Calendar of Mississippi Headwater Events

If you enjoy taking a relaxing, beautiful, recreational paddle with other people along with a social event in a timeless, natural environment, then the Mississippi river offers recreational activities for the whole family! We call this RESOURCETAINMENT (resource + entertainment). Come paddle and/or enjoy events located on the upper Minnesota Mississippi river and experience the entertainment each event has to offer. Please view the events below and add them all or just the ones you want to your phone calendar.


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  • Aitkin Paddle Your Glass Off

    Are you ready to paddle your glass off? Join us June 17th for a kayak paddle on the Mississippi followed by a beer, wine, and whiskey tasting! We'll shuttle you to the launch site at the Kimball access, and the paddle ends at the Aitkin County Campgrounds Access. The course is approximately 7 river miles and will take about 2 hours to complete. The tasting at the landing site will include samples from Little Round Still, Bolck North Brew Publ, and Paustis Wine Company, and possibly others. Water and light snacks will be available and your ticket includes the shuttle service, tasting, and a small gift. Space is limited so please visit Facebook events to learn more.
    Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023 • Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM • Location: Aitkin Campground. (Park and city pound) 803 4th Ave. NW, Aitkin, MN 56431


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  • Paddle & Pint

    Take a paddle down the Mississippi river from Steamboat landing to blackberry bridge landing. Enjoy a social event afterwards. Shuttle service provided to and from locations. Bring your friends and have a good time. For more event information contact Itasca county historical society at 218.326-6431.
    Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023 • Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM • Location: Steamboat landing 303 SE 1st St. Grand Rapids, MN for parking and check-in


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  • Brainerd Ski Loons

    Enjoy a free, water ski show open to everyone! Watch the Ski Loons perform a human pyramid, ski jumping, and other tricks on the water.
    Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023 • Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM • Location: Lum Park (1619 NE Washington St, Brainerd, MN)


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  • Mississippi River Race

    Enjoy this event where the themes of mental health and wellness, and recreation are combined at the NEW Mississippi Landings park in Brainerd Minnesota. Everything is free except for the 4.6 mile up-river and back race which requires a registration and a small fee. The race starts and finishes at Mississippi Landings park in Brainerd with 3 race categories include kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board. The top 3 racers in each category will receive a special award- determined by finishing order. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT VISIT:
    Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023 • Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM • Location: Mississippi Landings Park located by Adamson football field on East River Road


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  • Brainerd Ski Loons

    Enjoy a free, water ski show open to everyone! Watch the Ski Loons perform a human pyramid, ski jumping, and other tricks on the water.
    Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023 • Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM • Location: Lum Park (1619 NE Washington St, Brainerd, MN)


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  • Ripplesippi River Float

    Bust out your kayaks for a FREE event Saturday, August 19th! The Ripplesippi River Float starts at the Ripple River landing at the Aitkin City Park and ends at the Mississippi River Public access located at the Aitkin County Campgrounds. A shuttle service will be provided. Online registration with waiver will be provided. Must wear a PFD. The event goes from 11am-2pm. Kayaks are recommended, innertubes will not be passable.
    Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023 • Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM • Location: Aitkin City Park (380 Bill Cline Way, Aitkin, MN)


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  • Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival

    The Annual Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat festival features four days of fun for the entire family. After all, it's not just about Dragon Boat racing: Festival activities include great food, music, kids activities, a parade of teams, cultural performances, camaraderie and much more all along the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji. For more information go to: https://business.bemidji.org/events/details/15th-annual-dragon-boat-festival-08-02-2023-35784
    Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023 • Time: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM • Location: Bemidji Avenue/Hwy 197


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  • Brainerd Ski Loons

    Enjoy a free, water ski show open to everyone! Watch the Ski Loons perform a human pyramid, ski jumping, and other tricks on the water.
    Date: Sunday, August 13, 2023 • Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM • Location: Lum Park (1619 NE Washington St, Brainerd, MN)


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  • Brainerd Ski Loons

    Enjoy a free water ski show open to everyone! Watch the Ski Loons perform a human pyramid, ski jumping, and other tricks on the water.
    Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 • Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM • Location: Lum Park (1619 NE Washington St, Brainerd, MN)


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