Paddle Minnehaha Creek

Plan Your Trip

Minnehaha Creek flows 22 miles from Lake Minnetonka to Minnehaha Falls, winding through woodlands, wetlands, cities, neighborhood parks and more. The creek affords paddlers a beautiful adventure through an urban wilderness. However, creek conditions can change quickly, especially after rainfall. Here are resources to help you plan a fun and safe trip.

Status

Please be respectful of private property. Land only at designated sites described in this route description. Mileage figures refer to miles upstream from Longfellow Lagoon, the final landing before Minnehaha Falls.

Proper Conditions for Paddling

Ideal creek flows for canoeing and kayaking Minnehaha Creek are when the Minnehaha Creek at Hiawatha Avenue gauge reads between 75 and 150 cubic feet per second (cfs). We do not recommend paddling when the creek’s flow is higher than 150 cfs. Conditions can change rapidly, especially after rainfall.

Creek flow	Condition
Less than 75 ft³/s	Poor
75 ft³/s to 150 ft³/s	Good
Greater than 150 ft³/s	Dangerous

Time Estimates

You may want to tackle the creek in stretches, especially if it is your first time. These are rough estimates and can vary widely based on conditions and paddling style.

Creek length	Time estimate
Entire creek	~6-9 hours
Upper: Gray's Bay to Target-Knollwood Primarily undeveloped wetlands and natural areas — most likely to have enough water during low conditions.	~2-3 hours
Middle: Target-Knollwood to Pamela Park More urbanized as you float through Hopkins and St. Louis Park, but includes the restored Minnehaha Creek Preserve, part of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway.	~2-3 hours
Lower: Pamela Park to Longfellow Lagoon Flanked by trails and parkways through Minneapolis	~2-3 hours

Water Safety

Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Check the forecast, and prepare for rain even if there is only a small chance.
Wear a life jacket. The law requires one life jacket per person on board.
Scan ahead for hazards like overhanging trees, rocks, low bridges and rapids. Portage around challenging sections.
Do not swim within 72 hours of a rain event due to polluted runoff from streets.
Avoid riffles and follow the smooth water shaped like a “V” pointing downstream.

What to Bring

First aid kit
Cell phone
Drinking water
Sunscreen
Waterproof containers for storing valuables
Quick-dry clothing

Additional information from the Minnesota DNR: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/paddling_safety.html

Reporting downed trees or obstacles

To manage water resources throughout the Minnehaha Creek Watershed’s 178 square miles, MCWD works closely with our partners. Given the District’s scale and capacity, we do not have the ability to monitor, record, and remove obstructions on the creek on a daily basis.

If you notice a downed tree or other obstacle impacting recreation on Minnehaha Creek, report it to the city where the obstacle is located.

City of Minnetonka: 952-988-8421
City of Hopkins: 952-939-1382
City of St. Louis Park: 952-924-2562
City of Edina: 952-826-0308
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: 612-313-7710