Take it easy on this paddle-forward trip to the beautiful Root River, one of Minnesota’s best paddle routes.
If you’ve been looking for a quick weekend getaway to relax and unwind, this is the trip for you! Join us for a beautiful weekend in southeast Minnesota, where the Root River carves through limestone and gives us one of the most tranquil paddles this side of the Mississippi.
We’ll be camping at a fantastic river-side campground in private tent spots — perfect for nights around the fire and getting a little natural R&R. On Saturday, we’ll hit the river, with a full day, 16-mile paddle on the Root River State Water Trail. This paddle is great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, and affords us plenty of relaxing water time to watch wildlife and slow our pace for the weekend.
We’ll cap our weekend off with a little Lanesboro exploration, a hot little trail town that celebrates local shops and outdoor adventure. Lanesboro is also the heart of the Root River State Bike Trail, so if you’re a cyclist, bring your bike along for some solo bike time on Sunday!
Adventure Rating: Beginner
This trip is rated Beginner because of access to modern accommodations and a beginner-friendly paddle route. The paddle will be about 4-6 hours, so some endurance is required, but the river has a forgiving current and flow for those less experienced.
ACTIVITIES
Enjoy a peaceful 16-mile, all day paddle on the Root River State Water Trail. We’ll be paddling the river’s north branch, known for its tranquil surroundings and wildlife sitings. We’ll be transported by the outfitters directly from and to our campground, making logistics a synch.
Explore the quaint town of Lanesboro, known for its arts scene, local shops and fun pubs. We’ll enjoy a group dinner in town to cap off the weekend!
This trip is designed for a fun, simple camping weekend. Take the time you need to relax, read in your tent, enjoy a nightly fire and just wind down with new friends in a new place!
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
We’ll be tent camping at a private campground right along the Root River, about 5 minutes from downtown Lanesboro. The campground has modern bathrooms and a showerhouse.
About the Root River State Water Trail
The Root River maintains a timelessness as it represents some of the finest scenic and historic qualities which characterize southeastern Minnesota. Formed of two branches in the west, the North and the Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. Joined above Whalan by the South Branch, a tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford.
Though the watershed has many spring-fed, clear water tributaries, including the South Branch, the Root River is somewhat cloudy due to erosive soil types in the watershed.
The Root River’s superlative scenery and characteristics make it suitable for many types of recreation. Several towns along the Root River offer historic sites, services and hospitality to river users. Other pastime favorites along the river are bird watching, nature observation, bicycling along the Root River State Trail, and fishing. Source: Minnesota DNR
GETTING THERE
If you are flying in from outside of Minnesota, the closest airport is the Rochester International Airport (RST) (about 50 mins away). You’ll need to rent a car to get to the campground, or arrange carpool with a local Wanderer. Carpooling details are sent pre-trip in the private trip Discord channel. Carpooling arrangements can’t be guaranteed, but we try our best to connect Wanderers for coordination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Expert planning and two Wander Women guides to help make the weekend as relaxing and fun as possible!
Two nights of comfortable camping at a private campground
Boat rental and paddling guidance, including all safety equipment
All food for the weekend, (except Saturday dinner) including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and beverages cooked for you by Wander Women guides
Camping accessories: Camp kitchen, camping chairs, fire kits, first aid kits, dining ware, fire wood, games, coolers
Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
A private trip Discord channel to connect with guides and fellow participants before the trip
Comprehensive pre-trip online guide with detailed logistics, packing recommendations, and trip tips
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Gear: Participants are able to rent camping gear from Wander Women
Saturday dinner in Lanesboro
INVESTMENT
$455
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $225