The historic Rainy River is the original “Voyageur’s Highway,” which linked the entire Great Lakes area with the northern waterways of Canada. Lake of the Woods hosted early trading posts in the 1700’s and is still the living legacy for this era. Getting out on the water is a great way to experience all of the history and nature Lake of the Woods has to offer.
Here are a few suggestions:
Short Paddles
Explore Baudette Bay right in the heart of Baudette. You can start from Peace Park or Timber Mill Park for a relaxing paddle around the bay.
Winter Road River – Turn north on Hwy 172, then west on Cty. Rd 88/4th ST. NW. Put in 2.5 miles west of Hwy 172 at the bridge. This is about a 3 mile trip with lots of opportunities to view wildlife and waterfowl, especially in the spring. Take out at the public water access at Hwy 172.
Waban Ica Creek – Put in right behind Wabanica Lutheran Church, located east of Hwy 172. This is a short, 2-3 mile trip up and back the Wabanica Creek. The creek forks, so you have a couple of routes to explore.
All of the bays along the Rainy River are excellent for using your canoe or kayak and don’t forget about Four Mile Bay where you canoe right up to Pine Island. Explore this sandy island for rare birds and see the Big Traverse open up before your eyes.
Longer Paddles
The Rapid River Canoe Route covers approximately 50 miles of one of the Rainy River’s major tributaries – the Rapid River. The sections designated as the Rapid River Canoe and Kayak Route cover 33 river miles with a few small riffles and Class I rapids. Beginning at the trailhead and paddling to the trail end takes 8 to 12 hours under optimal water levels. The narrow, winding waterway is perfect for short canoes and smaller recreational kayaks.
Plan a 2-day trip down the Rainy River – Imagine what it was like to travel the water highways like the voyageurs. Put in at the public access just east of Pelland Junction, where Hwy 11 and Hwy 71 come together. Follow the waterway downstream 31 miles to Franz Jevne State Park. Camp overnight and paddle 28 miles to Baudette the next day, or linger awhile longer to enjoy the hiking offered at the park. Wind can be a factor on the Rainy River, particularly if it is from a northerly through westerly direction.
Kayaks and canoes can be rented locally from Zippel Bay Resort and Zippel Bay State Park has canoe rental as well.
The Northwest Angle, Zippel Bay State Park, other tributaries of the Rainy River, and the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area, are all other wonderful areas for a serene canoeing getaway.
There is a large group of teenagers and their chaperones who make a voyage by canoe each year across the lake. They spend a week exploring islands and waters of the beautiful Lake of the Woods. They bring many supplies with them in extra canoes, however an airplane loaded with other food lands on the lake and brings many other needed supplies to them as well. This is a trip of a lifetime!!
There is also a River Runners Canoe and Kayak Club based in Baudette. Be sure to ask about their group activities when planning your next adventure!
There’s a new kayak out there that is catching on fast. This is called the Hobie Kayak and is very unique in its build. We’ve included a video here to watch about the kayak being used at Lake of the Woods. It can be paddled and even peddled to move it. What an interesting adventure. It holds one person, but also holds fishing poles, coolers and the like for that great fishing adventure on Lake of the Woods.https://www.hobie.com/hobie-outdoor-adventures/#
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