Register HERE! (you will be registering for the Mississippi River 12; choose the high school division)

The Mississippi River High School Paddle Challenge is a 12 mile paddling race.

Starting at noon on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 paddlers (solo, tandem or as a team with any number of paddlers) have until 5pm to make it to the finish line.

The event starts at the Babcock Park boat access in Elk River and ends at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin.

The event is open to anyone in grade 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Participants can use any boat as long as it is self-powered (for example, a canoe, kayak, surfski or stand-up paddleboard).

The event is open to paddlers of all skill levels. (continue reading below)

After your paddle, enjoy the Minnesota Paddle 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.

All participants who register by May 21st will receive an event T-shirt. All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Top three finishers in each of the competitive race divisions will receive a trophy.

Event fee (per person):

A fee of 2.9% plus $1.30 will be added to all transactions (covers credit card processing and registration fee)

$65 if you register by April 15th at 11:59pm (Race t-shirt guaranteed)

$80 before May 21th at 11:59pm (race t-shirt guaranteed).

$110 if you register after May 21st and before June 11th at 11:59pm (you will not receive a t-shirt).

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: MR 12 map. The entire route is within the 72 mile Mississippi National River and Recreation area administered by the national park service. (Continue reading below)

See Paddler’s Guide for details on check-in times and shuttles. 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.

Register HERE (you will be registering for the Mississippi River 12; choose the high school division)

Watch a segment on the TV show “Minnesota Bound” about the Paddle Opener.