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Scheduled information sessions:

Rochester Community Education

  Exploring the Canoe/Kayak Routes of SE Minnesota

Canoeing and kayaking is fast becoming a popular recreational activity and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Most people don't realize the fantastic paddling routes we have in Southeastern Minnesota called the "Driftless Area." This session will provide valuable first-hand information about the many rivers and small streams including the Zumbro, Straight, Root, Cannon, Whitewater, Mississippi backwaters, Deer, Bear, and others. These rivers offer paddling opportunities for all levels from the beginner to the most experienced paddler. Planning an outing, helpful paddling techniques, and equipment/gear will also be discussed. The book "Canoeing the Driftless: A Paddlers Guide for Southeastern Minnesota", detailing over 50 routes covering 600 miles of rivers and streams, will be available for $16.

Information session will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Northrop Comm. Ed. Ctr in Rochester, MN.

Class name: Exploring the Canoe/Kayak Routes of SE Minnesota, Class # 8345.231.Phone 1-507-285-8646

 Canoe/Kayak Sales and Rental:

Tyrol Ski and Sports

   Click on Visit Summer Site

    1923 2nd Street S.W. Rochester, Mn. (507) 288-1683

 

Area Canoe/Kayak outfitters:

  • Boulder Dam Canoe & Kayak Rental, Oronoco, MN 55901. Zumbro River Middle Branch.
  • Lanesboro Canoe Rental. 301 Fillmore Ave. N., Lanesboro, 507-467-2948.
    Rents canoes for the Root River.
  • Root River Outfitters. 109 S. Parkway, Lanesboro, 507-467-3400. Rents
    canoes, kayaks and tubes for trips on the Root River.
  • Old Barn Resort. Preston, 1-800-864-7004. Rents canoes, kayaks and tubes
    for trips on the Root River.
  • Eagle Cliff Canoe Rental. Eagle Cliff Campground, Route 1, Box 344,
    Lanesboro, 507-467-2598. Rents canoes, kayaks and tubes for trips on the
    Root River.
  • Geneva’s, 316 Mill St., Peterson, 507-875-7733. Rents canoes and tubes
    for trips on the Root River.
  • Root River Bait and Tackle, 302 Industrial Drive, Rushford, MN. 507-864-
    7004. Services the Root River.
  • R & S Canoe Rental: 9 Southview Drive, Chatfield, MN. 507-867-4829.
    Canoe rental and shuttle service for the Root River.
  • Welch Mill Canoeing, Welch Village Road, Welch, MN. 1-800-657-6760.
    Services the Cannon River.
  • Zumbro Valley Canoe Rental, U.S. Highway 63 Sportsman’s Park, Zumbro
    Falls, MN. 507-753-2568. Services the Zumbro River between Green Bridge and downstream.

 

      Maps:

  •   The best maps for SE MN river routes are contained in the "Canoeing the Driftless" book containing accesses, campsites, shuttle routes etc.   The following lists road  and topographic maps that can be used with the route maps found in the book. 
  •  Minnesota online canoe and kayak route information and maps can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/canoeing
Topo Map: Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer (available at bookstores)
PC TOPO Maps: The following are two mapping software packages that have USGS mapping base for street, terrain and satellite views. You can print your detailed route maps and interface with GPS devices. Cost $$, but if you have use for topo maps for paddling, hiking etc., as I do, they are well worth the money.
There are free mapping sites on the internet such as Google Maps, that have street, terrain, and satellite views.

 Other Paddling Web Sites:

 Paddling.net Logo A great site for paddling information, paddling forums  and gear

      

 

Minnesota DNR Information

Canoeing & Kayaking

       State canoe routes

   Trip information: Maps, camping, outfitters

    River Level Reports

       Covers only DNR paddling routes

 

  •        DNR Rochester Office (507) 285-7176 for stream information

 

Checklist for planning a paddling trip:

 

                             7-Day Weather Forcast

 

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This site was last updated 01/03/10