Paddle the Mississippi — Accessible Paddle & Kayak Access in Minneapolis

Mississippi River Paddle Share — Paddle Access & Events in Minneapolis

Mississippi River Paddle Share connects Minneapolis paddlers and visitors with accessible paddle and kayak opportunities on the Mississippi River and nearby Pickerel Lake. This program is designed to increase equitable river access and bring community-focused events to launch sites like Lilydale Regional Park and Graco Park.

Key offerings

• Paddle Share: Pickerel — Scenic paddling and fishing at Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park, featuring lily pads, floodplain forests, and bluff-lined shoreline. Wildlife commonly noted includes bald eagles and river otters.
• Float Fest 2025 — Community festival on August 9, 2025 at Graco Park: paddling, live music, food trucks, and public activities to celebrate the Mississippi River and promote equitable river access through the Paddle Share program.

Why paddle with Mississippi River Paddle Share

• Accessible paddle access in Minneapolis — The program places paddle resources and programming at park launch sites that are reachable for residents and visitors.
• Local nature and wildlife — Trips emphasize nearby natural assets such as lily pad beds, floodplain forests, bluffs, and frequent wildlife sightings along the shoreline.
• Community-centered events — Float Fest 2025 brings paddlers and non-paddlers together with music, food, and on-water activities to build connection around the river.

Ideal search terms (SEO focus)

• Mississippi River paddle
• paddle share Minneapolis
• Paddle Share Pickerel
• Pickerel Lake Lilydale Regional Park paddling
• Float Fest 2025 Graco Park
• Minneapolis kayak access
• river otters and bald eagles Minneapolis

What to expect on trips

• Launch sites at Lilydale Regional Park and Graco Park for easy river and lake access.
• Scenic paddling through lily pads, along bluffs, and past floodplain forest habitat.
• Opportunities for fishing at Pickerel Lake during mid-summer outings.
• Public-facing events that combine on-water activity with music and food offerings during Float Fest.

Planning and logistics

Visitors and residents can find event dates and trip summaries through the program's public listings and editorial features such as The Adventure Collective. Float Fest is scheduled for August 9, 2025 at Graco Park. Paddle Share: Pickerel highlights mid-summer fishing and scenic paddling at Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park.

Safety, stewardship, and equitable access

Mississippi River Paddle Share emphasizes accessible programming and local stewardship by hosting events at established park sites and creating public opportunities for paddling. The program's community events aim to expand access and foster appreciation for the Mississippi River and nearby lakes.

Get on the water

For Minneapolis paddlers looking for seasonal trips, wildlife-rich paddling, or a community festival on the river, Mississippi River Paddle Share offers two focal experiences — Paddle Share: Pickerel and Float Fest 2025 — that make it easier to plan a paddle, spot wildlife, and join a city-wide celebration of the Mississippi.