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The 5-mile “Root Beer Float” on the Mississippi River is an easy, fun way to experience paddling on the big river and only costs $10 per person (does not include t-shirt/medal or trophy)! It’s great for families, high school kids, and anyone new to paddling or new to the Mississippi. All self-powered craft are welcome and you can bring your own boat or rent a kayak or canoe.
If you are bringing your own boat, bring it to Mississippi West Regional Park in Ramsey, between 11:30 and 12:30pm on Sunday, June 15th, 2025. If you are renting a boat, the boat will be at Mississippi West Regional Park ready for you to launch. Paddlers can launch no earlier than noon and no later than 1pm. The float takes between 75 minutes and 2 hours. If you are taking the free shuttle, board it at the finish line at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin to bring you back to get your car at 3:30pm.
For age restrictions see the Rules page. (continue reading below)
After your paddle, enjoy the Minnesota Paddling Expo at the finish line from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. All participants will receive a root beer snack. The Expo is open to everyone whether they paddled or not. There will be exhibitors from many paddling businesses and river-related non-profits. You can cheer on hundreds of boats arriving at the finish line. There will be food and carnival games at the adjacent Father Hennepin Festival.
Event fees:
A fee of 2.9% plus $1.30 will be added to all transactions (covers credit card processing and registration fee)
$10 per person before June 1st at 11:59pm
$20 per person before June 11th by 11:59pm.
Refund Policy: Full refunds available for cancellations up until April 15th at 11:59pm. No refunds after April 15th for any reason including race cancellation by the organizers.
The entire route is part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Mississippi Water Trail.” The DNR has excellent river maps made for paddlers that show all ramps, campsites, bridges and other waypoints. The route can be found on Mississippi River map 9 at this link: DNR map and a custom Google map makes it easy to get directions to the event start or finish. The entire route is within the 72 mile Mississippi National River and Recreation area administered by the national park service.
Kayaks and canoes are available for rent; to reserve one add it to your cart on the registration page.
All participants are required to read the Event Rules and the Paddler’s Guide.
Experience a grand adventure on America’s most famous river! Please like and follow our Facebook page for the latest updates.
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Watch a segment on the TV show “Minnesota Bound” about the Paddle Opener.