Partner event: Minnesota Paddling Opener & Expo on the Mississippi River

Expo + short paddles: Sunday, June 15 • Endurance paddle: June 13-15
Expo: Mississippi Point Park, Champlin (Paddle routes range)

Experience the joy of paddling on our nation’s most famous river! Or check out the riverfront expo to connect with other river-minded community members (including staff from FMR, an official nonprofit event sponsor).

Paddle options

Paddling on the Mississippi is a sublime activity, and the Opener has various tours, races and relays for everyone from beginners to ultra-endurance athletes. You can paddle solo, tandem or as part of a team, and all self-powered boats are welcome. Rental canoes and kayaks are available for the 5-mile “Root Beer Float”; for all other events, boats can be rented through Clearwaters Outfitting (who will pick it up at the finish line).

Learn more and register at TwoPaddles.org. (If you register before May 22, use discount code FRIENDS to get 15% off your registration.)

Join us at the Expo

The Minnesota Paddling Opener Expo is free and open to everyone! Come cheer paddlers to the finish line, visit river-related organizations like FMR, and check out rides and food at the Father Hennepin Festival next door.

The Expo will be open from noon to 5 p.m. at Mississippi Point Park, 307 East River Parkway, in Champlin. Parking will be available at the nearby Mississippi Crossings. 

Partner series: Mississippi River Days of Action

Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 9:00am to Sunday, June 15, 2025 - 9:00pm
All 10 states adjacent to the Mississippi River
This event is part of One Mississippi's River Days of Action, a celebration of volunteers and advocates working in concert from the headwaters to the gulf. See all the offerings from FMR and dozens of Mississippi River organizations!
Thank you to our partners and funders: 

One Mississippi and Two Paddles

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge sand flats, Minneapolis
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 7:30pm
DeLaSalle High School, near Nicollet Island, Minneapolis