3-DAY CANOE CAMPING NAMEKAGON RIVER EXPEDITION

Our three-day option is perfect for any experience level. On this expedition, you will experience gentle class one rapids that are perfect for first timers. Unlike the boundary waters this route is entirely free of portages. Float down the one of the most scenic rivers in the Midwest while learning or sharpening your canoe skills.

4-DAY SAINT CROIX AND NAMEKAGON RIVERS CANOE ADVENTURE TRIP

This 4-day canoe expedition combines two of the most scenic rivers in the midwest to deliver a truly exceptional canoe adventure.

5-DAY YOUTH GROUP AND PRIVATE PARTIES

Do you have a private group (such as scouts or any other youth group) ready for a wilderness adventure? We have a discounted 5-day deal just for them. We can also put together complete packages for any private group wanting to do a custom 3-4 or 5-7 day trip. Perhaps one dedicated to fishing? River journeys of any length or difficulty can be arranged.

Minneapolis Day Trips

The camping trips on the Namekagon are in northeast Wisconsin, but our shop is 1 hour and 45 minutes away in Minneapolis. In the city we offer a couple fun day trips. For the more adventurous you can cut through Minneapolis on a tour down the Minnehaha Creek. Or come and explore the city’s interconnected chain of lakes by canoe and old-time trolley.

F.A.Q.

What can I expect?

You can expect an all-inclusive, safe and exciting canoe trip! You can show up with no experience and no equipment or provisions and we will fully prepare you for an awesome camping adventure. We take care of absolutely everything.

What should I bring?

This traveling riverside camping trip is fully guided and fully equipped. We provide all the canoe and camping equipment and food. All you need to bring are your clothes (which you will put in one of our stuff sacks) a sturdy pair of shoes which you don’t mind getting wet, a dry set of footwear for camp, and a rain jacket.

What is the VAR document?

This is the Visitor Acknowledgment to Risk document that must be signed before the trip begins. You can preview the document here.

What type of equipment will be provided?

We bring tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, chairs, kitchen tables, propane stove, hand wash, first aid kit and gourmet meals to make our primitive riverside campsites a five-star experience.

How many people can you accommodate?

Expedition group size is kept to a minimum (7 guests maximum) in order to deliver an intimate wilderness experience.

Is there cell service wherever we go?

There is satisfactory cell phone service throughout most of the route.

What kind of experience levels and age requirements are there?

Although there are rapids and swift water throughout the entire length of the river, everything is beginner class. Minimum age for this adventure is 12 years old.

What are campsite chores?

There are simple tasks around camp to help your guide out, such as assistance in setting up tents, chairs and loading and unloading canoes.

How do we go to the bathroom when on expeditions?

These remote and private riverbank campsites are maintained by the National Park Service and are equipped with secluded open air pit toilets. Also, many concrete walled pit bathrooms can be found along the route.

What is navigating the river like?

The riverbanks are generally low, sandbars are frequent, and some rocks are scattered along the route. The Namekagon offers a combination of gentle rapids and smooth flowing current.

Are there portages on this trip?

Unlike the Boundary Waters, there are no portages. Being portage free is one of the nice things about choosing this river expedition. Apart from moving things around at the boat landings and getting settled in and out of riverbank campsites, there are no portages along the entire route.

Can I bring alcohol?

Box wine and spirits in non breakable containers work well, but leave the beer at home. Cargo areas are packed with camping gear leaving no room for coolers.

Where is the Namekagon?

Nestled in the NE corner of Wisconsin, Danbury WI is an easy drive from:

  • Duluth- 1 Hour 15 Mins
  • Minneapolis- 1 Hour 45 Mins
  • Saint Cloud- 1 Hour 45 Mins
  • Eau Claire- 1 Hour 45 Mins
  • Rochester- 3 Hours
  • Madison- 4 hours 30 Minutes
  • Fargo- 4 hours 30 Minutes
  • Chicago- 6 Hours

Where will I meet my guide for canoe camping trip?

The 1:00PM meet (5:00PM for youth groups) is located at a place called “Riverside Landing” which is 7.8 miles from the town of Danbury WI. If you enter “Riverside Landing” into google maps its easy to find. The landing and campsite are situated where the HWY 35 bridge crosses over the Saint Croix River. If you are coming from the Minneapolis metro area take the #183 Hinkley exit, make a right (east) onto HWY 48/77. Travel 27 miles to the town of Danbury WI where you will run into the main intersection where the BP gas station is. At this main “T” intersection you will be at a stop sign where you will take a left onto HWY 35 north. Travel 7.8 Miles to a bridge. You will see a sign marked “Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway”. Cross over river on bridge and take an immediate right into parking lot where Riverside landing is.

Where will meet my guide for the Minneapolis day trips?

Our shop is located in southwest Minneapolis just blocks from the chain of lakes and the Minnehaha Creek. We will start our day at 4142 Pillsbury Ave S Minneapolis MN 55409. Come to the back of the house where our shop and trailer are located.

About

Paul Siegel of Luna Rose Canoe Adventures

As a wilderness explorer, adventurer, professional guide and outfitter, Paul Siegel has a lifetime of experience to offer. Not only has he led expeditions throughout the wilderness surrounding the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota, but he also has spent many years down the rivers of Wisconsin such as the Namekagon and Saint Croix. He has brought his expertise to remote areas all over the world as well, including whitewater trips across South America and float plane trips in Ontario; to name a few. Exploring these backcountry routes and sharing them with others is his passion, and his expertise in finding new and unexplored hideaways makes every trip special.

