Summer is the time for boat rides in Minnesota. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s impossible to go anywhere without running into a body of water. You can enjoy the water in a variety of ways–wading, swimming, fishing–but you will never regret getting out in the middle of the water, i.e. on a fishing boat, speed boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board, etc.
If you don’t have a boat, the Twin Cities offers a variety of ways to experience them. Some options are free, some are reasonably priced, and still others are definitely a splurge.
Happy wakes to you.
Table of Contents:
- Water Ski Shows in the Metro
- Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities
- Kayaking and Canoeing Opportunities and Rentals
- Boat Rentals and Tours
Water Ski Shows in the Twin Cities Metro
It’s water acrobatics galore courtesy of these Twin Cities water ski clubs!
Twin Cities River Rats
Mississippi River – 1758 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Shows run ongoing Thursdays at 7pm (You’ll want to arrive by 6:20 or earlier) starting June 4, 2026. Check the website for special showtimes and check Facebook for inclement weather information. Park on West River Road south of Broadway Avenue and bring your own seating: blankets or chairs.
- 6:20pm – Pre-Show -Our Members Under The Age Of 18 And Our New Members Get The Opportunity To Perform For The Crowd Before Jumping Into The “Big” Show.
- 7:00pm – The Big Show! -The Ski Show Is A 1 Hour Long Themed-Show. This year the program is called ‘Never River’ and based on Peter Pan’s adventures. In Between Daring And Beautiful Acts On Water, A Storyline Unfolds. We Encourage Audience Participation And Love Applause!
- 8:00pm – Photos! -Photo Opportunities With The Cast Of The Show, Visit With The Skiers, And Even Take A Ride In Our “Triple-Rig” Boat (For A Price!)
Ski Otter’s Water Ski Team
Little Goose Lake, Hoffman Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Shows run ongoing Sundays at 6pm. Check the website for special showtimes. June 7-August 23, 2026.
Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows
7145 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038
Shows run Thursdays at 7pm, June 19, 2026 – August 20, 2026. All shows are listed on Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows’ Facebook page. Bring your own seating!
More Family Fun: Summer Bucket List
10 Beaches and Playgrounds to Try
Fishing With Kids: 10 Best Fishing Holes in the Twin Cities
Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities
SkiDox
Lake Zumbro, 40240 Wabasha County Rd 90, Mazeppa, MN 55956
On Wednesdays from June 10- September 7, 2026 at 7 pm, special showtime July 4 following boat parade & 1:00 pm Labor Day Holiday Show.
Little Crow Ski Team
Neer Park, SE Mill St, 311 2nd Avenue, New London, MN 56273
Most Fridays at 7:30 pm. Special performances found on their website. For the schedule click on “Tickets” in the top right corner of the page. Cost is $5-$8pp with season passes available.
Chetek Hydroflites
Lake Chetek, Chetek WI 54728
Sundays, Thursdays and special events. Check schedule before heading out.
Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters
Three Rivers Park District
Three Rivers Park District makes outdoor activities accessible to everyone. They have an expansive presence in the Twin Cities, so if you are looking to canoe, kayak or paddleboard, you will find them to be a very reasonably priced option.
Minneapolis Parks
Canoe Rental Programs at Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis
Eden Prairie Parks
Staring Lake Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Riley Lake, 9180 Riley Lake Road , Eden Prairie, Mn 55347
Wilderness Inquiry
This company does not mess around – traveling all over the world including Africa, New Zealand, Central America as well as around the US. They are also proud to lead trips in their home state whether it’s in the Apostle Islands, Boundary Waters , and Lake Itasca. Trips they lead in our backyard are on the Mississippi, the Chain of Lakes, and on the St. Croix River.
Riverwood Canoe
Osceola, Wisconsin
Offers canoe, kayak, and tandem kayak rentals. June-August, 7 days a week, $35-$50.
Minnesota State Parks
Offers boat, paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Available daily during summer months.
St Paul Watercraft Rentals
- Lake Como: Kayak, paddle board, canoe & swan boat rentals
- Lake Phalen Beach: Kayak & paddle board
- Lake Como: Kayak, paddle board, canoe & swan boat rentals
- Pickerel Lake: Kayak rentals
- Mississippi River: Kayak rentals
Boat Rentals & Rides
Excelsior | 952-401-3880
Currently renting 2017 Gekko Water Sports Boat, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Mirage Eclipse (think the marriage of a paddleboard and jet ski). You can also take a guided fishing tour.
Bremer Jet Ski & Watercraft Rentals in Minnesota
Maple Lake | 612-298-7055
The options are endless: ski boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, catamarans, water toys
Stillwater Boat Club and Rentals
Stillwater | 651-439-9000
Take your family on a pontoon ride on the beautiful St. Croix River. Three boats to choose from.
Your Boat Club
Watergate Marina, 2500 Crosby Farm Road, Saint Paul, MN 55116 | 651-695-3780
More Twin Cities Locations include Forest Lake, Lake Minnetonka, Prior Lake, the St. Croix River, Waconia, White Bear Lake. | 612.208.1800
24 foot Bennington pontoons seat 11. Rent for half day or full day.
Boat Rides
St. Paul Boat Rides
- Magnolia Blossom | Riverboat cruises of the St. Paul Skyline, Minneapolis or the Minnesota River
- Padelford Riverboats | Sightseeing, dining and special Holiday cruises
Minneapolis Boat Rides
- Paradise Charter Cruises | See the Mississippi from the Minneapolis side