City of Birds | Great Blue Heron Kayak Tour

Mississippi River Kayak Tour to the Great Blue Heron Rookery – Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis may be called the City of Lakes, but the Mississippi River holds treasures all its own. This 2.5–3.5-hour guided downriver paddle winds through a dramatic stretch of the river that shifts from wild national park shoreline to iconic urban skyline — and culminates at one of the most unexpected wildlife spectacles in the Twin Cities.

Your adventure begins at Boom Island Park, where your guides will shuttle you upriver to Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park in their bus. After a paddling skills introduction on land, your group sets off downriver, drifting past wooded islands and under a series of historic bridges — from old to new — toward the old Port of Minneapolis and the former Upper Harbor Terminal.

The tour's highlight is a close-up float past the great blue heron rookery: two river islands that are home to over 100 nests. Your guides affectionately call it the "City of Birds," and for good reason. In addition to great blue herons, the rookery is also home to great egrets, cormorants, and turtles. The noise, the movement, and the sheer scale of this urban wildlife colony make it a truly unforgettable stop.

From there, you'll ride the river's current back toward Boom Island while your guide shares the layered history of the river — stories written, washed away, and sometimes still visible on the banks. Depending on conditions, the tour wraps up with either a visit to the scenic Bassett Creek lagoon or a straight shot back to the Boom Island marina. Either way, you'll finish with one of the most distinctive skyline views in all of Minneapolis.

Duration

• 2.5–3.5 hours total, including the shuttle to the put-in, a land-based paddling introduction, the paddle itself, and return to Boom Island marina
  
• Note: Route and duration are subject to change based on weather, water level, flow rate, and group dynamics
  

Location / Where to Meet

Boom Island Park — 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Paid parking is available in the Boom Island Park lot. Free street parking is available on Sibley St NE, across from the park entrance. Restrooms are available at Boom Island Park.

Your guide will shuttle you upriver to the launch site (Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park in Fridley) and return you to Boom Island at the end of the tour.

Ages & Requirements

• Age 5+ (16 years for single (solo) kayaks)
  
• Tandem (double) kayaks: at least one paddler must be 18 or older
  
• All paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  
• No prior kayaking experience required — a land-based paddling introduction is included with every tour
  
• Guides reserve the right to arrange boat types based on inventory, weather, and water conditions
  

What's Included

• Shuttle from Boom Island to the put-in at Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park (and return)
  
• All paddling gear: kayak, paddle, and US Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD)
  
• Land-based paddling skill introduction before launching
  
• Dry bag for small items you'd like to keep dry
  
• Cell phone cases available for use during the tour
  
• Tour photos taken by your guide with a waterproof camera
  
• Expert narration on river history, ecology, and local landmarks throughout the paddle
  
• Extra water and snacks carried by guides
  

Not Included

• Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider tipping your guide; cash is easiest and many guides also accept Venmo or PayPal. Guests typically tip 15–20%.
  

What to Bring / Wear

• Lightweight clothing and footwear you wouldn't mind getting wet (no cotton — it stays cold when wet)
  
• A dry layer left in your car to change into afterward
  
• Hat and sunglasses for glare off the water
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Reusable water bottle and snacks to stay hydrated and energized