Next time you visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota, considering renting a kayak to explore the river/NPS

There is a pretty cool program being offered this summer along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota. You can rent a kayak in advance and take it out on the water once you reach the national river.

The program, Mississippi River Paddle Share, is similar to those in cities where you can rent a bicycle during your visit. This year’s program is expected to be launched from existing stations in Minneapolis and will expand to other locations along the river. If all goes as planned, you’ll be able to rent a kayak in St. Paul in Coon Rapids as well as in Minneapolis.

The program, which is geared toward experienced kayakers, works through the website paddleshare.org. On this website you can pick your desired put-in location, sign a waiver, and obtain a reservation code that allows you to open the kayak equipment lockers.

Once you get to the rental station you simply punch in your reservation code, take the kayak, life vest, and paddle out of the locker, and slip into the river. You’ll also find a map of the river in that area attached to the boat.

Through the program you can rent a kayak for four hours in the morning, four hours in the afternoon, or for all day. Rates range from $20-$30, depending on the location where you rent a kayak. Just be sure to return your rental on time, because there is a $100 per hour late fee.

So, if you’re heading to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area this summer, check out paddleshare.org to see where the rental stations are located and to learn about some peddling options you can pursue.