Paddling
Recreate on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Get exercise and fresh air while you explore the shorelines and bays where motorized boats can’t go. Along the way, keep your eyes open for a variety of animals, including swans, turtles and beavers. It’s peaceful, it’s healthy and it’s fun for the whole family. Bring your own watercraft or rent one from us.
Hyland boat ramp and accessibility improvements
Improvements to the boat ramp access road, boat ramp, fishing pier and adjacent trail at Hyland Lake Park Reserve are being made this summer and fall. The access road, boat ramp and trail are being rebuilt to provide improved surfaces and greater accessibility for park guests. The project requires the boat ramp and access road, boat rental building, beach and fishing pier to be closed from August 5, 2024, through November 2024.
Watercraft rentals will be unavailable at Hyland Lake Park Reserve during the project. Check out other Three Rivers parks where you can rent watercraft.
Where To Go Paddling
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- Carver Park Reserve
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
- Eagle Lake Regional Park
- Fish Lake Regional Park
- French Regional Park
- Gale Woods Farm
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
- Silverwood Park
- Twin Lakes Boat Access
All Paddling Programs
Upcoming paddling programs and events.
Watercraft rentals are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day throughout the Park District. Choose from canoes, kayaks (single or double), paddleboats, rowboats or stand-up paddleboards.
Acres of Water
- Baker Park Reserve: 945
- Bryant Lake Regional Park: 178
- Carver Park Reserve: 704
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park: 780
- Cleary Lake Regional Park: 137
- Eagle Lake Regional Park: 290
- Fish Lake Regional Park: 244
- French Regional Park: 886
- Gale Woods Farm: 558
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve: 84
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park: 14,100
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve: 254
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve: 70
- Silverwood Park: 49
Lessons
Looking to improve your paddling technique for canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking? The Outdoor Recreation School offers lessons for your group, as well as a limited number of private lessons, for more personalized instruction.
Group Lessons
Call the Outdoor Recreation School at 763-694-7717 for scheduling and pricing. Equipment included.
Private Lessons
Whether you're new to the paddlesport, or wanting to improve your technique, our highly experienced instructors will customize the lesson to each paddler’s skills and goals. Private lessons are one-on-one lessons; semi-private lessons have a limit of two people of similar age and ability. Ages 18+. Scheduling is based on instructor availability. Email Recreation@ThreeRiversParks.org for scheduling and pricing. Equipment included.
Watch a Video about Paddling in Three Rivers
We offer a variety of adapted paddling programs for kids and adults.
In Three Rivers, having fun doesn't have to cost a thing. From free parking to free activities to free programs and events, find your adventure!
Related Blog Posts
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By: Zoe Bakken-Heck
Learn how Three Rivers Park District takes care of precious water resources.
Did you know that one of Three Rivers' parks was formerly a summer camp? Learn more about Silverwood Park’s history.
Creating a Healing Space in Nature: A Q&A with Innovative SOULutions’ Farji Shaheer
By: Amanda Fong & Farji Shaheer
Learn how outdoor recreation has helped nurture healing in victims of gun violence in this Q&A with Farji Shaheer, founder and director of Three Rivers’ partner organization Innovative SOULutions.
Other Things To Do
Boating
Three Rivers offers plenty of boating opportunities with over 30 lakes, rivers and streams. With lake access points and trailer parking sites, it’s easy to get the family out on the water to enjoy the ultimate Minnesota pastime.
Camping
Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up with the sunrise. Camping is the stuff memories are made of and at Three Rivers, you’ll find all the fun of camping without the long car trip. Campgrounds are located at Baker, Carver and Cleary Lake.
Dog Trails
Three Rivers offers abundant scenery for you and your dog to enjoy year round, with paved, turf, regional and skijoring/dog sledding trails that are dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a six-foot non-retractable leash unless in a designated dog off-leash area. Owners must pick-up after their dogs.
Mountain Biking
If you’re looking for your own adventure, give mountain biking a try in Three Rivers. There are designated mountain bike trails at Carver, Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca and Murphy-Hanrehan parks and other paved bike/hike trails of varying terrain and difficulty for mountain bikers of any skill level.
Cross-country Skiing
Three Rivers features 80 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails at various locations. Trails are available for skiers of all skill levels. Don't forget to check trail conditions before you head out.
New this season - cross-country ski equipment rentals are available online and are encouraged before arriving at the park.
Skijoring & Dog Sledding
If you have a dog with some pent-up winter energy, bring it to Three Rivers Parks for fun exercise where we have designated trails for skijoring and dog sledding.
