Diving into Paddle Sports in the Greater Grand Forks Region

The beautiful summer season that the Grand Forks region is known for is here! That makes it the perfect time to dive into paddle sports. Let’s talk about the best places to get gear and where to start having fun! Just remember to always wear a life jacket.

Knowing what to bring and where to go can be the biggest challenge in any outdoor water sport but fear not. The Grand Forks region has plenty of options for newcomers and experienced paddlers alike. With multiple places to rent gear, no upfront investment is required either!

Rental equipment is available at The Outpost, located at the UND Wellness Center, which is available to the public as well as UND students, faculty, and staff. They have everything you need from life jackets to paddles and, of course, canoes, kayaks, and much more.

For a convenient spot to rent and launch near Downtown Grand Forks, Boathouse on the Red is located on the Greenway just steps away from the river. In the summer, I see people lining up for paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks every weekend!

For those interested in buying gear, SCHEELS is a great place to start. I’ve always appreciated their knowledgeable staff that can help you figure out exactly what you need, even if you’re a complete newcomer.

Now that we know where to get gear, we’ll need to decide where we’re going to paddle! Luckily for us, the Red River Valley’s namesake provides ample opportunities to paddle without leaving city limits.

I’ve already mentioned the boat launch situated near downtown Grand Forks along the Greenway, but there is also a place to launch from LaFave Park in East Grand Forks just upriver. Being able to paddle surrounded by views of the downtowns on both sides of the river is a unique experience.

Riverside Park also has a boat launch that’s easy to access with fantastic views of the Riverside Dam. The step dam provides an interesting backdrop.

Upriver past our eponymous fork, the Red Lake River State Water Trail offers a vast area to hone your skills. Ending in East Grand Forks, this water trail has nearly 200 miles to explore. I’ve heard that the section between St. Hilaire and Crookston offers faster conditions for more intense fun while still being friendly to beginners.

Looking for some fun beyond Greater Grand Forks? There’s still plenty of water to explore outside the city.

For the avid lake-goers, a weekend at the lake is a great opportunity to try out paddling. While I have personally paddled around Maple Lake, pretty much any lake will do! The calm and sheltered waters of Devil’s Lake are also a great place to paddle, especially if you’re a beginner. Lake Bronson is also on my list to try out paddling next.

Pembina Gorge State Park is a great place to start paddling. Rentals are available here as well, so there is no need to bring your own. This state park is unique for its views of the Pembina Gorge, which is well known for its natural beauty that caters to pretty much every outdoor sport imaginable! Just like the Red River, expect calm waters well-suited for beginners.

Whether you are curious about paddling or you’ve been paddling for years, there certainly is an overwhelming number of options in the region. I could probably write a book cataloging them all, so I’d encourage you to explore the endless opportunities right in our  backyard!