Another New Jet Boater From MN

[ZGhost]

Minnetonka has several areas to launch a boat from with easy parking. I think 8 or 9 different places so you should have some options depending on where you coming from and how long you’re willing to drive to get to your favorite launch. We launch from Carson’s bay and park at the school since it’s closed all summer long. Everyone else does as well. Don’t park off the street near the launch unless you have the Deehaven permit, otherwise it’s a hefty ticket.

 

[Rammrodd]

The good thing about Mtka is how big it is, you can be a part of the crowd (Big Island) or not depending on what you are looking for on a given day. That being said It's easy to see how it's not for everyone, that's for sure! I love it most days, and some are downright frustrating (I'm looking at you Mr. Lake Mtka Regional Park boat launch!).

Waconia is one that has a couple options to boat to for restaurants/bars. Not as many options for that, but still a pretty decent lake...



Tell me more about this trip? Where do you launch from, how long does it take (Hastings to Prescott to Casino and back)? Any beach stops along the way worth checking out? How's the navigation in the stretch of the river?

There is a private launch in Inver that charges, but you would have to lock thru. Between the lock and the bridge in Hastings there's Jaycees park that has a public launch that gets you down stream of the lock. There is also a launch in downtown prescott.
The run from Prescott to TI is about a half hour or so, depending on your cruising speeds. Just before TI there is an old dredge dump island that is all sand. Lots of boaters hang out there. The channel is pretty well marked along here. But with all the sloughs and cuts along the way, it's always good to get acquainted with the river ahead of time and bring a chart. But don't let it intimidate you, it's a lot of fun to explore.

 

[WBeads]

Welcome to the group! We keep our boat on White Bear Lake and spend time on the St Croix. Enjoy it as much as you can!