Why You Should Go...

Paddle Share is a kayak rental program (similar to bike share) on the Mississippi River. Rent a kayak from one of five rental locations on the river, paddle downstream, and return the kayak to the designated return station down the river. Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided.

The program is self-serve and reservations can be made on the website. This is a one-way rental system and routes range from 1.7 miles to 7.5 miles. There are four routes in Minneapolis and one route in St. Paul, and it's recommended that people have previous kayak experience for the river routes. To become more familiar with kayaking, there is a lake station at Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park.

Since kayaks provide a one-way, downstream trip, it's suggested using bike share, ride share, or Metro Transit for return trips.

Why You Should Go...

Paddle Share is a kayak rental program (similar to bike share) on the Mississippi River. Rent a kayak from one of five rental locations on the river, paddle downstream, and return the kayak to the designated return station down the river. Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided.

The program is self-serve and reservations can be made on the website. This is a one-way rental system and routes range from 1.7 miles to 7.5 miles. There are four routes in Minneapolis and one route in St. Paul, and it's recommended that people have previous kayak experience for the river routes. To become more familiar with kayaking, there is a lake station at Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park.

Since kayaks provide a one-way, downstream trip, it's suggested using bike share, ride share, or Metro Transit for return trips.

What You Should Know...

Open: Seasonally: May, June, July, August, September

Cost: Less than $50

Payment: MC, Visa, AMEX, Discover, Debit

Access: Public Transportation, Bicycle

Each route has a specific rental window. Longer routes have a morning and afternoon rental window.

North Mississippi to Boom Island is the most popular. This route begins on a more forested stretch of the river, passes through an industrial section, and ends with iconic views of downtown Minneapolis. Nice Ride has stations at both the start and end, which can be used to make this route a loop.

Most routes are $25 for a 3 hour rental, which includes a kayak, life jacket, and paddle.

Paddle Share began in 2016 and is a partnership between many different organizations.

Paddle Share's idea of kayak-sharing and self-serve rentals is the first of its kind in the country.

Once you make a reservation, in order to access the kayak, you’re given a code. This code is entered into padlock on the door of a locker, which opens to reveal all the equipment you need to be safe on the river.