Best 19 things to do in Independence, MN

Paddle the Mississippi’s only gorge and pass through Lock and Dam No. 1

Kayak through Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and up to the protected pool by downtown Minneapolis

Paddle downriver to the "City of Birds" heron rookery and skyline views

Discover five Minneapolis districts with narrated trolley sightseeing

Ride an historic trolley to Minneapolis’ haunted sites with a narrated ghost story tour

Play the jury on an interactive Minneapolis crime story tour

Tour Minneapolis Gilded Age mansions with inside-and-out architecture views

Reserve a 2–14 day pontoon rental with required delivery to nearby lakes

Rent a Yamaha WaveRunner for 2–14 days, with optional lake delivery

Kids learner ski with built-in handle for easy starts (ages 5–10)

Relax or play together on a floating Aqua Lily Pad

Rent a slalom water ski and practice turns, edge control, and wake crossings

Rent adult water skis with adjustable bindings

Rent a towable tube for 1–3 riders

Rent an inflatable paddleboard with pump for a full day on the water

Rent a wakeboard in Annandale for boat-towed riding

Enjoy 2 hours at a lakeside sauna village with wood-fired saunas and natural ice plunges

Unwind in a private barrel sauna with lakefront cold plunges and camp access during a 2-hour session

Hear insider stories on a behind-the-scenes Minneapolis trolley ride