As the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesotans take pride in our summer water sports. We’ve collected water ski shows, boat rentals, kayaks and canoes, sailing experiences and other water fun. Most are located in the metro while some of them are just a short drive away.
Happy wakes to you.
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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 6:30 or earlier) starting June 2, 2022. Check the website for special showtimes. Park on West River Road south of Broadway Avenue and bring your own seating: blankets or chairs.
- 6:30pm – Development 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. 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!)
Shockwaves
Quarry Lake Park, 6201 Innovation Blvd., Shakopee, MN 55379 (unless otherwise indicated)
Most ski shows run at Quarry Lake, 7pm with a few exceptions. Please check the website for exact locations and times.
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 in July & August.
Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows
7145 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038
Shows run Thursdays at 7pm, mid-June through mid-August. 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
Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities
SkiDox
Lake Zumbro, 40240 Wabasha County Rd 90, Mazeppa, MN 55956
Wednesdays at 7 pm, special showtime July 4 following boat parade & 1:00 pm Labor Day Holiday Show (September 6th).
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 $3-$5/pp 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
Canoeing programs at Loring Park, Powderhorn Park and Lake Nokomis, including:
- Drop-In Canoeing at Loring Pond – Wednesdays, June 30th-August 25th, 5pm-7pm. Free. Drop In.
- Drop-In Canoeing at Powderhorn Park – Tuesdays, June 15th-August 17th, 5pm-7pm. Free. Drop In.
Staring Lake Canoe Time
Staring Lake Park, Eden Prairie
Every Saturday June through August, 10am-12pm families can spend up to an hour canoeing. Canoes, life jackets, paddles and basic safety instruction are provided. Register one adult per canoe. $12.
Wilderness Inquiry
808 Minneapolis | (612) 676-9400
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, $25-$35.
Minnesota State Parks
Offers boat, paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Available daily during summer months.
Boat Rentals
Bald Eagle Boat Rental
White Bear Lake | 651-426-0365
Rent a pontoon to enjoy on Bald Eagle Lake. Especially good for families full of fishing enthusiasts. 2 hour minimum.
Bay to Bay Boat Club
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.
Metro Lakes Marina & Rentals
Mound | 952-472-9595
Services include pontoon rentals, fishing boat rentals, waverunner rentals, paddleboard rentals, and guided fishing.
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
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.