Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us at 651-222-2193 or through the form below with specific questions if you don’t find the answer below.
Ensuring a Safe Event
Do I need to bring a PFD (Personal Floatation Device, i.e. “lifejacket”)?
If you are bringing your own craft to the event, you are expected to provide your own PFDs for everyone paddling or duffing in your craft. Our rental craft come with a full complement of adult-sized PFDs. If you are bringing a smaller child and plan to rent a boat, please consider bringing any child-sized PFDs you may have to the event. While the rental vendors provide a variety of PFD sizes and styles, there may be some difficulty in finding a perfect fit for younger children.
What else should we keep in mind about paddling safety for the event?
Please refer to the Safety Guidelines document PDF (724 KB).
What if I can only paddle a portion of the route (due to physical endurance, schedules, or other extenuating circumstances)?
We offer a 1-day option to paddlers. You may join us for the Saturday portion of the paddle and leave your Sunday free for other pursuits. This option still covers the full 22-mile route for the day. Read more about this option at our Event Information page.
On both days of the event, there will be sufficient “SAG support” for you to leave the route at any of the designated stopping points. If you know ahead of time that you will be sagging at a certain stop, please let us know so we can work with you to ensure a smooth transportation process. Please note: if you do choose to SAG, you may have to ride along with event staff until we are able to arrange access to your vehicle.
The Paddling Route
How would you describe the level of difficulty of the route?
You will be paddling downstream for the entirety of the Mississippi River Challenge, but it is called a challenge for a reason. The Mississippi River is mostly easy moving water and paddling is relatively easy. In the first mile or two of the route, there is fast water past submerged or partially submerged rocks.
The route is about 22 miles per day, which should take intermediate level paddlers about 7 or 8 hours including breaks and wait time at the locks. If there are headwinds, that may add time and difficulty depending on wind strength and direction.
Overall, the paddling is easy, but the duration and distance will provide a challenge to many paddlers.
Who May Participate?
Can my children participate in the Mississippi River Challenge?
Families are encouraged to participate in the Mississippi River Challenge, but please remember it is a challenge. We have had children as young as 5 years old participate in past events. You know your child’s physical stamina best, and should decide accordingly. Consider rotating paddling duties between your child with an adult or a child of similar ability.
Children 15 and under will need to be registered and pay a registration fee (and boat rental fee, if applicable), but they will not be required to raise pledges (though they are encouraged to do so). Children too young to paddle must ride with their parents or legal guardians.
We realize that the fundraising portion of this trip for a family paddling with children may be daunting. Therefore, for children age 15 years or younger that are participating with a parent or guardian, there is no pledge minimum. For youth ages 16-18, the pledge minimum is $50. Of course, this is a minimum. Every dollar raised contributes to a healthier Mississippi River. We encourage all participants to raise as much in pledged funds as they can.
If you are bringing a smaller child and plan to rent a boat, please consider bringing any child-sized PFDs you may have to the event. While the rental vendors provide a variety of PFD sizes and styles, there may be some difficulty in finding a perfect fit for younger children.
Can I bring my dog?
We appreciate the fact that many people enjoy paddling with their pets, but during this event your dog will have to spend the weekend on a canine retreat. Pets cannot participate in the Mississippi River Challenge for safety and insurance reasons.
Additionally, Historic Fort Snelling does not allow dogs within its grounds, so those planning to attend the Night at the Fort festivities should be sure to make other accomodations for their pets.
I plan to paddle; can my friends/family attend the evening festivities at Historic Fort Snelling?
Your friends and family may certainly attend the festivities at the fort, but they must pre-register by July 20th if they plan to eat. The cost for non-participants is $25 per adult with a meal ($20 if they register by July 1) or $10 per child. That covers admission to Fort Snelling, beverages, and live music. The cost to attend but not eat is $10 per person. You and your family will have a blast.
