 July 2026
 📷: Frontenac State Park
10,000 Places to Paddle 🛶
Nothing says summer in Minnesota like a day on the water, and Minnesota's state parks and water trails offer countless ways to make a splash. Paddle a quiet river, spend the afternoon at a sandy beach, or discover a hidden swimming spot! You'll find plenty of opportunities to cool off and soak up the season.
  📷: Snake River State Water Trail
Minnesota State Water Trails
Let your worries float away.
Are you into kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or camping along the river? Minnesota boasts 35 state water trails with over 4,500 miles of fantastic paddling opportunities! From well-known rivers like the Root, St. Croix and Vermilion to lesser-known hidden gems across the state, there's a water trail for every type of paddler.
Whether you're planning a relaxing afternoon on the water or a multiday river adventure, each state water trail has its own webpage packed with helpful trip planning information. You'll find trail maps, details about the surrounding landscape, fish and wildlife, water access locations, campsites, and other resources to help plan your outing. Looking for more excitement? Many river pages also include information about rapids, rated using the International Scale of River Difficulty to help paddlers choose routes that match their skill level.
Remember that river conditions, even on recommended routes, can change at any time with little notice. Be sure to check current river levels before leaving home. For more paddling safety tips, visit the DNR’s paddling safety webpage.
 📷: St. Croix State Water Trail
Recommended Paddling Routes
Finding the right route just got easier.
The DNR recently launched more than 60 updated state water trail maps, each featuring recommended paddling sections to help users choose routes that are enjoyable and accessible.
"Because Minnesota's outstanding water trail system is so large, figuring out where to go can be overwhelming for some users," said Nancy Stewart, DNR water recreation consultant. "We reviewed the whole system to identify sections on each state water trail's map that are most likely to provide an enjoyable experience for paddlers of all ages and abilities."
Recommended paddling sections are shaded on each map and were selected for having fewer obstacles, such as dams, rapids and woody obstructions at typical water levels. They also have well-maintained public accesses and portages. The routes offer a variety of trip lengths, making it easier for paddlers to find an adventure that fits their schedule and skill level. Explore the new maps and start planning your next trip.
 📷: Rental equipment at Scenic State Park.
Paddling Rentals
Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available to rent.
There's nothing quite like getting out on the water during a heat wave. Don't own a canoe, kayak or paddleboard? Or maybe you don't feel like hauling your own? Come enjoy the low-cost watercraft rental opportunities at select Minnesota state parks!
Rental options include canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis and includes a fitted life jacket. All children under 10 years old must wear a life jacket while on the watercraft at all times. Check out the state parks and recreation areas that offer paddling rentals.
 📷: I Can Paddle! program at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
I Can Paddle! Outdoor Skill-Building Program
Learn how to paddle a canoe or kayak at a state park.
Want to get on the water but don't know where to start? If you’ve never picked up a paddle or just need some practice, I Can Paddle! programs are designed for you. Hosted in Minnesota state parks, these hands-on, beginner-friendly programs provide the gear and the guidance — you just show up ready to learn and have fun! With a variety of entry-level canoeing and kayaking programs available, you get to choose how you experience the water.
“If you'd like to learn more about how to kayak or canoe, either getting in, getting out, just working on your paddle strokes, or anything that has to do with paddling, we'd love to teach you,” shared Brian Geisler, outdoor recreation specialist with the I Can! program.
All equipment is provided, including the canoe or kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Programs require reservations and run through September. Don't wait to reserve your spot now for this season's programs!
I Can Paddle! Canoeing: Perfect for those who want to share a boat. Learn the basics of canoeing — from launching and paddling efficiently to planning a safe outing.
I Can Paddle! Kayaking: These classes cover kayaking fundamentals, including launching, efficient paddling technique, and safe trip planning. If you’re comfortable on the water and ready for the next level, try out I Can Paddle! Sea Kayaking.
I Can Paddle! Canoe Camping: Take your skills further with an overnight adventure. Participants learn essential canoeing and camping skills during overnight trips on the St. Croix River at St. Croix State Park or on Savanna Lake at Savanna Portage State Park. You'll leave prepared for future paddling trips on your own.
 📷: Rum River State Water Trail paddle-in campsite.
Watercraft Campsites
Forget drive-in campsites—try paddle-in!
For those craving both adventure and solitude, watercraft campsites are the perfect escape. Accessible only by water, these rustic sites let you immerse yourself in nature and see miles of river views on the journey.
Watercraft campsites are available on state water trails and in some state parks. Amenities available at each site vary. Most sites feature a fire ring and vault toilet, but no electricity and generally no running water. Be prepared to treat any collected water before drinking it! Due to their remote nature, it's essential to practice low-impact camping and pack out all trash.
Most watercraft sites on state water trails have a one-night maximum stay, so plan ahead and know where your next campsite or exit point will be. Watercraft campsites in state parks can be reserved ahead of time for multiple days.
Paddling to these sites requires knowledge of navigation, water safety, and weather awareness. Be sure to check river or lake conditions before you go, and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable on the water. Plan your trip with our Interactive Water Trail Map to locate water access points, campsites, and portages.
