Six launches that make Minneapolis a paddling town

The chain of lakes, one big lake, and a creek that only exists in June — where to put in around the cities.

Minneapolis hides its best commute under the flight path: a chain of lakes stitched together by channels you can paddle before work. Here is where to start, in the order we would take a visiting friend.

Bde Maka Ska, north beach

No motors, big sky, and the most reliable glass in the city between 6 and 8 AM. Launch left of the swim buoys. Street parking fills by 9 on weekends.

Grays Bay, Lake Minnetonka

The quiet corner of a loud lake. Go at dawn and the bay is a mirror; by 10 AM the wake boats own it. The $8 lot fee is the best coffee money you will spend.

Cedar Lake, hidden beach

Tree-lined and shady, connected to Lake of the Isles by the Kenilworth channel — single file when busy, and worth it every time.

Every launch above has a live conditions page in Splashtag with paddler-reported water temperature — the number no forecast API knows for a small lake.

Conditions and rules for every launch mentioned live in the spot directory.