Destination Up North UpNorth-Spring_20_030920_B | Page 8

outfitting service located on the scenic Crow
Wing River since 1970. There you can paddle
past stands of Red Pine, through birch and
maple forests, past marshes, and see numerous
species of birds and four-legged wildlife, such as
great blue herons, otters and deer.
Owners George and Lee Gloege first started
with a campground that blossomed into an
outfitter business on the Crow Wing Canoe Trail.
“We rent canoes, kayaks, and camping gear
and provide transportation services,” Lee says.
“We have a small campground for our clients.
Our knowledgeable staff will help you plan a
memorable canoe trip. We are about 100 miles
east of Fargo/Moorhead and about 150 miles
north and west of the Twin Cities.”
The Crow Wing River is a gentle, sand-bottom
river that flows about three miles per hour. The
rapids on the river are Class 1, meaning they are
the easiest difficulty rating. This makes the river
perfect for families young and old, scouting
organizations, youth groups, and anyone
seeking some time away. The river is seldom
more than three feet deep and offers 150
miles of canoeing and camping fun. “The river
is remarkably clear with excellent swimming
areas,” says Lee, who adds that kids can play on
the sandbars
Originating from a chain of 11 lakes in southern
Hubbard County, the Crow Wing River then
flows southeast about 90 miles before joining
the Mississippi River.
Visitors from Nebraska getting set to hit the Mississippi River and a fun filled adventure into Minneapolis during
summer of 2019. Photo submitted by John Schulte.
lot of repeat groups. Lee says, “For next year, a
fraternity from North Dakota State University
has already rented canoes for the 50th straight
year.” Visit Canoethecrowwing.com for more
information.
Twin Cities Kayaking, LLC in Minneapolis, MN
Owner John Schulte looks forward to getting
people on the water. John is a Twin Cities kayak
and paddleboard rental and adventure tour
guide during the spring, summer and fall in
Minneapolis and St. Paul. He will deliver and pick
up kayaks and paddleboards for you. He says,
“I show people cool places that most people
don’t even know exist. Most of these wonderful
places seem 100 miles away, but are right here
in the Twin Cities Metro area.”
“Typically, I guide on the Mississippi River
between Coon Rapids Dam and Boom Island
in Minneapolis, the middle sections of the Rice
Creek Water Trail, and the lower sections of the
Rum River. Most guided river trips are around
two to three hours. This is dependent on the
distance, how much time people want to
explore the islands on the river, time swimming,
and having lunch or liquid refreshments, etc.
Each trip is customized to the people going.”
John Schulte, Owner of Twin Cities Kayaking at
Taylor Falls
There are no designated times for drop offs;
instead, the Gloeges cater to what people want
and help them figure out the trip that they
would like to experience. Rentals go from the
last week in April to September or until the
water temperature gets too cold. They have a
8 destinationupnorth.com
John adds, “I am like the Uber for kayaks – I
deliver and pickup whenever you are ready –
and I am available for personal tours.”
To receive a rental and/or tour quote, call or
text John at 612.708.2781 and let him know the
date, time and how many people are interested
in going. John says, “I run seven days a week.”
John Schulte was introduced to kayaking 17
years ago. He started the business with two
kayaks two years ago and now he is up to 18
kayaks and nine paddleboards. Paddleboarding
is a good workout from gripping the board with
your toes, using your core for stability and using
your arms for paddling.
John enjoys kayaking more than canoeing
because with kayaking, you are closer to the
water and they are easier to transport. One
person can do it all by themselves whereas with
canoeing, you need two people to help load
and transport a canoe.
John says, “Kayaks are allowed to go through
the locks and dams which is a cool experience
to see the innerworkings of the structures.”
Paddlers can take photographs of Downtown
St. Paul, U of M, barges, the locks and dams
on the Mississippi River, song birds, deer, bald
eagles, osprey, herons, etc.
John says, “The girth of the Mississippi River is
really wide, and you can see a long way.”
He is usually out on the water from May to
October after the leaves have fallen and if the
water is still going. John says, “All skill levels are
welcome from beginner to advanced. I get the
same people over and over again ready for a
new adventure.”
Country Camping Canoe & Tube in Isanti, MN
Lee and Pati Midlo bought the campground
in Isanti in 1985. Located only 36 miles north
of Minneapolis on 40 wooded acres on the
scenic Rum River, Country Camping provides
onsite canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and
river tubing. Rentals include equipment and