Grab your paddles, pop on your life jackets, and explore Fargo from the water! The Red River of the North offers a wealth of water-based activities, including fishing and boating, as well as 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.
Lindenwood Park Kayak Rentals
1905 Roger Maris Dr
Call 701-356-2106 to verify hours and if rentals are still available.
Lindenwood Park Kayak Rentals are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Kayaks are available to rent for 1 hour for just $10, and come with a personal flotation device.
River Keepers Rental Shack
202 1st Ave N, Moorhead
Open Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, and Saturdays from 1-6 pm (Seasonal: May 29 - August 28)
River Keepers Rental Shack is located in the parking lot of the Hjemkomst Center. You can rent a canoe or kayak for $10/hour. Kayaks and canoes are available in single or tandem.
Getting your canoe or kayak 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 offer fantastic and very accessible launches, several other options are available. Below are a few worth checking out!
MB Johnson Park
Iwen Park
Dike East
Forest River Park (kayak/canoe launch)
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.
Looking for more of a competition? Well then, you should Race the Red each summer! 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, exploring all the major sites with the help of this informative sheet. With 19 stops along the way, you'll get plenty of history and exercise.
