With more than 11,000 lakes, countless rivers, and some of the most breathtaking freshwater scenery in the U.S., Minnesota is a stand-up paddle boarding wonderland. Whether you’re craving the serenity of a quiet forest lake or the adventure of paddling beneath towering cliffs, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” has a SUP spot to match every skill level and style.

Below is a complete guide to the best places to paddle board in Minnesota.

A gentle, scenic 22-mile waterway connecting Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi River.

Expect calm water, lush forest, bridges, and waterfalls. Great for beginners.

The big one. Beautiful. Powerful. Cold.

Paddle only in safe conditions or with a guide. Crystal-clear water makes it feel like floating in the Caribbean — if the Caribbean were 40°F. Explore rocky coves, sea caves, and rugged shoreline.

Over 1,000 lakes of untouched wilderness.

Glide across glass-clear water with loons calling and eagles circling overhead. A permit is required, and intermediate paddling skills are recommended.

A calm 923-acre lake in Plymouth surrounded by wetlands and prairie.

Highly beginner-friendly with rental options nearby.

An 80-mile scenic river winding through forests and bluffs in SE Minnesota.

Gentle current, great for longer-distance cruising and fishing from your SUP.

A charming 200-acre lake surrounded by parks and trails.

Perfect for relaxed paddles, photography, and easy rentals.

One of the most famous urban paddling chains in the U.S.

Paddle Cedar, Isles, Harriet, Nokomis, and Bde Maka Ska for city views, wildlife, and social SUP culture.

A gorgeous 72-acre riverside park with a waterfall backdrop.

Calm water, great for beginners and family paddling.

Home of the Mississippi River headwaters.

Yes — you can SUP across Lake Itasca and literally paddle to the start of the Mississippi. Over 100 other lakes await inside the park.

A peaceful 918-acre lake surrounded by rolling prairie and forest.

Ideal for relaxing sunset paddles and wildlife viewing.

14,000 acres of bays, islands, channels, and endless shoreline.

A SUP paradise with rentals everywhere.

Expect clear water, sandy bottoms, and frequent wildlife sightings.

Crystal-clear water + underwater mine relics = surreal paddling.

These former iron mines now form some of the clearest lakes in the Midwest — great for snorkeling from your paddle board.

A small, extremely clear lake with a sandy bottom perfect for mellow paddles and underwater exploration.

A National Scenic Riverway with stunning bluffs, cliffs, and small towns.

Launch at Stillwater or Taylor’s Falls.

Gentle current makes upstream and downstream paddling easy.

A beloved Twin Cities SUP hub.

Calm water, beaches, park amenities, and easy rentals.

Annie Battle Lake is a motor-free lake — meaning silent, peaceful paddling.

Perfect for wildlife lovers and beginners.

A Minneapolis classic. Clear water, beaches, people-watching, skyline views.

One of the most popular SUP lakes in Minnesota for good reason.

A small, calm 34-acre lake surrounded by bluffs and rock formations — perfect for peaceful paddling and photography.

A remote, rugged 677-acre lake in northern Minnesota surrounded by dense boreal forest.

A true “up north” SUP adventure.

Island-studded, clear-water paddling at its finest.

Wildlife includes loons, moose, bald eagles, and otters.

Great for long explorations.

A Brainerd Lakes favorite with sandy beaches, quiet coves, and crystal-clear water.

Excellent for full-day SUP adventures.

A wide stretch of the Mississippi that feels like a lake.

A favorite among advanced paddlers for its mix of river current, wind, and long shoreline.

Great wildlife viewing and charming river towns.

Minnesota truly earns its reputation as a paddler’s paradise. With thousands of lakes, winding rivers, glacier-carved mine pits, and rugged northern wilderness, the state offers SUP experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whether you're gliding across a quiet metro lake at sunrise, exploring underwater mine shafts in Cuyuna, or taking in the raw beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore, every outing brings a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the water.

You don’t have to be an expert paddler to enjoy these spots—Minnesota’s waterways welcome everyone. Grab your board, choose a destination that matches your vibe for the day, and let the water do what it does best: inspire, restore, and reconnect you with the outdoors. Wherever you choose to launch, you’ll find adventure, serenity, and the simple joy of standing on water. Paddle on, Minnesota.