Options & Portages

Drinking Water

Drinking water is not provided at the campsites. Be prepared to treat all water from the lakes. Bring your own water or buy water in any of the downtown areas along the way.

Round Trip Options

The Chisago Lakes Water Trail is unique in Minnesota outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Because the trail is on lakes, not a river, it is possible to loop back to any starting point. For those who choose to canoe the length of the trail there are several options to get back to their launch point.

• Leave a car or bike at either end of the trail;
• Walk/run back to the starting point; the trail’s two ends are not more than 5 miles apart;
• Call a local taxi: Northern Lights Taxi Transportation (612-325-4813);
• Hire an outfitter;

Portages and Transport

Bring wheels for your canoe and kayak, it will help with the portages. Please look for white laminated signs directing you to lakes and portages.

Respect Private Property

This is a suburban Water Trail; please respect private homes and property along the shore! Please take your breaks and camp only in designated public areas.