The 3 Best Tubing/Canoeing Places in Southeast Minnesota

It's going to be a hot one this weekend. Get some relief on the river. Here are the best places to go tubing, canoeing, or kayaking that are within an hour from Rochester.

1. Zumbro River

I start with the Zumbro River because that's my jam. I go tubing or canoeing on the Zumbro every year. With a 65-mile span, it's easy to start wherever is convenient for you. My recommendation, drop one car in Hammond, and the other in Millville - it's about a 5.5-mile treck. Zumbro Falls to Hammond is a 7-mile float. You can rent tubes and canoes from the Zumbro Valley Canoe Rental or Zumbro River Ratz.

2. Root River

One of the more beautiful places to tube in Southern Minnesota is the Root River. You could make a weekend out of it - Lanesboro is full of trails. Go biking, hiking, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, camping and more. Click here to learn more about Eagle Cliff Campground.

3. Cannon River

Sadly, I haven't explored the Cannon River yet! Apparently, the river is fairly calm, with the exception of a few rough patches - so probably more of an adult trip. The river runs from Waterville to Red Wing, and one of the closer places to jump in is Welch. Welch Mill offers rentals for short and long trips. Click here to check out their website.

****It is recommended that you check with these places before making the trip. Because of the massive amount of rain we've received this summer, some may be flooded in areas.****