Event
Paddle with a Ranger: Heron Rookery
Fee:
$10 per personLocation: LAT/LONG: 45.000000, -93.000000
START: Carl Kroening Nature Center @ North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 N Mississippi Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55430 / END: Graco Park, 15 8th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 or Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Dates & Times
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Type of Event
Description
Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America's greatest river from a new perspective.
Participants start their four-mile paddle from the Carl W. Kroening Nature Center (North Mississippi Regional Park). Along the route, you’ll view the site of the future Upper Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Project and see great blue herons nesting on their island rookery before landing at Graco Park or Boom Island Park. Herons begin to leave their nests around late July.
You must manage your own transportation. The paddle BEGINS at North Mississippi Regional Park and ENDS at Graco Park. We recommend bringing a friend and two cars: park one car at Graco Park and drive together to the Carl W. Kroening Nature Center. You may also use rideshare apps, taxi services, or public transportation.
Each registration includes a ONE SEAT in the selected kayak, paddle, and personal floatation device (PFD) rental from Paddle Share. Tandem kayak registration should be made with a partner to guarantee appropriate passenger capacity. For your safety, DO NOT book a seat in a tandem kayak as a single individual person.
Events happen rain or shine. Programs are cancelled due to heavy rain or lightning. Decisions are made at least two hours before the scheduled program time. Be prepared for the weather and bring sun protection, insect repellant, rain gear, snacks, and water. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Due to staffing limitations, we cannot accommodate personal boats.
The program is appropriate for experienced kayakers ready to spend more time on the river or the intermediate/advanced kayaker interested in the social atmosphere of paddling with a park ranger. Attendees must be able to maneuver a kayak on moving water. Due to hazards on the route, the program is not recommended for beginners. We recommend participants have some paddling experience. The Pickerel Lake Paddle Share station is a great alternative for beginners to improve their techniques.
Attendees must be 18+. A person under 18 years old may attend if they are in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.