or 763-694-7693 Guided raft trips down the Mississippi River from West Coon Rapids Dam, guided canoe and kayak trips on the Mississippi River. 763-694-7717 Also serves the Crow and Minnesota Rivers.

Mississippi River

Broken Paddle Guiding Co.

Locations in Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing, MN; 651-955-5222. Guided kayak tours in the Mississippi backwaters from Winona to Red Wing. Natural education within backwater ecosystems. ACA certified professional guides and outdoor educators. Can accommodate up to 20 people. Also serves the Zumbro and Whitewater Rivers.

Clear Waters Outfitting Company

100 Pine St, Clearwater, MN 55320; 320-558-8123. 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.

Cycle Path & Paddle

115 3rd Avenue Southwest, Crosby, MN 56441; 218-545-4545. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Shuttle service available for the Mississippi and Pine Rivers and the mine lakes of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by appointment.

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

Jumpwings Outfitters

327 1st Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55401; 612-375-9835 or 612-333-8325. Retail and rentals of paddle sports equipment and gear. Also retail and rental of camping, hiking, bicycling, and winter sports equipment.

Monticello Shuttles

8414 Troy Marquette Drive, Monticello, MN 55362; 612-670-6981. Vehicle shuttles along the Mississippi River between River Bluffs Regional Park in St. Cloud to the Dayton/Crow River Landing.

Paddle Bridge

Paddle Bridge is a collection of professional guides committed to providing safe and inclusive outdoor opportunities along the Mississippi River and around the Twin Cities area. Visit their web site for additional information.

Paddle Hoppers

17 County Road 63, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-5853. On-site Mississippi river rentals for Standup Paddle Boards (SUPs), kayaks and canoes by the hour, day, weekend, or week. Also sales and lessons.

Paddle Taxi

389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN 55104; 612-799-9668. A not-for-profit, free shuttle on the Mississippi River for kayak and canoe paddlers in the Twin Cities area.

Palisade Area Community Kids Education Resource Service

401 South 5th Avenue, Palisade MN, 56469; 218-820-5135; [email protected]. Located in Palisade MN, 200 yards from the Mississippi River, we rent canoes, kayaks and all the equipment needed to make this a fantastic experience. Also serves Kettle, and Willow Rivers.

Pilgrim Paddles

507-281-9516; [email protected]. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Cannon, Root, and Zumbro Rivers.

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.

Shirley Mae’s Outfitters

61 First Avenue Northeast, Little Falls, MN 56345; 320-414-0382 or 320-360-7244. Located on the Mississippi River. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle, outfitting and retail services.

Stand Up Minnesota

389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN 55109; 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.

Terry Larson's "Northern Adventures Guide Service"

51463 Wolf Ridge Drive, Cass Lake, MN 56633; 218-335-2078 or 218-766-7543. Canoe and kayak rentals and guided trips on the Mississippi River between Itasca State Park and Cass Lake. Map of area served. Shuttle service when time permits, in advance only.

Three Rivers Park District

10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444; 763-694-7790 or 763-694-7693. Guided raft trips down the Mississippi River from West Coon Rapids Dam, Guided canoe and kayak trips on the Mississippi River. 763-694-7717 Also serves the Crow and Minnesota Rivers.

Twin Cities Kayaking, LLC

612-708-2781. Kayaks and paddleboard rental. Shuttle service to Twin City area locations and pick-up when finished. Guided tours of the Mississippi River (south of Coon Rapids Dam to Boom Island in Minneapolis); Minneapolis to south St. Paul; and the Rice Creek water trail.

University of Minnesota - Recreation & Wellness

University Recreation & Wellness, 123 Harvard Street Southeast, Suite 68, Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-8790. Camping gear, canoes, and kayaks available to rent.

Wilderness Inquiry

808 14th Ave Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program provides public and private guided canoe trips through the heart of the Twin Cities. Can accommodate groups of up to 150 for half-day paddles in 24' voyageur canoes. Also serves the St. Croix River.

Pine River

Cycle Path & Paddle

115 3rd Avenue Southwest (Highway 210), Crosby, MN 56441; 218-545-4545. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Shuttle service available for the Mississippi and Pine Rivers and the mine lakes of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by appointment.

Water Wolverine Shuttling

Ironton, MN; 763-607-0411 or email [email protected] . Shuttle services for Crow Wing, Mississippi and other waterways in Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton and Motley areas. Shuttles are by appointment only and advanced reservations are required.

Red Lake River

Oliver's Canoe Outfitters

208 Golf Terrace, Crookston, MN 56716; 218-289-0551. Travis Oliver, owner. Canoe Rentals available. Transportation upon request with an additional fee. Serving the Red Lake River in Polk County from Red Lake Falls, MN to Fisher, MN.

Root River

Cedar Valley Resort

905 Bench Street, Whalan, MN 55949; 507-467-9000. Canoe, kayak and tube rentals with shuttle.

Eagle Cliff Campground

35455 State Highway 16, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-467-2598. Canoe, kayak, tube and bike rental.

Geneva's Hideaway

318 Mill Street, Peterson, MN 55962; 507-875-7733; [email protected]. Canoe, kayak and tube rentals; shuttle service.

Little River General Store

105 Coffee Street, Post Office Box 317, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 800-994-2943 or 507-467-2943. Canoe, kayak, tube rentals and shuttle service rentals and sales, full service outfitting.

River Rats Outfitters

103 Rivers Edge Road, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-429-7202. Canoe and kayak rentals on the entire Root River system. Shuttles are also available if you have your own boats. Prices vary depending on the distance.

Pilgrim Paddles

507-281-9516; [email protected]. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Cannon, Mississippi, and Zumbro Rivers.

