Kayak through Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and up to the protected pool by downtown Minneapolis
2-2.5 Hours
Kayak, gear, guided tour
Paddle from Bohemian Flats Park into the Mississippi River Gorge, then enter Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and "lock up" about 25 feet. Explore the calm pool below Owamniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) near Mill Ruins Park and Stone Arch Bridge.
Recommended age is 5+. For tandem kayaks, one person must be 18+. Guides appreciate tips (guests typically do 15–20%). Alcohol is generally not allowed on the water during public tours.
Guests must notify staff within 12 hours of trip to be offered a full refund. If cancellation is due to weather concerns, they will offer to either refund or rebook.
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.
Bohemian Flats Park — 2150 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55454
Paddle Bridge delivers consistently excellent kayaking experiences around Minneapolis, with guides like Sparky, Beaver, Maggie, and Andie earning enthusiastic praise for their knowledge and warmth. The tours take paddlers through unique experiences like navigating Mississippi Lock No. 1 and exploring the river gorge, with guides sharing fascinating historical details about the waterways and city along the way. First-timers repeatedly mention feeling safe and comfortable, even those nervous about getting on the water, thanks to attentive instruction and a welcoming approach. The operation runs professionally with quality equipment, including thoughtful touches like dry bags, water, and snacks. They're responsive with communication, especially around weather concerns, giving participants options when conditions look iffy. One guest felt disappointed by the full moon tour experience, finding it lacked depth and wishing for clearer communication about logistics upfront. But that appears to be an outlier in an otherwise stellar track record. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some paddling experience, this is a genuinely fun way to see Minneapolis from the water while learning something new.
Sparky was the best. This was such an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and Sparky had lots of history to share. Going through the lock was something to remember. 10/10 thank you for a great time!!
Catherine Goodhew
September 30, 2025
Sparky was the best. This was such an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and Sparky had lots of history to share. Going through the lock was something to remember. 10/10 thank you for a great time!!
Catherine Goodhew
September 30, 2025