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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Boat Rentals

This guide is brought to you by Wheel Fun Rentals.

For over 25 years, Wheel Fun Rentals has offered ways for riders of all ages to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. With seven Minnesota locations, choose from a complete lineup of recreational vehicles like Surreys, specialty cycles, two-wheeled bikes, watercraft and more. Selection may vary; please visit our website for current availability.

Wheel Fun Rentals • Minneapolis @ Various locations & St. Paul @ Como Lake

Rent Paddle Boats, canoes, kayaks and double kayaks.

Water Ski Shows in the Metro

Twin Cities River Rats • Mississippi River @ 1758 West River Road, Minneapolis

Thursdays • 7 pm • June 1-August 3
Special Showtimes: Friday, July 21 | Wednesday, July 26 (no show on July 27) | Tuesdays, Aug 1 & 8 | Wednesday, Aug 9
Park right on West River Road south of Broadway Avenue. Bring your own seating: blankets or chairs.

Shockwaves •  Quarry Lake @ 6201 Innovation Blvd, Shakopee

Thursdays • 7 pm
Across from Valleyfair

Ski Otter’s Water Ski Team • Little Goose Lake @ the intersection of Hwy 61 and County Road F

 Sundays • 6 pm
Special Showtimes: Tuesday, June 27 Time TBD | Thursday, July 20 7 pm | Tuesday, July 25 7 pm | Thursday, August 17 7 pm | Sunday, August 27 3pm Season Finale

Bald Eagle Water Ski Shows • Centerville Lake @ 7098 Centerville Rd, Centerville

Thursdays • 7 pm

More Family Fun: Summer Bucket List
 10 Beaches and Playgrounds

Water Ski Shows Outside the Twin Cities

SkiDox • Lake Zumbro @ Fisherman’s Inn, 8 Fisherman Dr NW, Oronoco

Wednesdays June 7-August 30 • 7 pm
Special Showtimes: July 4, 1:00 pm following boat parade | September 4, 1:00 pm Labor Day Holiday Show

The following Water Ski Shows still need to be verified.

Bayside Water Ski Show Team • Edgewater Bay @ Edgewater Dr on Fountain Lake, Albert Lea

Thursdays • 7 pm
Special Shows on July 4 and Labor Day

Little Crow Ski Team • Neer Park @ 311 2nd Ave. SE, New London

Nearly every Friday • 7:30 pm
Tickets $3-$5/pp

Chetek Hydroflites • Lake Chetek @ 726 Lakeview Dr, Chetek, Wisconsin

Sundays and Thursdays, check schedule before heading out.

 Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters

Three Rivers Park District  @ Various parks

Three Rivers Park District makes outdoor activity 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 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 • Phone: (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 may travel the globe, but they are proud to lead trips in their home state whether it’s in the Apostle Islands, Boundary Waters , or in our backyard at Fort Snelling.

Riverwood Canoe @ 305 River Street, Osceola, Wisconsin

Offers canoe, kayak, and tandem kayak rentals • $25-$35 • June-August, 7 days a week

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park @ 15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359

Offers boat, canoe, and kayak rentals • Available daily during summer months

Above the Falls Sports @ 120 N 3rd Ave, Minneapolis 55401 • Phone (612) 825-8983

Enjoy tours of the Mississippi River through the urban setting of Minneapolis.  Recommended for families with children ages 6+, but younger children are allowed if they know how to swim and fit the life vests provided by Above the Falls.  Children from 6-12 have a 30% discount.

Sailing

Northern Breezes Sailing School @ 3949 Winnetka Ave, Minneapolis | 763-542-9707

Your family can enjoy sailing around Lake Minnetonka, Medicine Lake, White Bear Lake, Lake Harriet, Leech Lake,  Lake St. Croix, or Lake Superior  on a skippered sailboat

Boat Rentals

Bald Eagle Boat Rental @4444 129th St, 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 @ 135 Lakeview Ave, 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 & Boat Rentals in Minnesota @ 7809 County Rd 8 NW, Maple Lake | 612-298-7055

The options are endless: ski boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, catamarans, water toys.

Great River Boat Rental @ 1 King’s Cove Marina, Hastings | 651-438-9999

Rent pontoons, runabouts (as in fast boats), and accessories to enjoy on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Minimum–4 hours, Maximum–Overnight.

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 @ 575 North Main Street, 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 @ 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.