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Event Series: Paddle with a Ranger, City Route (Heron Rookery) | North Mississippi Regional Park – Minneapolis

Paddle with a Ranger, City Route (Heron Rookery) | North Mississippi Regional Park – Minneapolis

September 2 @ 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM

City Route (Heron Rookery) Dates:

5:30 Start Time
Arrival Time: 5:10-5:15pm | Program Time: 5:30-7:30pm
August 26 | September 2

*Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your program time to ensure parking and a safety talk.

Event Overview:

Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America’s greatest river from a new perspective. Participants start their four-mile paddle from the Carl W. Kroening Nature Center (North Mississippi Regional Park). Along the route, you’ll view the site of the future Upper Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Project and see great blue herons nesting on their island rookery before landing at Graco Park. Nesting birds at the rookery typically leave around late July.

Important Information:

  • You must manage your own transportation. The paddle BEGINS at North Mississippi Regional Park and ENDS at Graco Park. We recommend bringing a friend and two cars: park one car at Graco Park and drive together to the Carl W. Kroening Nature Center. You may also use rideshare apps, taxi services, or public transportation.

  • Tandem kayak registration should be made with a partner to guarantee appropriate passenger capacity. For your safety, DO NOT book a seat in a tandem kayak as a single individual person.

  • The program is appropriate for experienced kayakers ready to spend more time on the river or the intermediate/advanced kayaker interested in the social atmosphere of paddling with a park ranger. Attendees must be able to maneuver a kayak on moving water. Due to hazards on the route, the program is not recommended for beginners. We recommend participants have some paddling experience. The Pickerel Lake Paddle Share station is a great alternative for beginners to improve their techniques.

What’s Included:

Each registration includes the rental of ONE SEAT in a Paddle Share kayak. Rental also includes a paddle and a personal floatation device (PFD). Canoe and tandem kayak spots must be booked with a partner. Canoes and tandem kayaks may not be reserved by a single participant.

What to Bring:

  • Water and a snack

  • Sun protection

  • Clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and/or rain gear

  • Insect repellant

  • Dry bag (optional)

  • Binoculars are encouraged

Details

Venue

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