US · Minnesota

Paddling Minnesota

Ten thousand lakes, four glorious paddling months. 6 launches with live conditions and paddler-reported water temperature — the number no forecast knows.

Grays Bay Launchgood now

Lake Minnetonka · Minnetonka

Public ramp on the quiet northeast corner of Minnetonka. Mirror mornings, busy summer weekends — go early.

4 kn 72°F★ 4.6 kayak

Bde Maka Ska North Beachgood now

Bde Maka Ska · Minneapolis

Beach launch on the Minneapolis chain. No motors on the lake — the most reliable glass in the city at dawn.

5 kn 74°F★ 4.8 SUP

Lake Nokomis Main Beachgood now

Lake Nokomis · Minneapolis

Easy sand entry, free lots, friendly water. The right first lake for a new board.

6 kn 75°F★ 4.5 SUP

Cedar Lake Hidden Beachgood now

Cedar Lake · Minneapolis

Tree-lined and quiet, connected to the chain by the Kenilworth channel — a slow, shady paddle.

3 kn 73°F★ 4.7 kayak

White Bear Lake — Ramsey Beach⚠ wind

White Bear Lake · White Bear Lake

Big open water northeast of the cities. Real fetch when the wind is up — check gusts before you commit.

11 kn 70°F★ 4.2 kayak

Minnehaha Creek — Gray Fox Put-ingood now

Minnehaha Creek · St. Louis Park

Seasonal creek run from Minnetonka toward the falls. Only worth it above 75 CFS — check the gauge.

4 kn 68°F★ 4.9 kayak