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.
Click on a title to go directly to a specific category.
Water Ski Shows in the Metro
It’s water acrobatics galore courtesy of these Twin Cities water ski clubs!
I doubt we’ll see any shark-jumping in Minnesota, but … Hey! you can get your own autographed Henry Winkler photo at this Amazon link.
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!
Amazon link
More Family Fun: Summer Bucket List
10 Beaches and Playgrounds
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.
Amazon link
Kayaking & Canoeing Outfitters
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
Offers boat, paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Available daily during summer months
You gotta sing along to the Okee Dokee Brothers when you canoe! Amazon link
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.
Great River Boat Rental | 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 | Stillwater | 651-439-9000
Take your family on a pontoon ride on the beautiful St. Croix River. Three boats to choose from.
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.
Amazon link
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