As the owner of Luna Rose Canoe Adventures, Paul has helped connect hundreds of people with rivers and lakes throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario. More importantly, he’s helped people connect with one another. There’s something truly magical that happens on a canoe trip. Our expeditions deliver incredible adventure, authentic campfire meals and memories you will cherish forever.

Rates & Dates

3-day trips

Typically begin every Friday 1PM and will have you back to your car around lunchtime Sunday. Midweek 3-day trips run from Monday 1PM to Wednesday noon.

4-day trips

Usually begin Mondays 1:00PM and are finished by lunchtime Thursday. These dates may vary, and Holiday weekends may change schedules.

5-DAY YOUTH AND CUSTOM TRIPS

Youth group expeditions typically start at 5PM on Sundays and end 11AM on Thursdays. Other private trips range 3-7 days. Give us a call!

Rates and cancelation policy:

Rates are $150 per person per day. Standard rates for 3 and 4 day trips:
3-day trip $450 per person
4-day trip $600 per person

5-day youth group special $85 per person per day

Minimum age on all trips is 12 years old

A 50% deposit is collected in order to reserve your spot. This deposit is 100% refundable if canceled 30 days or more before your trip date and forfeited if past 30 days. A second payment for the remaining 50% is collected 15 days before the expedition start date. No refunds after this final commitment date.

Minneapolis day trips $95 per person. Fully refundable with at least a 24-hour notice.

Please call us or email us and we can confirm dates and availability.

We accept personal checks and digital payments:

Checks may be mailed to:

Luna Rose Canoe Adventures
4142 Pillsbury Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55409

Testimonials

Happy mom

This was a perfect adventure for a mom and two teenagers. The Namekagon River is beautiful and peaceful (with a few rapids!); we saw otters, porcupines, herons, eagles, and only a few humans. We camped in private riverbank campsites, where we enjoyed sunsets and coffee, and since Paul brings a full kitchen, there’s no scrimping on food! Paul took care of everything: the route, food, gear, transportation. All we needed was our clothes, wet shoes, and a sense of adventure. And wow, what an adventure!

Ellen C:

We decided to have a family canoeing adventure for our girls 11 and 13. I can say now that it was a brilliant decision! There were so many highlights traveling the Namekagon: The stunning river, the amazing woods and wildlife, the thrill of navigating rapids, and truly being unplugged from the rest of the world. We had never canoed before, let alone on a lively river, and we felt completely safe the whole time. A great experience!

Brian S:

When Paul guides a trip, you can count on things being really well organized, all the details thought out. If you thought that you couldn’t eat well in the outdoors, expect to be surprised. I was ready for basic camp fare, it was anything but. He also found a very polite way to tell me that I had packed too much, but for those who forget something, also no worries; he’s prepared for that too. Most of all, we want good company on a trip, and Paul has the stories and the sense of humor to make a trip memorable. I would definitely go again.

Matt K:

Thoroughly enjoyed the Namekagon river trip last Summer. “Canoe Paul” was knowledgeable, patient and a great cook! The Namekagon is a beautiful river and suited my ability level. 5 stars and I’ll do it again.

Phil N:

Thanks again for a great trip! This one down the Namekagon River tops the last one we took! You showed so much optimism it was easy to have a great time. Not to mention how well prepared you were with the gear and the good food. Hope we can do it again! Seeing the Golden Eagles and other wildlife was just a bonus!

Andy K:

I didn’t have any experience traveling in the Boundary Waters even though I have lived in Minnesota all my life. Paul was very familiar with the area and took care of everything with ease. He also was able to deliver exceptional campsites every night of our trip. The meals weren’t just freeze dried reconstituted powder meals but REAL food. We also caught some fish to eat along the way. Yum!

Armistral:

The trip was an adventure! My guide knew our route like the back of his hand and we only stayed at the best island campsites as I had requested. The food was excellent, it was “real food” not the freeze dried stuff. Overall I couldn’t have had a better planned and executed trip. You will not be disappointed with Luna Rose Canoe Adventures!

Tom B:

I’ve been on many canoe trips with Paul and he is a great guide. You can count on a fun, well-planned trip where every contingency has been thought of. Just follow the leader and enjoy!

House Rental

The Pillsbury House

Located in Minneapolis (1 Hr 45 Minutes from Danbury WI and the Namekagon River) “The Pillsbury House,” is your Minneapolis Home-Away-From-Home! Nestled in the beautiful family-oriented Kingfield neighborhood, just blocks from Lake Harriet, you will enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this classic beauty, and the charm that Southwest Minneapolis has to offer!

You have full access to the whole house. Three comfy and private bedrooms for a good rest, and other sleeping options in common areas. Enjoy cooking a gourmet meal in this awesome kitchen. There is a a lovely dining room table, where all can gather. Washer and dryer available for your convenience. And in the warmer months, read a book on the front porch swing!

A separate 1-bedroom garden level  apartment

The  apartment can be accessed by a private side door of the Pillsbury house. This intimate little apartment is a great hide away and is a stand alone rental. Or the main Pillsbury House and its in-law apartment can be combined to form a 4-bedroom 2-bathroom house. Please inquire.

Contact

    Biondo Studio LLC Celia Siegel Management

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