 July 2020
Watching the River Flow
 Testing the waters
Nothing says summer like dipping your toes in the water and floating down river. And if you get some ice-cream afterwards, you know you are doing summer right.
Scroll down for water recreation opportunities, from kayaking down the Cannon River to paddleboarding the St. Croix. Minnesota has 35 state water trails, with public water accesses, campsites and rest areas. All combined, that's more than 4,500 miles of paddling. Choose your own adventure with this interactive water trail map, where you can also check river levels.
Enjoy the water and remember: Stay safe, healthy, and six feet away from others!
 Selfie time: Capturing another amazing summer day in Minnesota
Bounded by rolling hills, 300-foot high bluffs, farmland and woods in its upper reaches, the Cannon River enters a broad gorge below Cannon Falls. There are a few rapids (Class 1) that, though not difficult, require caution.
Designated as a wild and scenic river, the Cannon presents plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings: Look for white-tailed deer, beavers, otters, raccoons, bobcats, red fox, gray fox, coyotes, and of course, the "fierce" snapping turtle (pictured.) Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles near the Mississippi River.
Anglers, bring your rods to try your luck at catching smallmouth bass, northern pike, or walleye.
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 Paddle & Pedal
 Chilling on the Cannon River. PHOTO: Rachel Reser
Floating down river on a sunny summer day can be relaxing and fun. Not so much when you need to turn around. Many new kayakers ask, "How do you get back?" Leave a second car (or your bikes!) at the destination or hail a ride.
Pro tip: Don't go alone. Not only is it more fun to go in pairs, but it's safer.
Day Trip Ideas
Faribault-Dundas (12 miles): Start at Two Rivers Park and exit at Mill Park. Enjoy the tranquility of a paddle through Cannon River Trout Lily Scientific Natural Area (SNA) and the Cannon River Wilderness County Park. Highlights? Towering trees, bluffs and sandy beaches. Look for the ruins of Archibald Mill in Dundas.
Cannon Falls-Welch (12 miles) or Meisville Ravine Co. Park (7 miles): Launch from Riverside Park carry-in access. Return to Cannon Falls on your bike via the Cannon Valley Trail.
Click here for more itinerary ideas, including overnight trips.
 Kayaking by the Cannon River bluffs. PHOTO: Rachel Reser
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Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times.
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Bring a map. Water trail maps are available to use on the Avenza app or can be downloaded.
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Tell someone your trip plans.
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Check water levels before you go: Water that is too high or too low can be dangerous.
- Scan ahead for hazards like overhanging trees, rocks, low bridges or rapids. When in doubt, get out and scout! Be ready to portage, if needed.
These are only a few safety recommendations. A more comprehensive list can be found on our website. Read up and learn from more seasoned paddlers before venturing out.
 Back to camp! We raise our mugs to that
Beginning July 1, DNR is shortening its window for camping and lodging reservations to 120 days, or four months. The new reservation policies increase fairness and equity for park visitors. Many busy families do not have the flexibility to plan a year in advance. Shortening the reservation window will offer more opportunities for reserving campsites and meet everyone's needs.
 The faces and stories of our visitors and staff.
Freya Finn
Hometown: Onalaska, Wisconsin
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Aside from hiking, I enjoy four square, Gaga Ball, football, and badminton.
Fuel for the Trail: Oranges, Swedish Fish, water, and chocolate.
Claim to Fame: Third Place winner in the 2020 Matt Hessel-Mial Writing Contest.
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"Writing haiku is hard for me, but after I went to Whitewater State Park it was easy to write down what I felt. The reason I hike is because I live in a very small house. It is sometimes hard to find peace inside, so I hike. "
The moss, leaves, rocks, cold water
Come out, while we climb
The clear water, cold
Dark mystery welcomes us
As we walk on stone
Crystals in the rock
Crumble, melt, as we touch them
Gifts from our journey
Flower white as snow
Center yellow as an egg
Put in braided hair
Trees, large, small, living
We breath for them, them for us
Bark, sap, knowledge, trees
Water, here and gone
Invisible rivers run
Over rocks to us
~Freya Finn
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