Know Before You Go
You must be 18 or older to rent a kayak.
Anyone in your party less than 18 years of age must ride in a tandem kayak WITH AN ADULT. There are no exceptions to this rule, and at no time may any boat have only minors in it. Please plan accordingly, as this may limit the total size of your party.
This is an unguided experience on the Mississippi River. Paddle Share is not suitable for those without river paddling experience.
Check out parkconnection.org to find a Paddle 101 session or guided event before trying Paddle Share!
Misuse of equipment, disrespect of park or Paddle Share staff, use of alcohol, or attempts to retrieve equipment during closures will result in a ban from using the service.
Tell a responsible friend that you are going kayaking on the Mississippi River. Share your itinerary and let them know when your trip is over.
Bring water, sunscreen, and your reservation code. Consider wearing water shoes/sandals and clothes that are okay to get wet (avoid cotton). Consider bringing rain gear or warmer layers. You may also want to bring insect repellent, a dry bag, sunglasses, and a hat.
Kayaks returned after the rental end time will incur an automatic $100 late fee.
Route Options
Nature Route
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park to North Mississippi Regional Park
Distance: 7.5 miles
Paddle Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Nature To City route
River Park (Brooklyn Park) to Graco Park
Distance: 8.5 miles
Paddle Time: ~3 hours
City Route
North Mississippi Regional Park to Graco Park
Distance: 4 miles
Paddle Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
The Gorge Route
Bohemian Flats Park to Minneapolis Rowing Club (Lake Street)
Distance: 3 miles
Paddle Time: ~1 hour
Pickerel Lake Station
Explore around the lake at Lilydale Regional Park, and return to original station.
Paddle Time: ~2 hours
Route Map
Green - Nature Route: Mississippi Gateway Regional Park TO North Mississippi Regional Park
Red - Nature to City Route: River Park TO Graco Park
Yellow - City Route: North Mississippi Regional Park TO Graco Park
Blue -The Gorge Route: Bohemian Flats Park TO Minneapolis Rowing Club / Lake Street Bridge
Purple - Pickerel Lake Station: at Lilydale Regional Park
Paddle Share Season Pass
Simplify your summer with the Paddle Share Season Pass.
Take advantage of the full paddling season on the Mississippi River. Paddle Share will be open May 22- October 31, 2026 (weather/river conditions permitting).
What's included
Passholder will receive:
One solo kayak reservation per station per day for the passholder all season, valid at any Paddle Share station.
50% off tandem (double) kayak rentals all season, valid at any Paddle Share station.
1 ticket to the Season Passholder Opener Event on May 23rd (first come, first served)! Join a guided paddle from North Mississippi Regional Park to Graco Park on Saturday, May 23rd and get to know Mississippi Park Connection staff. Maybe you’ll meet a new paddling buddy!