Rum River

City of Princeton, Riverside Park

Riverside Park, 300 N Rum River Drive, Princeton, MN 55371. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer from Riverside Park, transportation is available. RV and tent camping with or without electric.

Country Camping Canoe & Tube

27437 Palm Street Northwest, Isanti, MN 55040; 763-444-9626. Canoe and tube rental, campground, and shuttle service from Lake Mille Lacs to mile marker 30 on County Road 68, just south of Isanti.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

15066 Kathio Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359; 320-532-3523. Canoe rental only for the state park. No shuttle.

Twin Cities Kayaking, LLC

612-708-2781. Kayaks and paddleboard rental. Shuttle service to Twin City area locations and pick-up when finished. Guided tours of the Mississippi River (south of Coon Rapids Dam to Boom Island in Minneapolis); Minneapolis to south St. Paul; and the Rice Creek water trail.

St. Croix River

Andrew's Riverwood Canoe and Kayak

25499 Sawmill Avenue, 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.)

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.

Namekagon Outfitters

West 5956 Pair O'Lakes Road, Trego, WI 54888; 715-635-2015 or 800-547-9028. Canoe rental, shuttle service, and campground and RV park. Will shuttle privately owned canoes and vehicles. Also serves the Namekagon River.

Pardun's Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service

7595 Main Street, Danbury WI 54830; 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.

Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Interstate State Park or Wildwood RV Park & Campground, Taylors Falls, MN 55084; 800-447-4958 or 651-465-6315. Rental canoes and kayaks available from the state park or campground. Free shuttles back to your car at the end of your trip.

Wahoo! Adventures

Stillwater, MN 55082. 651-280-7299. Guided history and wildlife kayaking tours that include kayaks, paddles, life vests, guide, water, and snack.

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.

Wilderness Inquiry

808 14th Ave Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. Provides guided family, women's, and private 3-day camping and canoeing trips from Interstate State Park to William O'Brien State Park. Also serves the Mississippi River.

St. Louis River

Day Tripper of Duluth

3515 E 4th Street Duluth, MN 55804; 218-390-1605. Guided canoe and kayak tours on Lake Superior and the Saint Louis River. Equipment, instruction, and snacks provided. No experience necessary! Also serves the Lake Superior State Water Trail.

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. Also serves Big Fork, Cloquet, Little Fork, Mississippi, and Vermilion Rivers.

Hard Water Sports

511 Main Street, PO Box 531, Sandstone MN 55072; 651-302-1774. Guided whitewater rafting, canoe, kayak and camping gear rental, trip planning services. Also serves the Kettle and Snake Rivers.

Minnesota Whitewater Rafting

3212 Rivergate Avenue, Cloquet, MN 55720; 218-522-4446. Professionally guided whitewater raft trips on the Saint Louis River. No canoe rental. Call for reservations.

Spirit Lake Marina & RV Park

121 Spring Street, Duluth, MN 55808; 218-628-3578. Canoe, kayak, boat and pontoon rentals.

Swiftwater Adventures

22 East Riverside Road, Esko, MN 55733; 218-451-3218. Professionally guided whitewater rafting and kayaking trips on the St. Louis River. Lessons, trips and eco-tours. Also serves the Cloquet and Kettle Rivers.

The Duluth Experience

211 East 2nd Street, Duluth, Minnesota, 55805; 218-464-6337. Guided tours and instruction for kayaking on Lake Superior and St. Louis River. Also serves the Lake Superior.

Snake River

Hard Water Sports

511 Main Street, PO Box 531, Sandstone MN 55072; 651-302-1774. Guided whitewater rafting, canoe, kayak and camping gear rental, trip planning services. Also serves the Kettle and St. Louis Rivers.

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.

Vermilion River

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters

7255 Crane Lake Road, Crane Lake, MN 55725; 800-777-7186. A full-service outfitter including canoe rental, van shuttle service, trip outfitting and bunk accommodations. Also serves Little Fork River & BWCA.

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

Vermilion River Cottages & Outfitters

7494 County Road 422, Buyck, MN 55771-8477; 800-628-1438 or 218-666-2444. Canoe rental and shuttle service.

Watonwan River

Bent River Outfitter

606 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; 507-388-2368. Canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboards rental, eco-tours, and shuttles. Also serves the Big Cobb, Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Maple, and Minnesota Rivers.

Whitewater River

Broken Paddle Guiding Co.

Locations in Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing; 651-955-5222. Guided kayak tours in the Mississippi backwaters from Winona to Red Wing. Natural education within backwater ecosystems. ACA certified professional guides and outdoor educators. Can accommodate up to 20 people. Also serves the Mississippi, and Zumbro Rivers.

Zumbro River

Boulder Dam Canoe and Kayak

20 East Center Street (P.O. Box 82), Oronoco, MN 55960; 507-367-2658. Located in downtown Oronoco, operates on three branches of the Zumbro River. Canoe and kayak rentals plus shuttle service available.

Broken Paddle Guiding Co.

Locations in Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing; 651-955-5222. Guided kayak tours in the Mississippi backwaters from Winona to Red Wing. Natural education within backwater ecosystems. ACA certified professional guides and outdoor educators. Can accommodate up to 20 people. Also serves the Mississippi, and Whitewater Rivers.

Pilgrim Paddles

507-281-9516; [email protected]. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Cannon, Mississippi, and Root Rivers.

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.

Note: This is not a complete listing of all the outfitters in the state. The list exists to help people access Minnesota state water trails 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 on Minnesota state water trails. We will not link to Facebook pages.

Send requests to the Parks and Trails webmaster at: [email protected]

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