Love to Paddle | SUP, Kayak, Canoe | Explore These MN Lakes Skip to content

Paddle Sports

Fitness for the soul

Center yourself on the waters of Northern Minnesota. Adventure to some of our pristine, untouched wilderness areas that aren’t as easily accessible by car, boat, or even foot. With our endless network of lakes and rivers, Grand Rapids is the perfect launching point for your paddle trip. With over 1,400 area lakes and multiple rivers, Grand Rapids is the perfect place to paddle. Whatever type of paddling you enjoy (canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board) there is a waterway that is perfect for you. There are in town small lakes like Forest Lake and Crystal Lake to larger area lakes like Pokegama, Deer and Trout, and then there is a vacation bucket list paddle on the mighty Mississippi River that runs right through downtown Grand Rapids. Come discover the clear waters of Grand Rapids where you can recharge in Minnesota’s nature. Below you will find maps, additional resources and places to rent paddling equipment.

NO BOARD? NO PROBLEM.

Contact: Paddle Hoppers

Holli Busching, Paddle Hoppers:
Fall Paddle Adventures

Great River Road Northwoods Aventure:
Paddle, Canoe or Kayak on the Missisisippi

Contact: R&R Rental

Wildfire Alerts

At this time there are no wildfires in the Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area. The wildfire smoke from the Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County fires has moved into the greater Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area today. Predictions with wind and weather conditions that it will clear up significantly this weekend (July 17-19, 2026). Below are some resources and updated information regarding the air quality and wildfires in Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County:

MN DNR Wildfire Updates/Alerts:
 https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

US Forest Department, Superior National Forest Updates/Alerts: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

MPCA Information:
 https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-wednesday-july-15-through-friday-july-17-for-east-0

INCI Information : 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mnsuf-july-2026-superior-nf-wildfires/superior-national-forest-and-july-lightning-event-combined-daily-update-07-14-2026