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
Legend
Trails and Roads
Amenities
Recreation Areas
Natural Areas
Boundaries
Where To Go Paddling
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- Bush Lake
- 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
- Normandale Lake
- Silverwood Park
- Spring Lake Regional Park
- Twin Lakes Boat Access
Upcoming Events
The Crow River 17
June 13, Noon–6 PM | Crow-Hassan
The Crow River 17, organized by Two Paddles, is a 17-mile paddling event which begins on the Crow River at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve and ends on the Mississippi River in Anoka. The event offers a competitive race division as well as a non-competitive recreational tour. Paddle solo, tandem or as part of a team. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards—all self-powered boats are welcome.
Ten dollars from every registration will go to support water quality efforts across the rivers, streams and lakes within Three Rivers Park District, funding critical monitoring, testing and restoration work that keeps these waterways clean, healthy and thriving.
All Paddling Programs
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.
- Rental Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours prior to rental time to receive 100% of the rental fee.
No refunds will be provided less than 12 hours prior to rental time.
- Late Return Fee
Rental equipment returned after the two-hour limit will be charged a late fee of $25.
Small watercraft racks designed to hold canoes, sailboards and kayaks are available to rent.
Reserve a Small Watercraft Rack
Watercraft rack reservations can be made below on a first-come, first-served basis:
Bryant Lake | Bush Lake | Cedar Lake | Cleary Lake | Fish Lake | French | Gale Woods
Acres of Water
- Baker Park Reserve: 945
- Bush Lake: 172
- 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
- Normandale Lake: 112
- Silverwood Park: 49
- Spring Lake Regional Park: 590
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 paddle sport, 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!
Other Things To Do
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.
Experience the joy of camping close to home with Three Rivers as you spend nights at our traditional campsites, group camping areas, a bike-in site, a horse camp or camper cabins, including ADA accessible options.
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.
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.
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.
When trails are open, cross-country ski equipment rentals are available online and are encouraged before arriving at the park.
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.
