Best Places To Rent A Boat In Minnesota
Whether you long for splashing waves or glass-like calm waters, Minnesota has well over 10,000 lakes, rivers and waterways for you to explore. With so many options in this great state, you'd be hard-pressed to not find a boat rental facility nearby. Pontoons, rowboats, sailboats and tons of other options are available to take out for a few hours to a few days or more. Check out our list of five of the best places to find a boat to rent in Minnesota.
Itasca Sports
15441 Main Park Drive
Itasca State Park, MN 56470
(218) 266-2150
www.itascasports.com
Head out on the headwaters of the Mississippi River with a paddle boat, pontoon, fishing boat or rowboat. All can be rented by the hour or day at Itasca Sports, which is located within Itasca State Park. There are over 100 lakes to boat on within Minnesota's oldest state park, and Itasca Sports makes it easy with great rental rates and pontoon delivery within 40 miles of the park. Plus, you can add fishing rods to your rental for an inexpensive $5 per day.
Voyagaire Houseboats
7576 Gold Coast Road
Crane Lake, MN 55725
(218) 993-2266
www.voyagaire.com
Explore the interconnected waterways of Voyageurs National Park by luxury houseboat. Voyagaire has houseboats to suit two to 12 people and even your family dog. Imagine looking out from your rooftop hot tub onto thick forests, rugged rock formations and hundreds of quiet islands to find moose, bald eagles or black bears in their natural habitat. This is the perfect way to experience the Northern Minnesota wilderness without giving up the comfy bed or air conditioning.
Amicus Adventure Sailing
115 Marina Road
Knife River, MN 55609
(218) 290-5975
www.amicusadventuresailing.com
Renting a sailboat on Lake Superior requires an experienced captain to charter the vast waters. Groups of up to six people can contact family-owned Amicus Adventure Sailing for private trips with Captain Mark Gordon that last between two and four hours. You'll sail the beautiful and scenic area between Duluth and Two Harbors. Those wanting a longer experience and more of an adrenaline rush can book the heavy weather three-day sailing trip to battle the wind and waves safely with an experienced professional.
Bay To Bay Boat Club
135 Lakeview Ave.
Excelsior, MN 55331
(952) 401-3880
www.baytobayboatclub.com
Lake Minnetonka is the metro lake to see and be seen on. Bay to Bay Boat Club will outfit you with a clean, modern boat to cruise the waters of the ultra-popular summer or fall destination when it's too beautiful to stay indoors. If you become a boat club member, you'll get access to Bay to Bay's entire fleet of boats so you can try out speed boats, pontoons and other types of boats all season long. One-time, half or full day rentals are also available.
Great River Boat Rental
1 King's Cove Marina
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 438-9999
www.greatriverboatrental.com
Great River Boat Rental makes it easy to visit the historic river towns along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Rent a runabout, pontoon or fishing boat and explore the Mississippi's Lock and Dam No. 2 in Hastings or take in the scenic St. Croix Bluffs. Helpful staff will make suggestions on where to dock if you stop in Stillwater for some shopping or want to indulge at Selma's Ice Cream Parlor in Afton. They'll even let you in on which weekends the river towns are having fairs and festivals so you'll never miss a celebration.
Related: Best Places For Families To Spend The Last Days Of Summer In Minnesota
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young son and daughter, who are her partners-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.