Lake Winona listed as 1 of the 7 best places to paddleboard in Minnesota by Explore MN

In their recent e-newsletter, Lake Winona made the cut as one of the best paddleboarding spots in Minnesota!

Explore Minnesota’s roundup names paddleboarding as one of the fastest-growing water sports and highlights seven spots across the state, including a special mention close to home — Lake Winona, praised as calm, beginner-friendly, and set against beautiful bluff views along the Mississippi River, with rentals available from Lake Lodge Recreation Center.

The other six spots:

1. Bear Head Lake State Park (Ely) – calm, pine-lined water with loon and wildlife sightings; $10/hour rentals.
2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area – turquoise former mine lakes (Pennington and Huntington are favorites); rentals from Cuyuna Cove stays or Red Raven.
3. Lake Superior – best for advanced paddlers due to unpredictable conditions; Black Beach is a scenic launch point; lessons through North Shore SUP.
4. Lake Minnetonka – scenic route from Wayzata Bay to Lookout Point, though boat traffic means staying close to shore; rentals and SUP yoga from Wai Nani Surf.
5. Lake Itasca – located at the Mississippi River’s headwaters; rentals from Itasca Sports in Itasca State Park.
6. St. Croix River – scenic paddle from Stillwater’s Boom Site toward the lift bridge, with a workout paddling back against the current; rentals from St. Croix Stand Up Paddleboard Co.