Upcoming Events
We plan regular events including Friday Fieldtrips, Full Moon Paddles, and Camp and Paddles. These group outings are open to paddlers with their own kayaks and gear and to those who need to rent from us! Stay tuned for new event postings for Summer 2024!
July 31st-August 4th- Cuyuna Mine Pit Lakes Summer Trip
Our summer trip to the Cuyuna Mine Pit lakes is July 31- August 4. We hope you can join us for a day trip, two days or all 5 days! We will set some times and locations for paddles each day so everyone can choose how much they want to do.
We will have limited rentals available by the day or weekend. Contact us ASAP to inquire about renting a kayak: booking@twincitieskayaking.com
Feel free to meet up with us if you are up with your own gear. We'd love to see you there!
Please note: any overnight accommodations will be up to you. There are various camping and lodging options in the area, but they fill up fast so make your reservations early. Some folks just come up for a day.
Here's the tentative itinerary for the week/weekend.
Wednesday 7/31
We will be setting up our camp and hiking/biking in the area.
6 PM: Meet-and-Greet at Portsmouth Campground beach for early arrivers. Potluck or byo food and beverages.
Thursday 8/1
Daytime paddle: 11:30 meet at Portsmouth Boat Launch. Meet here: https://goo.gl/maps/dfwqbYBoroq3SK3d7
People can paddle as a group or on their own. Self-guided, so take it easy, go at your own pace and finish when you are ready If you made arrangements to rent from us, we will arrange an end meeting time when we get there. Bring a lunch and/or beverages for yourself to spend a couple of hours on the water.
Thursday Evening: Possible hike and/or paddle at Milford Mine Memorial
https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CqZz7dRAqZYdzxBeA
Friday 8/2
11 AM- Meet at Pennington Mine. This lake connects to several others. We will put in at the lot here: https://goo.gl/maps/1Q5AXbrMJXoMqdgV7
People can paddle as a group or on their own. Self-guided so take it easy, go at your own pace and finish when you are ready If you are renting, we will arrange an end meeting time when we get there. Bring a lunch and/or beverages to be out a couple of hours.
Friday Evening paddle: at Portsmouth Beach for those that want to do more paddling and/or socializing.
Saturday 8/3
Another good time to visit Milford Mine Memorial Park if you missed it Thursday :
https://www.crowwing.us/294/Milford-Mine-Memorial-Park
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CqZz7dRAqZYdzxBeA
Daytime paddle: Noon at Huntington Lake. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3BQU6T6XokGnwAog7 We will park in the Cuyunua Recreation Area lot and carry down to the water.
Be sure to also check out Miner's Mountain, for a bird's eye view of the recreation area.
Possible Evening paddle: 7 PM Sagamore Mine Lake, the one with the cute little island. We will meet at the boat launch.
Sunday 8/4
River Trip! Mississippi River through Crow Wing State Forest, Highway 6 to Trommald or Pine River to Trommald. More details to follow/ be determined by consensus. If you want to get in on this trip, let us know so you can get in on the planning too. Email us for more info: booking@twincitieskayaking.com
If you've never been to the Cuyuna lakes, here's a video of highlights from a previous trip: https://youtu.be/xOFDokw6Ccw
Postponed! New Date TBA
Friday Field Trip to the Cannon
We will paddle approximately 12 miles from Cannon Falls to Welch. Join us with your own kayak, or we have limited rentals available for $50 with an advance reservation.
Start is Riverside Park in Cannon Falls, and end is Welch Mill. Note: you will need to buy a $5 pass to get out at the private launch at Welch Mill. Bring a lunch and snacks and beverages and plan for a full day on the water. In case of bad weather or water conditions we will cancel.
We will be dropping our bike in Welch to pedal the 12 miles back to Cannon Falls after the trip. We plan to drop our bikes at the end around 10 am. Those who don't want to bike may choose to arrange cooperative shuttling and could also meet at the end to leave some vehicles. For more info or to RSVP email booking@twincitieskayaking.com.