THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the stunning Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park, where paddling offers serene water views and wildlife encounters. Perfect for all skill levels, this spot combines natural beauty with accessible recreation.
Discover the stunning Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park, where paddling offers serene water views and wildlife encounters. Perfect for all skill levels, this spot combines natural beauty with accessible recreation.
Book with Mississippi River Paddle Share
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mississippi River Paddle Share · Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Located in Lilydale Regional Park, Pickerel Lake offers a picture-perfect setting for paddle enthusiasts seeking a blend of tranquility and wildlife encounters. This site is renowned for its lush floodplain forests, towering bluffs, and vibrant lily pads that blanket the waters during mid-summer. Paddle Share programs here provide an accessible way for visitors to experience the lake’s natural beauty firsthand, whether by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters and scenic shoreline make for an ideal outing for all skill levels, offering a peaceful escape with plenty to see and do.
What makes Pickerel Lake stand out is its rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Paddle along the shoreline to spot soaring eagles, graceful herons, and playful river otters. The lake’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Fishermen can also enjoy a day of angling amidst the lily pads, with the chance to catch a variety of freshwater species. The lake’s geological features, including dramatic bluffs and marshy wetlands, add to its visual appeal, making every paddle stroke a new adventure.
This area is a vital part of the local ecosystem and has been a cherished spot for outdoor recreation for generations. Its protected status helps preserve the wildlife habitat, ensuring future visitors can continue to enjoy its natural splendor. With convenient access and a range of activities, Pickerel Lake remains a top choice for outdoor lovers seeking a versatile and scenic paddle experience.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful paddle, photo opportunities, or wildlife spotting, Pickerel Lake’s combination of natural beauty and accessible recreation makes it an unmissable destination in the Minnesota landscape.
easy.
1–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills recommended
Yes, Paddle Share programs provide rental kayaks and paddleboards onsite for easy access.
No, the calm waters and beginner-friendly conditions make this suitable for first-timers.
Yes, Lilydale Regional Park offers rest spots and basic amenities for visitors.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome, adding extra fun to your paddle trip.
Mid-summer offers ideal water levels and wildlife activity, but spring and fall are equally rewarding.
No permits are needed for casual paddling at Pickerel Lake.
Pickerel Lake has been a vital part of the local Indigenous communities and was historically used for fishing and transportation.
Efforts to preserve water quality and habitat diversity make Pickerel Lake a model for sustainable recreation and ecological stewardship.
Mississippi River Paddle Share connects Minneapolis residents and visitors to paddling opportunities on the Mississippi River and nearby lakes. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the program provides shared paddle and kayak access and organizes community events. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Mississippi River Paddle Share offers guided opportunities and independent paddle access through its Paddle Share program, including trips like "Paddle Share: Pickerel" at Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park and the community Float Fest scheduled for August 9, 2025, at Graco Park. The organization focuses on increasing equitable river access by placing paddle resources and programming where neighbors can reach them. Trips highlight local natural assets, such as lily pad beds, floodplain forests, bluffs, and wildlife sightings including bald eagles and river otters. Paddle Share: Pickerel emphasizes fishing and scenic paddling in mid-summer; Float Fest 2025 combines paddling with live music, food trucks, and public programming to build community around the river. Operations prioritize safety, local stewardship, and accessible programming, collaborating with park sites like Lilydale Regional Park and Graco Park for events and launch access. The program's public scheduling and community events create straightforward opportunities for single outings, group paddles, and festival participation. Information and event dates are published for public planning; Float Fest is set for August 9, 2025. Mississippi River Paddle Share serves as a practical resource for anyone seeking paddle or kayak access in Minneapolis, promoting recreational use, wildlife appreciation, and equitable access to the Mississippi River for residents and visitors alike, and river stewardship.
Book with Mississippi River Paddle Share