Recommended Paddle Trips

Islands of Peace offers light rapids and island excursions.

Welcome to our guide on recommended paddle routes along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area National Water Trail. This stunning waterway offers a variety of paddling experiences, from serene backwaters to scenic river views. Whether you are a novice or an experienced paddler, these four carefully selected routes showcase the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the river. Each route provides unique opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Explore the routes below to find the perfect adventure for your next outing on the water.

 

Crow River to Coon Rapids Dam

Experience a 13-mile paddle from Mississippi Crow River Access to Coon Rapids Dam, featuring Class I rapids and overnight camping on islands. Enjoy abundant wildlife and a near-wilderness atmosphere along the route.

Great for:

• Overnight Camping
• Near-wilderness experience
• Class I rapids
• Wildlife
• Island excursions

Distance:

• River mile 879.5 - 866.5 (13 miles)
• Full day trip, easy two day with overnight camp on island

Start:

Mississippi Crow River Public Water Access
16351 Richardson Ave, Dayton, MN 55327
Coordinates: (45.245562259428084, -93.5211114459749)

Finish:

Coon Rapids Dam East Public Water Access
Egret Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Coordinates: (45.14708340503732, -93.3106953920313)

Camping Opportunities:

Mississippi West Regional Park | Anoka County 

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: 3 (two on Cloquet Island, one on Foster Island)
• Permit Required: Only if leaving a car overnight at the park
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: Cleared tent pad, fire ring, picnic table
• More information: Anoka County Parks

National Park Service Islands | National Park Service

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: No designated sites, dispersed camping only
• Permit Required: No permit required if following compedium policies
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: No services or designated sites.
• More information: 651-293-0200

Hazards

• Rapids: Some Class 0 to Class I rapids depending on water levels from river mile 879.5 to 873
• Dams: Be sure to stay river left approaching Coon Rapids Dam to take out and avoid the safety areas of the dam. YOU MUST TAKE OUT BEFORE THE DAM.

Coon Rapids Dam to Downtown Minneapolis

Enjoy an 11-mile day trip from Gateway Regional Park to Graco Park, perfect for spotting great blue herons and egrets. Experience a blend of natural beauty and urban charm, with opportunities to dine in Northeast Minneapolis along the way.

Great for:

• Day trip
• Seeing great blue herons, egrets, and cormorands (spring, early summer)
• Hacing a combined natural and urban experience
• Pulling off in NorthEast Minneapolis and having a bite to eat at a resturant on the river
• Using Paddle Share (leave from River Park (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Distance:

• River mile 866- 855 (11 miles)
• Full day trip, leave from River Park (Brooklyn Park) or Craig Park (Fridley) for a shorter trip. 

Start:

Gateway Regional Park
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Coordinates: (45.14137621713621, -93.31170778926673)

Finish:

Graco Park
15 8th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Coordinates: (44.994439945751495, -93.27175653867906)

Camping Opportunities:

None

Hazards

• Rapids: Some Class 0 to Class I rapids depending on water levels from river mile 866 to 859
• Stumpfield: Small remnent stumpfield that can be a hazard in low water. River left just after I-694 bridge near river mile 860.
• Dams: Be sure to take out of the river before approaching St Anthony Falls. YOU MUST TAKE OUT BEFORE THE FALLS. The last take out point is Flag Pole Plaza at ~ river mile 854.5. There is not an operating lock at St Anthony Falls. 

Wakota Bridge to Grey Cloud Island Backwaters

Embark on an 8.5-mile overnight trip from Wakota Bridge to Hazen P. Moores Park, where you can spot eagles and enjoy scenic river bluffs. Navigate the Grey Cloud Channel for a unique backwater experience, but be cautious of large barges and boats in the area; always give them a wide berth to ensure safety.

Great for:

• Overnight Trip
• Seeing eagles, river bluffs and barges
• At river mile 828 turn river left into the grey cloud channel and follow the backwaters to Hazen P. Moores Park. 

Distance:

• River mile 832.5- 828 + ~4 miles in Grey Cloud Channel (8.5 miless)
• Full day trip, or easy overnight. 

Start:

Wakota Bridge Public Water Access
South St Paul, MN 55075
Coordinates: (44.881942959656826, -93.01764405690166)

Finish:

Hazen P Moores Park
10865 Grey Cloud Trail S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Coordinates: (44.79130606929421, -92.97910924127177)

Camping Opportunities:

National Park Service Island 112-02 | National Park Service

• Price: Free
• Number of sites: No designated sites, dispersed camping only
• Permit Required: No permit required if following compedium policies
• Reservations: First come, first served
• Services Provided: No services or designated sites.
• More information: 651-293-0200

Hazards

• Large Barges and Boats: This section of river has active commercial river traffic that includes barge tows. Stay out of the main channel and ensure barges are given a wide berth. It is very difficult for towboat pilots to see small canoe and kayaks. Some towboats kick up very large wakes, be prepared for wakes. 
• Stumpfields and wing dams: Remnent stumpfields and wing dams can be a hazard in low water. Check the interactive river map for where hazards are present and stay alert to avoid hitting these underwater hazards.