You can visit our Night at the Fort page to find out how to sign up and pay in advance to join us at Historic Fort Snelling. Advanced registration is required for those who would like a meal at the fort. Paddlers, please note that your meal, admission to the fort, and all amenities are included in your registration fee — no need to pay extra for any of this.
Registration, Rental Fees & Pledges
There will be two of us paddling in our rental canoe, is the rental fee $35 or $70?
The logic is one paddler per registration form. So the cost per person to rent a canoe is $35, splitting the total $70 canoe rental fee between partners.
Is the registration fee per person or per paddling partner pair?
The registration fee is per paddler. Please check the Discounts page to see a list of discounts for which you may be eligible.
Also note that registration rates will increase after July 1st. After that date, the registration fee will be $60, unless you qualify for one of the discounts.
What happens to my registration and boat rental fees if I have to cancel?
If you should have to cancel your registration, you may make your registration fee a tax-deductible donation. If requested, we will refund half of your registration fee. We are unable to refund boat rental fees. Cancellations must be made at least ten days before the event to qualify as tax-deductible or to receive a refund — we must place our final supply orders at that time and will order food, etc. for you if you have not cancelled by that time.
What happens to any pledges I’ve raised if I have to cancel my participation in the Mississippi River Challenge?
We know you originally registered for the Mississippi River Challenge, at least in part, to support our local river. Friends of the Mississippi River will gladly accept these donations and provide tax receipts for them. As with all of the other pledges, these will be applied to our work toward a cleaner, healthier river. If requested in writing by the donor, we are able to refund a pledge made toward someone’s cancelled participation.
I’d like to get my company involved in the event as a sponsor — will our registration fees be waived?
If you’re in a position to involve your company or employer as a sponsor of the Mississippi River Challenge, there are an unlimited number of $1,000 and $500 sponsorships available, which will waive the entry fee for four or two paddlers respectively. There may also be higher sponsorships available, which would waive entry for more paddlers. We invite employers and individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to receive sponsor benefits and have the registration fees waived for employees, family, and friends. Please give Kristin a call at 651-222-2193 x19, or contact her through the question form below, to explore your options.
What happens if I cannot raise the pledge minimum?
Each paddler is required to raise and turn in the pledge minimum ($250 for those over 18; $50 for youth 16-18) before getting on the water for the Mississippi River Challenge. We offer lots of hints and suggestions for reaching the pledge goal on the Fundraising Tips page. Additionally, we offer a pledge-raising workshop and we are always available to answer your pledge questions by phone or email. We have never had to turn anyone away due to insufficient pledges. Paddlers often choose to pledge to themselves to make up the difference between what they have raised and the pledge minimum.
Event Logistics
If I register by myself, will I be asked to partner with someone, or is it acceptable to paddle solo?
Solo paddlers are welcome. All of our rental kayaks are solo craft, so this may be a good option for solo paddlers.
If you would like to paddle a canoe but don’t have someone to join you, let us know and we’ll try to pair you with someone else. We cannot guarantee success at doing so, however.
One additional option is to paddle in the voyageur boat — a large canoe that seats several paddlers.
<-->I do not have access to a canoe or kayak; are there rentals available?
Yes. We have canoes and solo sea and recreational kayaks available for rent. Click here to view rental fees for each type of available rental craft. When you register, be sure to check the appropriate box and add the applicable rental fee to your registration payment (this will be done automatically if you register online).
Please note: There is a limited number of rental craft available which we would like to reserve for those who do not have access to a canoe or kayak. Please consider whether you might be able to borrow a boat from a friend or relative.
I have never canoed or kayaked—what are my participation options?
You have the option to paddle as part of a group in the large voyageur canoes. These fur trade replica canoes are large, stable craft. You will paddle with experienced voyageurs at the stern and bow to ensure your safe passage down the river. The rental fee will be $30 per person. Be sure to select the voyageur canoe option on your registration form.
<-->People of all skill levels participate in the Mississippi River Challenge - even those who have never done much paddling before. We offer paddling lessons for people who would like to grow their skills. Please check our Event Calendar and Training & Preparation pages for dates and information.
