Discover the serenity of Pickerel Lake with expert-guided paddling lessons from Mississippi Park Connection. Perfect for beginners and accessible to all, this program offers a peaceful introduction to Minnesota’s aquatic life.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Average fitness required; suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Pickerel Lake and surrounding wetlands have been a vital habitat since the area was designated as part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988.
Conservation
The program emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and supports wetland preservation efforts to maintain critical habitats.
Mississippi Park Connection
Discover the serenity of Pickerel Lake with expert-guided paddling lessons from Mississippi Park Connection. Perfect for beginners and accessible to all, this program offers a peaceful introduction to Minnesota’s aquatic life.
Mississippi Park Connection connects people to the Mississippi River basin through ranger-led paddle trips, guided tours, and hands-on education. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the organization coordinates a range of public programs and school field experiences led by National Park Service rangers. Paddle offerings include Vermillion River Bottoms paddles for intermediate and advanced paddlers, a 7.5-mile Mississippi Gateway Regional Park kayak trip (shuttle included), and beginner-friendly Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake with adaptive equipment available.
Educational programs serve elementary students with curriculum-linked experiences: Big River Journey is a 90-minute riverboat program for Grades 3–5 exploring river ecology, geology, and stewardship; Take Me to the River offers fourth-graders outdoor skills and cultural history at Hidden Falls Regional Park at no cost to participating schools; Winter River brings Grades 4–6 to Fort Snelling State Park for winter adaptation activities. Additional offerings include ranger-led Riverfront Walking Tours that highlight St. Anthony Falls and regional archaeology.
Mississippi Park Connection partners with National Park Service rangers and local parks agencies to deliver field-based learning, outdoor recreation, and conservation messaging. Programs emphasize safety, accessibility, and stewardship of the Mississippi River and its floodplain forests. Scheduling details, age recommendations, and equipment notes are provided for each trip. The organization’s mix of public paddles, school field trips, and seasonal programs offers authentic river experiences for students, families, and experienced paddlers. Booking information and program calendars are listed on partner sites, National Park Service pages. Safety briefings, life jackets, and guided instruction are standard on paddles and school programs.
Tours Offered
7
Ranger-led paddles and tours
Based In
Saint Paul, MN
Serving the Mississippi River area
Ranger-led Programs
National Park Service
Programs led by NPS rangers
School Programs
Grades 3–6
Curriculum-linked field experiences
Book Paddle 101, guided kayak trips, riverboat education, or school field programs — spaces and school slots fill quickly.
Use adaptive equipment if needed
Adaptive paddling gear is available to ensure everyone can enjoy the lake.
Wear sun protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun safety during your paddle.
Arrive early for the session
Arrive 15 minutes early to get comfortable and any gear fittings sorted.
Follow ranger guidance closely
Pay attention to instructions to ensure safety and maximize learning.
Paddle
A lightweight paddle helps navigate the calm waters comfortably.
summer
Life jacket
A properly fitted life jacket is crucial for safety on the water.
summer
Sun protection gear
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat protect against sun exposure.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Water shoes provide grip and dry quickly after paddling.
summer