Lake Minnewaska rarely sits quietly. During the Paddlefest, its surface becomes a playground where paddlers of all skill levels engage with the lake’s lively spirit. This event in Glenwood, Minnesota, invites you not just to glide across water, but to connect with a place fiercely itself—a mix of calm bays, spirited currents, and crisp midwestern air.

The paddlefest offers routes ranging from a gentle 3-mile family paddle to a more demanding 10-mile challenge that loops the lake’s northern and southern tips. The water’s temperament changes across the day, with morning’s glassy calm giving way to afternoon breezes that push you forward if you lean into them, or work against you if you don’t plan ahead.

Terrain around the lake is accessible: mostly smooth shorelines with a few rocky points where waves tease and test your balance. The surrounding forests wear their green boldly in summer, while fall dresses the trees in sharp bursts of color—bright amber and fire-red. This makes shoreline breaks perfect for brief hikes where wooded paths whisper secrets of local wildlife including loons, herons, and the occasional bald eagle overhead.

Preparation is key. Hydrate thoroughly before and during your paddle—the lake demands endurance, especially on longer trips where the sun reflects unforgivingly from the water. Footwear should be water-resistant but firm enough for rocky entry points. Timing your launch in the early morning helps dodge the afternoon winds that can make crossing the lake’s open stretches tricky.

Beyond the paddle, the event includes workshops on kayak handling and safety, turning novices into confident adventurers. The atmosphere balances excitement and caution—the lake encourages respect, not bravado.

By evening, gathering on the grassy shore with fellow paddlers becomes the real reward, sharing stories while the sky shifts from blue to a soft twilight glow and the lake settles back to a reflective state.

Whether you’re after a serene paddle or a brisk workout, Lake Minnewaska Paddlefest challenges and welcomes you to meet the lake on its terms—and it invites you to return, again and again.