Unlocking the Falls

2-2.5 Hours • Recommended age 5+

by Paddle Bridge Kayak Tours· Minneapolis, MN
From$79.50
Group sizeUp to 20 guests
Ages5–105

What to Expect

Get a taste of where Minneapolis began with a journey through Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock, and explore Pool 1 below the falls!

This out-and-back trip starts and ends at Bohemian Flats Park, tucked just around the bend from Owamniyomni (the Dakota name for St. Anthony Falls). Set within the Mississippi River Gorge — the only naturally occurring gorge on the entire river — this stretch is lined with 150-foot-high sandstone cliffs, carved out by the falls’ recession over 11,000 years. Today, the falls hold court in downtown Minneapolis, transformed from a wild cascade into an engineered force, cemented in place by a concrete wall.

After a brief paddle and water safety demo, we’ll make our way upriver into the impressive chamber of Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock. Our group will 'lock up' inside the chamber, ascending 25 feet (7.6 meters). At the top, we’ll venture into the protected pool in the shadow of the closed Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, historic Mill Ruins Park, and Stone Arch Bridge.

As with all PBGC tours, the route and duration is subject to flexibility depending on weather conditions, water level and flow-rate, and group dynamics.

Includes

At Paddle Bridge we pride ourselves in 'bridging the river gap,' providing safe access to the river and knowledgeable instruction.
This includes:
- Kayaks (singles or tandems, depending on your preference and boat availability)
- PFD's (personal flotation devices, aka life jackets)
- Paddles
- Rescue-trained guides with safety equipment (First aid kit, tow rope, etc) and local experience
- Extra drinking water (we encourage guests to bring their own water bottles)
- A limited number of dry phone cases and dry bags for small items
- Complimentary photos, sent out in a follow-up email

Duration

2-2.5 hours, depending on conditions and group needs

Address

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

Pricing

Single Kayak · Recommend 16+ years old$81.77
Tandem Kayak · One person should be 18+ years old$136.29
Tandem Kayak With Child · 2 people • One person 12+ and one child (Ages 1-11)$157
Single Kayaks - Buy 3 Get 1 Free! · You must select 3 Single Kayaks above to get this option.Free

Prices are typical; see the booking calendar for live availability and rates.

Cancellation Policy

Guests must notify staff within 12 hours of trip to be offered a full refund. All of our trips follow weather safety guidelines, so if cancellation is due to weather concerns, we will offer to either refund or rebook.

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