people canoe down the river

Canoeing and Kayaking

Discover the beauty of the Red River in downtown Moorhead! Moorhead Parks & Recreation and River Keepers partner to provide exciting paddling opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing paddle, a guided excursion, or seasonal storage, we’ve got you covered.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Experience the Red River first-hand! Rentals include life jackets (PFDs) and paddles, and all vessels are available at Hjemkomst Landing (202 1 Ave N).

  • May 26 – September 6
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Saturdays: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Sundays: Noon – 6:00 pm

$10 per hour, per vessel

Rentals are first-come, first-served and must remain at Hjemkomst Landing.

Group Rentals:

  • Available for parties of 5 or more
  • Minimum 2-hour rental or $100 fee
  • Not offered during regular rental hours
  • Reservations required at least 14 business days in advance
    • Call 218.299.5446 to book.

River Paddling Excursions

Join us for a guided journey on the Red! All skill levels welcome. View all upcoming excursions or register

  • Start Time: 6:00 pm (arrive by 5:30 pm for check-in)
  • Includes basic canoeing and kayaking instruction
  • Pre-registration required; limited to 20 vessels per excursion
  • Excursions begin at Hjemkomst Landing

Plan Your Paddle

Looking to take a solo trip or the scheduled events don't work for you? Use the Hjemkomst Landing Paddling Guide to plan your route and track distances on the Red River.

Vessel Rental Rack at Hjemkomst Landing

Keep your canoe or kayak close to the water! Rent one of 12 seasonal storage spots at Hjemkomst Landing.

  • Fee: $50 per season
  • Renters provide locks and must remove vessels during flood events

Register online or call 218.299.5340.

Other River Activities

Help keep the river beautiful! Volunteers are needed May–October to pick up litter along river corridors. Adopt the Red for the season or volunteer as a group.


Learn More & Volunteer

Enjoy scenic river crossings:

  • Gooseberry Park to Lindenwood Park
    • (100 22 Ave S)
  • Davy/Memorial Park to Oak Grove Park
    • (210 8 St S)
  • Woodlawn Park top Dike East
    • (400 Woodlawn Drive)

Open the trail map and zoom in on river crossings to check the bridge status

Launch your boat or cast a line at these locations:

Boat Launches:

Cast your line on the Red! Enjoy shore fishing at Gooseberry ParkViking Ship ParkRiverfront ParkMemorial ParkNorth DamRiver Oaks Park - South Dam, and M.B. Johnson Park (boat ramp dock and fish-cleaning station available).