5/27/21:  Please Note:  The Louisiana Bridge is currently being replaced by the City of St. Louis Park. Please check back for potential future closings of the creek at this location or portage requirements. Please check the city's project website at: https://www.stlouispark.org/government/departments-divisions/engineering/construction-projects/louisiana-avenue-road-bridg...

Paddling Minnehaha Creek

Minnehaha Creek flows 22 miles from Lake Minnetonka to Minnehaha Falls, winding through tranquil woodlands, expansive wetlands, dense urban landscapes, neighborhoods and scenic park land. Under the right conditions it affords paddlers a beautiful adventure through an urban wilderness.

Below is a variety of information on how to safely enjoy this iconic resource. MCWD provides this information but does not regulate recreation on the creek. These activities are undertaken at the users’ own risk.

What are the best conditions to paddle Minnehaha Creek?

Ideal creek flows for paddling are between 75 and 150 cubic feet per second (cfs). We do not recommend paddling when the creek's flow is higher than 150 cfs. Conditions can change rapidly, especially after rainfall.

We recommend using the flow at Hiawatha Ave to gauge how fast the creek is flowing in the lower half of the creek, and the Gray's Bay Dam discharge to gauge how fast the creek is flowing in the upper half of the creek.

View Real-Time Minnehaha Creek Flow at Hiawatha Avenue

Please note that creek flow is different from dam discharge, as water runs into the creek from different sources like runoff, storm sewers, wetlands, etc throughout the length of the creek which impacts the flow.

Is it safe?

When the current is too fast, there is a higher chance of tipping the canoe or sustaining an injury. When it is too slow, you may find yourself doing a lot of portaging and hiking through the water! Consider the experience levels and abilities of those in your party and plan accordingly; use common sense and exercise caution. Watch for downed trees or other fallen objects that present navigational hazards

The Minnehaha Creek Greenway is a linear park in the heart of St. Louis Park and Hopkins. Featuring almost 1.5 miles of Minnehaha Creek, the Greenway is a natural oasis in an urban corridor.   

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, in partnership with the cities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park, restored this section of Minnehaha Creek; which was the most degraded stretch in the 22 mile-long system. 

The Minnehaha Creek Preserve, located in St. Louis Park, is the jewel of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway. The Preserve is open to the public, and we encourage you to experience this quiet piece of nature in the midst of the suburbs.

The 2019 Earth Day Photo Contest is now closed. View the 2019 winners. Check back in the spring for info on the 2020 photo contest.

Our annual Earth Day Photo Contest is back!  From South Minneapolis to Watertown Township, Laketown Township to Medina, we think our watershed is incredibly photogenic. There is endless beauty on and around the 129 lakes, eight major streams and thousands of wetlands within the MCWD, and we want to see how you capture it. We encourage you to submit pictures of you, your family, and your friends enjoying the resources our watershed has to offer.

First place winners in both categories will receive a $100 gift certificate to The Great Frame Up and will be featured in MCWD's annual report. First, second, and third place winners in both categories will be featured in MCWD's e-newsletter and on MCWD's website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Send the MCWD a photo from the district!

Where Can I Find the Lake Level for Lake Minnetonka?

View the lake level for Lake Minnetonka.

Where Can I Find the Lake Levels for My Lake?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Lake Finder has a wealth of information for lakes throughout the state of Minnesota. Lake levels for many of the lakes is available.

What is the Flow of Minnehaha Creek at Hiawatha Ave (Minneapolis)?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has a real-time, automated staff gauge that measures the flow (discharge) and precipitation.

Can I Paddle Minnehaha Creek?
See the Paddle Minnehaha Creek web page.