Watercraft Storage
What better way to enjoy the City of Lakes in the summer than in your sailboat or canoe on one of Minneapolis’ picturesque lakes? The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers the use of hundreds of sailboat buoys, and canoe and kayak storage racks through an annual permit process.
For information on the application process, visit:
- Applications (online or printed) for 2013 Watercraft Storage will be accepted for Returning 2012 Watercraft Storage holders beginning February 1, 2013.
- New applicants may submit applications for Sailboat Buoys beginning February 1, 2013.
- New Applications for Canoe Racks will ONLY be accepted beginning Friday March 1, 2013.
(In keeping with our strict first come, first serve policy, new applications for Canoe Racks received before Friday March 1, 2013 will be shredded. New applicants may re-apply beginning Friday March 1, 2013)
Canoe/Kayak Racks
Sailboat Buoys
Watercraft and Electric Trolling Motors
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board does not require permits for watercrafts and electric trolling motors on Minneapolis city lakes.
Gas power motors are not allowed to operate on Minneapolis city lakes. If you have a gas powered motor on your boat, it must be propped up and out of the water. Only electric trolling motors are allowed to be used.
All bona fide boat owners are required to have a current Minnesota Watercraft License from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Registration for licenses is at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul; public service section at the Hennepin County Government Center; Brookdale, Southdale and Ridgedale public service centers; and driver’s license service centers. The waiting period for licenses is 3-4 weeks.
Zebra Mussels and Invasive Species
Zebra Mussels are invading metro area lakes. Please help keep zebra mussels out of Minneapolis lakes and streams.
If you boat on the following lakes and rivers that are known to be infested with zebra mussels, please drain the water from your live wells, bilge and bait buckets and let your boat dry for at least five days. Taking these precautions will help stop the spread of zebra mussels.
More information:
Remember, storm sewers and street drains dump directly into our lakes and streams. Please leave lake or river water in the place you found it.
