Paddle It.
The Mississippi River Challenge takes you through breathtaking natural scenery and historic urban settings.
The Mississippi River Challenge takes you on a journey from Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park to Grey Cloud Island. You'll travel with voyageurs, paddle the only gorge on the Mississippi, and negotiate the cavernous St. Anthony and Ford Locks. At the historic Fort Snelling overnight camp, you will enjoy a hearty meal provided in part by Thousand Hills Cattle Company (hearty vegetarian options available as well) and celebrate with an evening of live music, historic reenactment and revelry.
Shuttles, snacks and beverages, rest stop amenities, interpretive information, all meals and admission to Fort Snelling are included for your $50 registration fee. ($45 for FMR members, $30 for children 12 and under) and your agreement to raise $200 or more in pledges ($50 or more for participants under 16).
Register before June 1st and receive a $10 gift certificate to Hoigaard’s — that you can use to pick up some great gear for your trip! Register early as space is limited and the registration fee will increase to $60 on July 1st ($55 for FMR members, $40 for children 12 and under).
Experience the Mississippi River’s scenic, historic, and recreational splendor — Paddle the Mississippi River Challege!
1 & 2-Day Options!
Paddlers have two Challenge options: paddling the 44-mile two-day route, or paddling 22 miles on Saturday only. Experience the excitement and beauty of the river without having to commit to two full days. This option makes this fun event more accessible for paddlers with busy schedules, or with children who may not want to sit in a boat for two full days.
One-day paddlers get to experience the launching at Coon Rapids Dam, the prairie stretch of the river, the locks and the urban wilderness of the gorge. And because you are still being asked to raise the minimum $200 in pledges, you play a vital role in protecting the river. Does this make your time on the river twice as valuable? You decide — it may be a good approach to take with pledge donors, anyway!
Two-day paddlers go on to experience the mighty floodplain river, paddling through downtown Saint Paul, and lunch on an isolated peninsula near a heron rookery.
So choose the option that best fits your schedule and circumstances, and do your part to protect this amazing stretch of the Mississippi River! The one-day option is fully supported with shuttle service and all other amenities associated with the two-day option. You are encouraged to attend the Night at the Fort festivities and stay overnight in the fort with either option.
Funds Raised Support River Protection
Thanks to our event sponsors, the pledge funds raised through the Mississippi River Challenge directly support Friends of the Mississippi River's work to protect the River in the Twin Cites region.
Questions about the event? Check out our Common Questions page or request more information.