How many people can fit in each rental canoe or kayak?
All rental canoes come with two paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs), but can fit three to four people total. The extra people will serve as duffers — sitting in the middle and not actively paddling. This is an especially good option for small children, but adults are welcome to do this as well. Please remember, though, that all participants, even duffers must pay the registration fee and raise pledges.
All kayaks are solo craft, which means they will only seat one person. These also come with one paddle and one PFD.
Where should I leave my car for the weekend?
Paddlers must park their cars at the end of the route. Friends of the Mississippi River has made special arrangements with Aggregate Industries to allow two-day paddlers to park vehicles at the take-out at Grey Cloud Island for the weekend. One-day paddlers can park at Historic Fort Snelling, even if you are spending the night. A shuttle bus will run Saturday morning from both locations to take you back to the put-in at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.
Please note that there is no Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon shuttle - all shuttling is done on Saturday morning and your car will be waiting for you at your endpoint. Additionally, there is no overnight parking allowed at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park - do not plan to leave your car there.
Does each paddler have to check in individually or can I check in my paddle partner/spouse/children?
We prefer that each person check in individually, but understand that this isn't always possible, especially since we highly recommend checking in on Friday evening. We will allow people to check in their paddling partners, etc. as long as they turn in any outstanding pledges and bring all the required waivers signed by the one to be checked in.
Do you take my canoe and gear from Historic Fort Snelling or Grey Cloud Island to Coon Rapids Dam early Saturday morning while I shuttle?
No. You will need to drop off your boat and camping gear at Coon Rapids Dam on Friday evening, July 29th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. where you also check in and turn in your offline pledges. Boats and gear are watched and secured overnight.
Do I need to bring my own camping gear for the overnight?
Yes, you will need to provide your own camping gear, including a tent and sleeping bag. We do not have any of those items for rent.
What should I pack?
This gear checklist should provide just about everything you might need for the Mississippi River Challenge. If it is not on this list, you probably won’t need it.
Will I need to carry my camping gear with me in my canoe or kayak?
Leave your camping gear with us at the Coon Rapids Dam check in and we will take care of transporting it to Historic Fort Snelling. A secure, covered truck from Hoigaard's, an event sponsor, will also transport your camping gear from Historic Fort Snelling to Grey Cloud Island on Sunday. There is no need to carry extra gear weight in your boat — just take water, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and other items you will want on the water in a daypack.
Where do people stay at Historic Fort Snelling? Are there options?
You can pitch your tent anywhere on the two-acre parade grounds inside the fort walls or on the grass just outside the gates of Historic Fort Snelling.
If camping is not for you and you would like to make hotel accommodations, the Mississippi River Challenge recommends reserving a room nearby at the Fairfield Inn. Call 651.454.1978 (800.932.2198) to make a reservation.
Make sure to bring with you a number for the hotel shuttle and call when you are ready to leave the Fort Snelling festivities. Upon request, it will return to the fort at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 31st for those paddling the second day.
Transportation to and from the hotel to the put-in site at Coon Rapids Dam or the take-out site at Grey Cloud Island is the paddler’s responsibility.
Will there be vegetarian food available throughout the weekend?
Vegetarians should check the “Vegetarian Meal” option on the registration form. We are committed to having energy-rich, substantial vegetarian options all along the route. Those who designate vegetarian on their registration form will get priority for vegetarian meal options.
Will there be gluten-free or vegan food available?
We are unable to guarantee gluten-free or vegan food or options that meet other food needs/preferences (aside from vegetarian). If this is a requirement for you, you may want to consider bringing some food items with you.
Pledges & Fundraising
Who should checks be made out to?
Please make your checks payable to “Friends of the Mississippi River” for your registration and applicable rental fees. Your sponsors should also make their pledge checks payable to “Friends of the Mississippi River.”
