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
(Alphabetical by river name)
- 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
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.
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.
507-281-9516; [email protected]pilgrimpaddles.com. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
30153 Huntersville Road, Sebeka, MN 56477; 218-472-3250. Canoe rentals and shuttle service. A full service outfitter. Campground available. Also serves Shell River.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
905 Bench Street, Whalan, MN 55949; 507-467-9000. Canoe, kayak and tube rentals with shuttle.
35455 State Highway 16, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-467-2598. Canoe, kayak, tube and bike rental.
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.
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.
101 Parkway Avenue South, Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507-467-3400. Canoe, kayak and tube rental. Guided fishing tours.
- 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.
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.
15066 Kathio Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359; 320-532-3523. Canoe rental only for the state park. No shuttle.
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.)
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.
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.
Stillwater, MN 55082. 651-280-7299. Guided history and wildlife kayaking tours that include kayaks, paddles, life vests, guide, water, and snack.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
121 Spring Street, Duluth, MN 55808; 218-628-3578. Canoe, kayak, boat and pontoon rentals.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rental
800 West Silver Lake Drive Northeast, 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.
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]