Pickerel Lake station

Pickerel Lake station at Lilydale Regional Park

Estimated Paddle Time: ~2 hours
Rental Days and Times, Summer Schedule: Monday (Holidays), Friday, Saturday, or Sunday 9:00am to 5:00 pm Rental Days and Times, Post Labor Day Schedule: Saturday, or Sunday 9:00am to 5:00 pm

Memorial Day (5/29), Juneteenth (6/19), Independence Day (7/3 and 7/4), Labor Day (9/4):
11:00am to 5:00pm

Cost: $20/single, $35/double

Route Description:
Pickerel Lake is located in Lilydale Regional Park, a park along the Mississippi River near downtown Saint Paul. The lake is surrounded by floodplain forest and scenic bluffs. There is an abundance of fish in the lake and in mid-summer lily pads dot the surface. Look for the eagle’s nest near the powerlines, and the river otters that hang out along the forest shoreline across the lake.

Please Note:

Access to Lilydale Regional Park and the Pickerel Lake station is only available from the east side of the park. Lilydale Road is closed west of the boat launch up to the Pool and Yacht Club near 35E.

Paddle With A Ranger on Pickerel Lake is a summer program with a National Park Service ranger as your guide, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a more predictable paddle. The fully outfitted program at Lilydale Regional Park offers instruction for all abilities, with optional adaptive paddling equipment like supported hand adaptations or specialized outriggers for balance. Check the Mississippi Park Connection website for future Paddle With A Ranger dates and to purchase tickets.

You can pick up your kayak any time after 9:00am. You must return the equipment by 5:00pm.