Convenient, secure online registration and pledge acceptance capabilities are also available on our website. Please visit the Support a Paddler page to find out more or make a pledge.
Can I send in my donations after the event?
At least $250 in donations and pledges ($50 if you are a paddler 16-18 years of age) need to be turned in before or on the morning of the first day of the Mississippi River Challenge (July 30th, 2011) in order to get on the water and be eligible for premiums. However, any pledges that come in after the event will be more than welcome, will still benefit the river, and will be recognized with a tax receipt. If pledges turned in after the event make you eligible for any premiums still available, you may still claim them after the event.
If someone makes a pledge for me online, how will I find out about it?
You will need to check your paddler page periodically to keep up to date on pledges made to you. Your donor will receive a thank you and receipt for their contribution. You may also want to send a note of your own to thank them for their support.
Someone made a pledge to me anonymously online — how can I find out who it was?
Log in to your paddler page to see who made private donations. Anonymous donations will remain confidential.
Do I have to raise pledges if I volunteer?
We ask safety captains who will be on the water with us the duration of the weekend to raise a minimum of $150 in pledges. Other volunteers are not required to raise pledges, but you are certainly welcome to do so! Many Mississippi River Challenge volunteers put in long hours and all work really hard; getting people to support your efforts on behalf of the Mississippi River makes a lot of sense. If you are interested, we can get you set up with a personal fundraising page today. For more info about volunteering for the event please check out our Volunteer page.
Please complete the information request form to request more about becoming a safety captain.
How can I get tax receipts for the people who pledge for me?
People who make a pledge through your personal fundraising page will receive a thank you and receipt for their gift automatically. Please record the names and addresses of people who give you pledges in cash or checks, along with the amount and date that they give, on the pledge forms that we can mail to you or that you can print from the website. Friends of the Mississippi River will send everyone who pledges for you a combined thank you and tax receipt in the weeks following the event.
Are my paddling partner and I each required to raise $250 or is it a total of $250 between the two of us?
The $250 pledge minimum is per participant ($50 for paddlers 16-18, waived for those 15 and under). Keep in mind there are some cool premiums in place for exceeding the minimum pledge amount, including a chance to win a new canoe or kayak for every $500 in pledges raised (i.e. If you raise $1,000 in pledges, your name will be entered in the drawing twice).
If my partner and I sign up to paddle together, do we each have to raise the $250 or can we do it as a team?
It’s $250 per paddler, whether you travel tandem or side-by-side in two solo craft. We do not currently have the capacity for official teams or shared paddler pages. We will let the two of you sort out how you want to tag-team the relatives, coworkers, and neighbors for pledges.
We do have the capacity for paddlers to split pledges at the event check-in. This will require each of you to fill out an additional form, approving the transfer of pledges between paddlers. Please note that paddlers may only claim premiums for the pledge amount credited to their pledge-raising efforts, so if you split $500 between two people, neither will be entered into the boat raffle or eligible for premiums. However, if you split $1,000 between two people, each will get an entry into the boat raffle and be eligible for premiums in the $500 category or less.
Do the Paddler Bags and other things we receive when we participate in the Mississippi River Challenge detract from the amount of pledges dollars going to protect the river?
No – all of the items you receive in your Paddler Bag or at stops along the way are donated by sponsors. We are conscious of and deliberate about putting as many resources as possible toward river protection and of keeping the environmental impact of the event to a minimum.
Have Friends of the Mississippi River's accountability and disclosure practices been reviewed?
Yes – the Charities Review Council has found Friends of the Mississippi River to meet all 27 of its accountability and disclosure standards. Feel free to mention this to your pledgers to assure them that their donations will be put to good use as we work to protect and enhance the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. For more information, view FMR's profile on smartgivers.org.
More Questions
What if my question isn’t answered on this page?
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the Mississippi River Challenge. Just call us at 651-222-2193 or fill out the form below with your question. We’ll get back to you and use your feedback to make this page more helpful. Please complete all fields.