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| Longfellow Lagoon Canoe Launch |
Boat and Canoe Launches
Whether it's for fishing a Minneapolis lake or paddling down Minnehaha Creek, MPRB offers boat and canoe launches and canoe racks throughout the park system. Map
Boat Launches
Public boat launces provide the public easy boat and watercraft access to many of our lakes and the Mississippi River.
- Boom Island
- Lake Calhoun – At the Refectory
- Lake Harriet – East of the Band Shell
- Lake Nokomis – South of the main beach on the west side
- North Mississippi - At the Camden Launch off Soo Line Ave.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Effective April 26, 2013 all boats, watercraft and watercraft equipment launching from the public boat launches on Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis will require inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Sailboats moored on the lakes, or canoes and kayaks entering the water from storage racks or other access points are not affected, and watercraft may exit the lakes through the public boat launch at any time without penalty.
Boat launches will be open with AIS inspectors present from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Boaters are encouraged to launch by by 9 p.m.
- Watercraft users requiring the public boat launch to exit the lakes will be responsible for exiting before the boat launch closes at 10 p.m.
- Boat launches will be closed and access restricted by a locked chain from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Watercraft users who choose to remain on the lake after 10 p.m. will be responsible for securing their watercraft and removing it when the public launch reopens.
Watercraft and Electric Trolling Motors
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board does not require permits for watercrafts and electric trolling motors on Minneapolis city lakes. Gas power motors are not allowed on Minneapolis city lakes.
If you have a gas powered motor on your boat, it must be propped up and out of the water. Only electric trolling motors are allowed to be used.
All bona fide boat owners are required to have a current Minnesota Watercraft License from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Registration for licenses is at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul; public service section at the Hennepin County Government Center; Brookdale, Southdale and Ridgedale public service centers; and driver’s license service centers. The waiting period for licenses is 3-4 weeks.
Watercraft Rental
Paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rental at Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis.
Sailboat Buoys
Sailboat Buoys are available on Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis. Sailboat buoy permits are issued annually.
Click for Sailboat Buoy Rental Information
Canoe Launches
- Cedar Lake – Northwest corner
- Minnehaha Creek (designated launches*):
- Humboldt Ave. and West Minnehaha Pkwy. on the SW bank (south of Lynnhurst Community Center South bank)
- Lake Longfellow Lagoon (Minnehaha Parkway and Longfellow Gardens)
- Nokomis Outlet at the parking lot
- Canoes can also be set in the water at the boat launches.
Canoe and Kayak Storage Racks
Canoe and kayak storage racks are located on Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake and Brownie Lake. Canoe rack permits are issued annually.
Click for Canoe Rack Rental Information
* Thanks to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for funding the canoe dock improvements in 2008. For more information about canoe opportunities on Minnehaha Creek visit www.minnehahacreek.org.
