Canoeing and Kayaking in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley

Explore picturesque waterways through canoeing and kayaking adventures in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.

Paddling in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot

Minnesota is often called the land of 10,000 lakes, yet the state contains over 12,000 bodies of water. Experiencing this distinctive geology is an essential part of visiting Minnesota’s Sweet Spot. Several local lakes and creeks offer ideal settings for canoe and kayak exploration.

Minnehaha Creek Preserve

As the centerpiece of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway, Minnehaha Creek Preserve includes a 1.5-mile section running through St. Louis Park. It forms part of a larger 22-mile long system and has undergone recent restoration to improve wildlife habitat, renew wetlands, and create additional trails, including over a mile of ADA accessible boardwalk.

Creekside Park provides a canoe and kayak launch, picnic opportunities, and plenty of free parking. Paddlers may see wood ducks, herons, turtles, deer, and other wildlife along the water. Check the Minnehaha Creek flow before putting in.

Sweeney Lake

Sweeney Lake sits within a pleasant residential neighborhood in Golden Valley. The 68-acre lake averages 12 ft in depth and reaches 28 ft at its deepest point. At the lake’s north end, a small parking lot offers a dock and carry-in boat access.

The lake works well for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers will also find a wide variety of stocked fish, including largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

Equipment Rentals

Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park offers the equipment needed for a paddling outing. Its Paddlesports Department rents canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards on seasonal basis.