Canoe Programs in Minneapolis Parks
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB):
Paddle with a Naturalist
Canoe staff and a MPRB Naturalist will be on the water to guide exploration, show points of interest, and assist in looking at wildlife from your boat.
FRIDAY July 24 from 4:00-6:00pm at Wirth Lake
FRIDAY August 14 from 5:00-6:30pm at Cedar Lake
FRIDAY August 28 from 5:00-6:30pm at Lake Hiawatha
Paddle with a Water Quality Educator
Canoe staff and a MPRB Water Quality Educator will be on the water to guide exploration, show points of interest, and provide information about water quality topics relevant to the lake and water in Minneapolis.
FRIDAY August 7 from 4:00-6:00pm at Wirth Lake
FRIDAY August 21 from 4:00-6:00pm at Lake of the Isles
Sunset Paddle
Enjoy leisurely exploration on the water. Look for wildlife from your boat and take in the serenity of the lake at sunset. Canoe staff will be on the water to guide exploration as desired.
FRIDAY August 14 from 7:00-8:30pm at Cedar Lake
FRIDAY August 21 from 7:00-8:30pm at Lake of the Isles
Family Paddle
Try a scavenger hunt, practice your skills with paddling challenges offered by the canoe staff, or look for wildlife from your boat.
SATURDAY August 15 from 4:00-5:30pm at Wirth Lake
SATURDAY August 29 from 10:30am-NOON at Cedar Lake
Youth Programs
Great Canoe Games
Trained canoe instruction staff will teach a variety of paddling techniques that will build and advance participants’ skillsets as they are used through games and challenges on the water. No prior experience necessary!
August 18 & 19. Ages 10-12 1:00-3:00pm at Wirth Lake
August 25 & 26. Ages 14-16 1:00-3:00pm at Lake Harriet
Lake Clean Up Paddle Opportunities
Help keep our lakes clean, safe, and beautiful! First, learn paddling techniques and safety tips on land from trained Canoe Instructor staff, then grab a bag and a trash picker and head out on the water. Lend a hand removing litter from the lake while you enjoy exploring the waterbody.
TUESDAY JULY 28 from 1:00-3:00pm at Wirth Lake
TUESDAY AUGUST 4from 1:00-3:00pm at Loring Pond
SATURDAY AUGUST 15 from 1:00-3:00pm at Wirth Lake
SATURDAY AUGUST 22 from 1:00-3:00pm at Lake Hiawatha
SATURDAY AUGUST 29 from 1:00-3:00pm at Cedar Lake
FREE Drop-in Canoeing
First learn paddling techniques and safety tips from trained Canoe Instructor staff, then explore the water with friends, family and neighbors at your own pace. Canoes, life vests and paddles are provided.
TUESDAYS at Powderhorn 5-7pm
WEDNESDAYS at Loring 5-7pm
THURSDAYS
7/23Canoe & Fishing Wirth Lake
7/30, 8/6, 8/13 at Lake Hiawatha Beach 3-6pm
8/20Canoe & Fishing Wirth Lake
Minneapolis Parks Environmental Education
Environmental education is an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences to make connections with nature, foster curiosity, and develop skills that will lead to a deeper understanding of the environment and why it matters. A wide variety of environmental education programs are offered at Minneapolis parks all year round, led by trained Naturalists who guide participants in finding joy in the natural environments all around us in Minneapolis.