Unlocking the Falls - St. Anthony Falls Lock Kayak Tour

Kayak Through a Lock at St. Anthony Falls – Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis owes its existence to a waterfall. And on this 2-hour guided kayak tour, you'll paddle right up to it — and then ride an elevator through the lock that tamed it.

The Unlocking the Falls tour launches from a put-in within walking distance of downtown Minneapolis and heads briefly upriver into the historic cradle of the city. Your paddling effort is rewarded quickly: near the end of the upstream leg, you'll enter the chamber of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, where the water slowly lifts you up through the lock — a one-of-a-kind experience that puts you at the center of one of the city's most remarkable pieces of engineering.

From there, you'll have time to explore the area under the Stone Arch Bridge — a 2,100-foot (640 m) span of granite and limestone built in 1883 by railroad magnate James J. Hill, and the only arched stone bridge on the entire Mississippi River. Nearby, the ruins of the old flour milling district rise from the riverbank, remnants of the era when Minneapolis was the flour milling capital of the world and the power of St. Anthony Falls — the only naturally occurring waterfall on the Mississippi — drove an entire industrial economy.

On the return downstream, the current carries you back past stellar views of the city skyline before finishing at the put-in. Your guide will share the history and folklore woven into every bend of this short but extraordinarily rich stretch of river.

At 2 hours and launching steps from downtown, this is an ideal tour for visitors who want to see Minneapolis from the water without a long time commitment — and for anyone who wants to experience one of the most unique kayaking moments available anywhere in the city.

Duration

• Approximately 2 hours total, including a land-based paddling introduction and the round-trip paddle through the lock
  

Location / Where to Meet

Bohemian Flats Park — 2150 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time. A paid parking lot is available at the park. Restrooms are available at Bohemian Flats Park.

Ages & Requirements

• Age 5+ (16 years for single (solo) kayaks)
  
• Tandem (double) kayaks: at least one paddler must be 18 or older
  
• 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

• All paddling gear: kayak, paddle, and US Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD)
  
• Land-based paddling skill introduction before launching
  
• Round-trip passage through the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock
  
• 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 the history of St. Anthony Falls, the lock and dam, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the milling district 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