 📷: McCarthy Beach State Park
Hit the Beach 🏖️
Some of the best swimming spots in Minnesota state parks.
From sandy shores to retired mining pits with vibrant aqua waters, you'll find a spot to cool off on a hot summer day in Minnesota state parks. Browse all swimming options using ParkFinder. You can filter by options like swimming beach, dock, boat access and more!
😎 McCarthy Beach State Park
Spend a day at McCarthy Beach State Park, and you'll remember the lakes! Launch a boat on Side Lake or Sturgeon Lake to explore the five connected lakes of the Sturgeon chain. The sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake offers a half-mile of shoreline and shallow waters extending hundreds of feet into the lake. McCarthy Beach State Park also offers an adaptive beach chair that floats thanks to buoyant armrests and wheels. Contact McCarthy Beach State Park to reserve the chair in advance.
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🚵 Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Once abandoned mining pits, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area mine lakes now provide a refreshing escape for visitors. Spend the morning working up a sweat on the nationally renowned mountain biking trails, then plunge into the vibrant teal lakes to cool off.
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🌊 Zippel Bay State Park
Zippel Bay State Park offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning sunsets and miles of white sand beach along the shores of Lake of the Woods, one of the world's largest lakes. During the summer, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim at the park's beach and have a picnic in the designated area.
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🏖️ Split Rock Creek State Park
Swim, fish, or boat in the serene waters of Split Rock Lake, the largest body of water in Pipestone County, at Split Rock Creek State Park. The lake is the centerpiece of this picturesque park, offering ample opportunities for water-based recreation. Don't miss the Beach Side Trail Center, where you can enjoy an excellent vista and learn more about the area's rich history.
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🦢 Glendalough State Park
Looking for a beach day with a little extra adventure? Cool off with a swim, then rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore Glendalough State Park's peaceful chain of lakes. Paddle across crystal-clear Annie Battle Lake, where motorboats are replaced by quiet waters, great fishing and the sounds of nature. It's the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
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🌞 Whitewater State Park
Nestled in southeastern Minnesota, Whitewater State Park is renowned for its picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines. Visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach, making it an ideal spot to cool off during hot summer days. This 2,700-acre park is a haven for anglers, with brown, brook, and rainbow trout thriving in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek.
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Staying Safe in the Water 🛟
Paddling tips for a safe adventure.
- Monitor the weather. Check the forecast before leaving and periodically during the day.
- Let someone know where you plan to paddle, the route you are taking, and when you expect to return.
- When paddling, be aware of alternate options (besides where you put in) to get off the water in case of an emergency.
- In areas of high motorboat traffic, stay near the shore, and approach waves head-on or at a slight angle to avoid capsizing watercraft.
- The best place for your life jacket is on your body! Never strap a life jacket to a canoe or kayak. And remember, all children under 10 must wear their life jacket at all times on a watercraft. Learn more about life jackets.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Whether it's a rain jacket or sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt, the right outfit can make your day much more comfortable.
Check out our website to learn more about paddling safety, how to read the water, and view short videos on what to wear, how to paddle your kayak, and more!
  📷: Photo courtesy Devin Brown
Meet Devin Brown 🛶
Finding home on the Mississippi River.
Devin Brown didn't grow up on the water, but she did grow up in nature. Raised in New Jersey outside of New York City, yearly childhood summer camp days gave her a lifelong love of the outdoors. She spent her early career in technology retail in Manhattan, but that changed on a work trip to the Twin Cities. While staying near Lake Harriet, one afternoon Devin decided to rent a kayak and she paddled for the first time. Not long after, she took a leap and moved to Minnesota, landing her first job as a kayak guide on the Mississippi River.
After moving to Minnesota, Devin fell in love with the Mississippi River. "I was like, yes, this is my life," she recalls. "Nature and water were super important." What started as a hobby became a calling. In 2024, Devin set out to paddle the entire Mississippi River, from its headwaters at Itasca State Park to the Gulf Coast. The expedition was a dream years in the making. Although the 2024 attempt was cut short, she's already planning another attempt in 2028.
But Devin’s goals extend well beyond personal milestones. She founded Sovereign Waters in 2025, a nonprofit focused on water safety and access, particularly for communities of color in urban areas. "There's a huge barrier to water recreation," she explains, "just financially, and the lack of connection and growing up around the water is just heartbreaking." Through Sovereign Waters, she's secured grants to introduce teens to kayaking and offer water-based programming.
Devin has also noticed something powerful about time on the water, a quality she hopes to share with others. "Paddling forces you to be in silence with yourself," she says. "You're out there, and you just get all this time with the river." For Devin, the water is grounding — a place to think and reconnect.
Whether you're a first-time paddler or a seasoned river runner, Devin encourages Minnesotans to explore what's right in their backyard. "I love Minnesota for all the options," she says. "The state parks, city parks, the Crow River — just, all of it."
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The Call of the River
Head over to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine to read The Call of the River, a 2024 feature article on Devin. You'll learn more about Devin's journey and her dream of paddling from source-to-sea on the Mississippi River.
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