MR 12 Overview

Register HERE

A short, scenic paddle on the Upper Mississippi—perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

The Mississippi River 12 Canoe & Kayak Race & Tour (MR 12) is a 12-mile paddling event from Elk River to Anoka, Minnesota, offering competitive race divisions and a non-competitive recreational tour.

The event begins at 12:00 PM on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Babcock Park Boat Access in Elk River. Participants have until 5:00 PM to reach the finish at Peninsula Point Park in Anoka.

Solo paddlers, tandems, and teams are welcome. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and all human-powered boats are allowed.

Why People Love the MR 12

  • A fun, achievable distance for newer paddlers

  • A relaxed but spirited race atmosphere

  • Scenic paddling past wooded banks, islands, and river bluffs

  • A well-mapped course on the Minnesota DNR’s Mississippi Water Trail

Divisions & Event Format

  • Race divisions: Solo (men/women), Tandem (men/women/mixed), SUP, Team

  • Recreational tour division: Focus on completing the course within the time limit rather than racing

Key Times & Logistics

  • Check-in: 9:15–11:00 AM

    • Shuttle users: 9:15–9:45 AM (departure at 9:45 AM)

  • Mandatory pre-event meeting: 11:15 AM

    • Location: Babcock Park Boat Access (east side of river, Elk River)

Optional shuttle service is available from Mississippi Crossings in Anoka (near the finish) to the start.

Need a boat? Clearwaters Outfitting offers canoe and kayak rentals—and will pick them up at the finish.

Post Paddle Party

Celebrate your finish at the Post Paddle Party, held 12:00–5:00 PM at Peninsula Point Park in Anoka.

Open to everyone, whether you paddled or not:

  • Live music!

  • River-related nonprofits and paddling exhibitors

  • Front-row views of paddlers finishing the MR 12 and other events

Registration & Fees (per person)

A 2.9% + $1.30 transaction fee applies to all registrations.

  • $67.50 – through April 15

  • $82.50 – April 16–May 21

  • $112.50 – May 22–June 11

Awards & Gear

  • All who register by May 21 receive an official event T-shirt

  • All finishers earn a finisher medal

  • Top 3 finishers in each division receive trophies

Refund Policy

  • Full refunds available through April 15 at 11:59 PM

  • No refunds after April 15 for any reason

Before You Paddle

All participants are required to read:

Additional resources: