Minneapolis/St Paul paddling spots

We will be visiting our son in St Paul and would like to do some day paddling. Party will include experienced adult paddlers and dogs so spot must be dog friendly/tolerant. Any suggestions?

want something easy?
The Chain of Lakes is right in Minneapolis proper and has canoe access points on Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. You can canoe from Lake Calhoun to Brownie Lake and back, for example.



Lake Harriet is separate from the rest, but the “portage” from Harriet to Calhoun is short.



Here is a map: http://minneapolisparks.org/grandrounds/map_CL6.htm



If you have the capability of a shuttle, have a little more time on your hands, and prefer a river trip, the St Croix is scenic and not too far away. It can be very low in August, however, which can make for a lot of dragging, so check levels first.

Thanks,pblanc.

St. Croix River
Osceola, WI. About 40 minutes from STP.