Paddle It.
This summer, have an adventure right here in the Twin Cities!
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 in the north metro to Grey Cloud Island, south of the cities. You'll...
- Listen to the sounds of a Native American drum ceremony as you begin your journey
- Travel with voyageurs
- Experience the diversity of the prairie and floodplain reaches of the river
- Paddle the only gorge on the entire length of the Mississippi
- Travel urban riverfronts and stretches of what feel like near-pristine wilderness – all in the heart of the cities
- Negotiate the cavernous Upper and Lower St. Anthony and Ford Locks
- Camp inside an historic fort, and more!
At the end of day one, at the Historic Fort Snelling overnight camp atop the river bluffs, you can explore the fort and take in fantastic views, enjoy a hearty meal (hearty vegetarian options available as well) and celebrate with an evening of live music, cold beverages, historic reenactment and revelry.
The Mississippi River Challenge IS a challenge – one that has been paddled by participants ranging in age from 7 to 72, of all skill and experience levels. Each day is a 22 mile stretch, but you are paddling downstream, and there are two rest stops and a lunch stop both Saturday and Sunday. Full sag support is available at each stop, and there are Safety Captain paddling with you who can provide paddling tips as well as any necessary assistance. The event is not a race, and most paddlers set their own speed.
Along the route, you have the opportunity to learn unique and interesting facts about the river’s history and the community’s interaction with it, its ecology and wildlife, and Friends of the Mississippi River’s work to protect the Twin Cities stretch.
What your registration fee covers
Shuttles, snacks and beverages, all meals, rest stop amenities, interpretive highlights, admission to Fort Snelling, an event t-shirt, a map and and an interpretive guide to the river and more are included in your registration fee. See the registration page for more details.
Paddle one day or two!
Paddlers have two Challenge options: paddling the 44-mile two-day route, or paddling 22 miles one day only. We you encourage to camp at Fort Snelling with either option!
For those more interested in the one day option, you still experience the splendor 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. The one-day option is fully supported with shuttle service and all other amenities associated with the two-day option.
The same registration and boat rental fees, and the same pledge minimums, apply to both options.
Discounts!
If you’re a current Friends of the Mississippi River member or volunteer, you receive a $10 discount on your registration fee. Register anytime before June 1st to receive a $10 gift certificate to Hoigaard’s that you can use to pick up some great gear for your trip! Or for an even greater discount and a chance to win a new canoe or kayak, become a recruiter and help us get more people out to experience the river!
Register early as space is limited and the registration fee increases on July 1st the closer you get to the event.
Experience the Mississippi River’s scenic, historic, and recreational splendor — Paddle the Mississippi River Challenge!
The pledges you raise support river protection
The pledge funds you raise to participate in the Mississippi River Challenge directly support Friends of the Mississippi River's work to restore, protect and enhance the River in the Twin Cites region. See our Protect It page for more information about raising pledges and what they support.
Questions about the event? Check out our Common Questions page or request more information.