Grab your paddles, pop on your life jackets, and explore Fargo from the water! The Red River of the north provides plenty of water-based fun, from fishing and boating to the theme of this post: canoeing and kayaking. Below are all the details on getting on the water in Fargo.

 

Rent a kayak or canoe

There are two places to rent a water vessel in Fargo.

The first is Lindenwood Park. Rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, kayaks are available to rent for 1 hour for just $10, and come with a personal flotation device.

Lindenwood Park Kayak Rentals
1905 Roger Maris Dr
Call 701-356-2106 to verify hours and if rentals are still available.

The second is the River Keepers Rental Shack. Located in the parking lot of the Hjemkomst Center, you can rent a canoe or kayak for $10/hour. Kayaks and canoes are available as single or tandem.

River Keepers Rental Shack
202 1st Ave N, Moorhead
Open Tuesdays from 6-8pm, and Saturdays from 1-6pm (Seasonal: May 29 - August 28)

 

Getting your kayak or canoe in the water

To make it easy, as soon as you've rented your kayak or canoe from either location, a convenient ramp is just a short walk away.

Have your own kayak? Well then, you have even MORE options for launching. While both Lindenwood and the Hjemkomst of fantastic and very accessible launches, there are several other options available. Below are a few worth checking out!

MB Johnson Park
Iwen Park
Dike East 
Forest River Park (kayak/canoe launch)
Midtown Dam Boating Access 

 

Kayaking groups and competitions

The River Keepers host several River Paddling Excursions throughout the summer for all skill levels. As you paddle, you'll learn a bit about the Red River from experienced historians and guides.

The cost is $15 per person if you rent a vessel, or $10 if you bring your own. Arrive at the Hjemkomst landing by 5:30 pm to participate.

June 17 - Aviary Expedition
July 15 - History of the Red River
August 19 - Animals and Habitats

Looking for more of a competition? Well then you should Race the Red on August 10, 2020! Choose your distance, 1.5, 3.5, or 6 miles. Participants will paddle upriver to a designated turnaround point, grab a prize, and return downriver to the finish.

 

Self-guided tour of the Red River

Take your own self-guided tour by kayak or canoe, hitting up all the major sites by using this very informative sheet. With 19 stops along the way, you'll get plenty of history and exercise.