FFTC Guide to Summer Water Sports

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 Metro

Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities

Kayaks and Canoes

Boat Rentals

Water Ski Shows in the Metro

It’s water acrobatics galore courtesy of these Twin Cities water ski clubs!

Twin Cities River Rats | Mississippi River – 1758 West River Road, Minneapolis

Shows run ongoing Thursdays at 7pm (You’ll want to arrive by 6:30 or earlier) • June 6-August 29, 2019. • Check the website for special showtimes. • Park on West River Road south of Broadway Avenue. • 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, Shakopee (unless otherwise indicated)

Most ski shows run at Quarry Lake, 6:30pm with a few exceptions. Please check the website for exact locations and times.

Ski Otter’s Water Ski Team | Little Goose Lake, White Bear Lake

Shows run ongoing Sundays at 6pm. Check the website for special showtimes in July & August.

Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows | Centerville Lake

Shows run Thursdays at 7pm, mid-June through mid-August. Bring your own seating!

More Family Fun: Summer Bucket List
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Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities

SkiDox | Lake Zumbro, Fisherman’s Inn, Oronoco

Wednesdays at 7 pm, special showtime July 4 following boat parade & September 3, 1:00 pm Labor Day Holiday Show.

Little Crow Ski Team | Neer Park, New London

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

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.

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