Minnesota

Places : US : Midwest US : Minnesota

Being the "Land of Ten Thousand Lakes", it's not difficult to find a place to paddle in Minnesota. The biggest problem is time: nearly six months of the year paddling will be through ice. Internationally known, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW ow Bee-Dubbya) used to be one of the best places ever to find solitude, great paddling water of any class from rivers to lakes. Since the Sierra Club and their ilk got involved during the late 1970's and the permit system was installed, the place has become a mecca for crowds. Not to mention getting a permit is sometimes a hastle. 'Nuff said about the BWCA- we won't be going there any time soon due to the crowds.

Instead, we'll focus on other waters in Minnesota. From ankle deep streams to full-blown rivers (the Mississippi comes to mind- it's headwaters can be stepped across) and lakes. We'll take them one at a time, allowing the seeker to find their own little niche.

For openers, let's visit..oops...EVERYONE knows about Lake Superior. It's only the largest body of freshwater in the western continent. Heading north from Minneapolis/St Paul on I-35, you'll know when you arrive in Duluth: you'll see the huge expanse of water. Hotels/motels abound in the area so overnight lodging is no problem. Nor is finding a place to off-load and embark upon the journey. Lake Superior water is COLD, often the surrounding air is as well, so dress apporpriately. If the wind is from the east, expect some great wave action and lots of undertow- check with the US Coast Guard for launching ideas if you need them. Or find a local sports shop- there are many. A quick check of any MN road map will indicate some blue lines designating rivers: nearly all are navigable at every open-water season. It just depends if you want to line or paddle. North of Duluth is the Devil's Cascade- Class Five water every bit of its length so be ready to get wet. And cold.

Near Carlton, on the St Louis River, which feeds into Lake Superior, is an annual kayak slalom competition that is fun to watch and definitely thrilling to competitors. Again, prepare to get wet and just as likely, cold. Wayyyy up north of Duluth- about 80 miles- is the Skibow area and Seven Beavers, headwaters of lake Superior and the St Louis river system. Water class varries on the St Loo. From ankle deep, sometimes less, and some smooth, placid runs, rapids and a few dams to leap and falls to navigate, especially through Jay Cooke State Park (they get downright dangerous at Jay Cooke!) and down into Lake Superior. A good, fun run if you want to paddle a few days through woods and fields.

Taking Hwy 53 north from Duluth, then turning west on Hwy 169 in Virginia, head west 90 miles to Bemidji. From there you can find Lake Itasca and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. A good, fun run would be to disembark at the nearest navigable section and follow the Papa Water to New Orleans. Be sure to bring a couple meals and some good water to drink once past Grand Rapids.