Map 1: Mille Lacs Lake to Milaca
This segment is narrow, rocky, shallow and clear. Paddlers may need to wade at times. The Rum River Weir, between Shakopee and Onamia lakes, allows for water drawdown in Onamia without affecting Shakopee. This helps with wild rice crops. Hazards include turbulent water, pilings, rock weirs and dams. Be sure you know where portages are located.
Recommended day trip
Wayside landing to Milaca
- Put-in location: Wayside landing carry-in access, river mile 128.7
- Take-out location: Milaca city park, river mile 112.5
- Length: 16.2 river miles
Plan for a full day of paddling as you follow the river's twists and turns past wooded shoreline, farm fields and islands.
Portions of this route are shallow and rocky. Use caution when approaching the Old Whitney Log Dam site about halfway through your trip.
Explore on shore
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, river mile 153
Take a break from paddling with a visit to the state park.
Stop at the river access and explore some of the park's 35 miles of wooded hiking trails. Hike three quarters of one mile to one of the designated river overlooks with a seating area where you can relax while watching for wildlife.
Local contacts
DNR central region headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facility
Mille Lacs Health System
200 Elm Street North, Onamia, MN 56359
320-532-3154
Clouds reflected in the water.
Expect shallow, rocky areas throughout this section.
Map 2: Milaca to Isanti
Beginning and intermediate canoeists can enjoy moderate flows and few rapids along this segment, which winds past heavily wooded shorelines with a wilderness feel. It is wider, deeper and slower than other segments of the Rum River. Hazards include downed trees, snags and dams. Be sure you know where portages are located. A portion of the river near Princeton has frequent log jams, use caution.
Recommended day trip
Walbo to Cambridge West
- Put-in location: Walbo carry-in access, river mile 56.8
- Take-out location: Cambridge West Park, river mile 41
- Length: 15.8 river miles
You'll pass wooded shores and fields as you paddle along this wide, winding section of the river. Shorten the trip by starting or ending at the the Highway 14 carry-in access.
Explore on shore
Becklin Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and county park, river mile 51.6
Enjoy a state-managed WMA adjacent to a park managed by Isanti County Parks and Recreation. The WMA offers opportunities for wildlife watching, while the county park (L) has a public water access, hiking trail and picnic shelter. This area is closed during special hunts.
Local contacts
DNR central region headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facilities
Fairview Northland Medical Center
911 Northland Drive, Princeton, MN 55371
763-389-1313
Cambridge Medical Center
701 South Dellwood Street, Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-7700
A canoe on a sandbar at river's edge.
A view from one of several watercraft campsites.
Map 3: Isanti to the Mississippi River
Beginning and intermediate canoeists can enjoy moderate flows and few rapids along this segment, which is wider and deeper than the river's northern segments. You'll find the kind of broad, flat water that is good for hard paddling or simply letting the current float you along. Hazards include downed trees, snags and dams. Be sure you know where portages are located.
Recommended day trip
Martin's Landing to North County Park
- Put-in location: Martin's Landing trailer access, river mile 34.8
- Take-out location: Rum River North County Park, river mile 23.2
- Length: 11.6 river miles
Follow the river's slow twists and turns past wooded shorelines. This route takes the average paddler three and one half to five hours to complete.
Explore on shore
County and regional parks
Several county and regional parks along the river provide an opportunity to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic. A few of these parks also offer watercraft campsites, allowing you to plan for a multi-day trip on the river. Check individual county and regional websites for details and fees.
Local contacts
DNR central region headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facility
Mercy Hospital
4050 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-236-6000
Colorful kayaks float down the river.
A happy paddler in the bow of a canoe.
