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
- Coon Rapids Dam 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
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
- Silverwood Park
- Twin Lakes Boat Access
April 29 | Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement
Test your archery, orienteering, puzzle, canoeing and campfire-cooking skills in this team-based challenge. Teams of 2-4 welcome! Great for families, middle schoolers and teens. Register your team today!
Watercraft Rentals
No boat? No problem. The parks have canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and more... all available for rent!
Paddle Share Program Opening Soon
The Mississippi River Paddle Share Program has partnered with Three Rivers to offer kayak rentals to experienced paddlers! Put-in stations are located in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and River Park (in partnership with Brooklyn Park). Plan your trip, make online reservations, and see who else has partnered with this program. Learn more.
Watch a Video about Paddling in Three Rivers
Programs and Events
Upcoming paddling programs and events.
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
Private Lessons & Tours
Looking for more personalized instruction, a fun group activity, or tour? Arrange a private one-on-one or group program at your skill level. Equipment included. Call the Outdoor Recreation School at 763.694.7717 for large group pricing, or to schedule private lessons, programs and tours.
We offer a variety of canoe, kayak, stand-up, and adapted paddleboard programs for kids and adults. Learn how to roll a kayak, canoe by the light of a full moon, or discover one of the scenic sides of the Twin Cities while paddling past island chains on the mighty Mississippi.
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, regional and skijoring/dog sledding trails that are dog-friendly. Dogs on a six-foot non-retractable leash are allowed on all paved trails except where posted otherwise. 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 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 70 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.
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.
