Kayak Tour at St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis
Paddle through a historic lock beneath St. Anthony Falls
Duration
2-2.5 hours
Includes
Kayak, gear, guided instruction
Highlights
Discover the Mississippi River Gorge on a guided kayak outing beneath downtown Minneapolis. Take in the sandstone cliffs and landmarks shaped by St. Anthony Falls.
- Explore the only naturally occurring gorge on the Mississippi River
- Trace 11,000 years of geological history along 150-foot sandstone cliffs
- View Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge from the water
- Learn paddling basics and water safety from rescue-trained guides
Itinerary
1. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early at Bohemian Flats — 2150 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55454
- If you're staying downtown, this park may be just a stone's throw away from your hotel, and a nice riverside walk to our launch site.
- If driving, remember that it's always construction season in the Twin Cities, so this will account for any detours, as well as giving you time to pay for parking if needed ($1/hour, $4 pays for the whole day) and to use the port-a-potty.
- Sign the e-waiver (sent in the confirmation email) in advance of the trip to save time.
2. Find your guides and get fitted!
- We will be with a trailer of kayaks, near the pavilion at the north (downtown) end of the park.
- After fitting you with a PFD, guides offer an instructional paddle demo, before outfitting you in a kayak down at the beach.
3. Water time!
- We paddle up through Lower Lock, explore the pool below the falls, and get some choice photos before descending back through the lock and ending back at Bohemian in the twilight.
4. Follow-up
- After the tour, guests return paddles, PFD's and phone cases.
- Over the next day or so we will send out photos along with links to review Paddle Bridge and tip your guides electronically (cash or venmo tips are also accepted in-person).
What's Included
- Single or tandem kayak, subject to availability
- Personal flotation device (life jacket)
- Paddle
- Rescue-trained guides and safety equipment
- Drinking water
- Limited dry phone cases and dry bags
- Complimentary photos
Important details
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure
- Complete the electronic waiver before the trip
- Ages 5+ recommended; single kayaks are recommended for ages 16+
- Single-kayak paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Tandem kayaks require at least one participant age 18+
- Dress in lightweight clothing that can get wet; towels are not provided
- Alcohol is not allowed on public tours except in rare cases with prior permitting
- Expect the route and duration to vary with weather, water level, flow rate, and group needs
Cancellation Policy
Receive a full refund when you notify staff within 12 hours of the trip. If canceled due to weather concerns, choose a refund or rebooking.
Product ID: FPJS9H
FAQs
Dress for water. Wear lightweight clothing and footwear you wouldn’t mind getting wet, and consider leaving a dry layer in your car to change into afterward.
Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat and sunglasses for glare. You can also bring a snack for yourself.
Use the provided dry bag for small items. A limited number of dry phone cases and dry bags are available, and guides take photos with a waterproof camera so you don’t have to risk yours.
Meeting details
Bohemian Flats Park — 2150 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55454
