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.
Canoeing Minnehaha Creek and Exploring its Falls
Flowing from its headwaters at lake Minnetonka, the upper Minnehaha Creek is just west of Minneapolis and makes its way through tranquil forests, marshy wetlands, fancy golf courses, and posh neighborly backyards. The lower creek is different and offers paddlers a scenic experience through an urban wilderness as we navigate our way under many bridges while meandering through the heart of the city and its parkland. Anticipate 4-hours canoeing with your guide terminating at the lovely Minnehaha falls where things convert to a self guided tour. Treat yourself to (no host) fish tacos at the Sea Salt restaurant followed by an hour long self guided round trip hike below the falls which will bring you to the mouth of the creek where it meets the Mississippi at a truly fabulous beach.
The default plan is to run the urban 10-mile lower section till it meets the falls. Water levels can fluctuate on this squirrelly little creek so if levels are not right we will instead paddle the more lush 12-mile upper route. The main difference is you would be spending a bit longer on the water, the (no host) lunch break becomes a creekside Taco Bell, and the take out is not at the falls. Instead you have an Uber we hire to bring you back to your car. Occasionally the water levels are too low to run any portion of the creek. Guests would then be offered the option of paddling on our chain of lakes tour or receive a full refund.
- 6-Hours approximate total time
- 12 years old minimum
- previous canoeing experience recommended but not required
- Bring shoes that might get wet and hat and sunscreen
- credit card for coffee shop and restaurant
- Included snacks, bottled water
- Round trip van transportation from our SW Minneapolis facility
- Minnehaha Creek day trip $95 per person
Exploring Chain of Lakes by Canoe and Trolley
Our group of adventurers board the Luna Rose Canoe Adventures van at our SW Minneapolis facility. With an optional stop at a coffee shop just around the corner, we make the quick drive to lake Harriet. We will launch our canoes at the bandshell and will make our way around the entire perimeter of the lake with one stop midway at a fabulous swim beach where we can enjoy cold soft drinks with snacks and perhaps take a dip. From this beach there is an optional short round trip trail that will bring you to the banks of the Minnehaha Creek. This fun little waterway cuts through the heart of the city and can also be explored by canoe on the other day trip we offer.
Back at the beach we finish up our loop around the lake and find ourselves once again at the bandshell landing. Often a musical performance is taking place at the bandshell and the Bread and Pickle restaurant is also located there lakeside. Everyone will take care of their own (no host) meal while your guide deals with loading up the canoes. We reconnect just across the street at the old-time trolley train platform where your guide will have tickets for you. We board the trolley together and take this line on a 10 minute ride to our next lake named Bde Maka Ska. After a quick look at this gorgeous lake we return by rail to Lake Harriet and board our van for a short drive back to your car. What an adventure!
- 4-Hours approximate
- 12 years old minimum
- previous canoeing experience helpful but not necessary
- Shoes that might get wet and bathing suit if you want to swim
- Hat and sunscreen
- credit card for coffee shop and restaurant
- Included snacks, water, tickets for train
- Round trip van transportation from our SW Minneapolis facility
- Chain of Lakes day trip $95 per person
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