Minneapolis: where urban charm meets natural beauty.
Have you considered paddling in the city of lakes?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Minneapolis.
Venture through the vibrant waterways of this dynamic city. Are you prepared to make a splash?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Minneapolis
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska)
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: North Beach, South Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, yellow perch
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Minneapolis skyline, surrounding parks, and beaches
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: No motorized boats, be cautious of swimmers
Lake Calhoun, also known as Bde Maka Ska, is the largest and most popular lake in Minneapolis, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
With calm waters and surrounding beaches, it’s an ideal spot for paddle boarders of all skill levels.
#2 Lake of the Isles
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Lake of the Isles Parkway (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Historic houses, nearby parkland
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Shared lake with other watercraft, stay within designated areas
Lake of the Isles is a picturesque paddle boarding destination in the heart of Minneapolis.
It’s known for its calm waters, beautiful parkland, and historic homes along the shoreline, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing paddle.
#3 Cedar Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Cedar Lake Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Waterfowl, fish
- 🏞️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Minneapolis skyline, wooded shoreline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay within designated areas, watch for swimmers
Cedar Lake provides a tranquil paddle boarding experience with calm waters and a lush, wooded shoreline.
Its close proximity to downtown Minneapolis and the surrounding Chain of Lakes makes it a popular spot for a serene escape from the city.
#4 Lake Nokomis
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Main Beach, 50th Street Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Nearby parkland, surrounding beaches
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Share the lake with swimmers, avoid restricted areas
Lake Nokomis offers a calm and scenic paddleboarding experience.
Surrounded by parks and beaches, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely paddle while enjoying the beauty of nature.
#5 Lake Harriet
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍Access Point: North and South Beaches (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Bandshell Park, surrounding parkland
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, stay within designated areas
Lake Harriet is a charming destination for paddle boarders, with its calm waters and picturesque parkland.
The lake’s bandshell and surrounding greenery provide a lovely backdrop while paddling across the water.
#6 Lake Hiawatha
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Lake Hiawatha Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, various fish species
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Adjacent golf course, surrounding parkland
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other watercraft, stay within designated areas
Lake Hiawatha offers a peaceful and scenic spot for paddle boarders.
With calm waters and views of the adjacent golf course and parkland, it’s a lovely place to spend a summer day on the water.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Minneapolis?
Popular paddle board spots in Minneapolis include Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Minneapolis?
In Minneapolis, paddle boards do not require registration.
When is the best time to paddle board in Minneapolis?
Paddle boarding in Minneapolis is best from late spring to early fall when temperatures are warmer.
