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.
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
Watercraft rentals are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
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
Group Lessons
Looking for more personalized instruction for your group? Call the Outdoor Recreation School at 763-694-7717 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
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.
Best Places to Paddle Part 2
By: Grant Armour
Find serenity and relaxation on the water this summer. From lakes teeming with wildlife to calm waters with island shoreline to explore, read on to find some more of our favorite places to paddle in Three Rivers.
6 Ways to Spend an Evening in the Parks
By: Mary Christine Kane
When the sun is starting to fade over the horizon, it could be the beginning of a great, new adventure. Skip the sunburn, beat the crowds and enjoy a magical part of the day by visiting the parks in the evening or at night.
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.
