Adventures!
The Cannon River Kayaking Adventure
Our most popular option is The Cannon River Kayaking Adventure! We will have boats ready for you at the Cannon River Wilderness put in off of Highway 3 near Faribault. Your boats will be stacked and locked along with PFDs and paddles by 11am. You are welcome to use them on the Cannon River any time during the day - just make sure you have them out of the water by 7pm. Paddling from the Wilderness to Dundas is about a 3 hour trip. If you’d like a little more time on the water you are welcome to take out at Northfield’s Riverside Park - this adds about an hour to your trip. When you fill out your reservation we will ask you where you would like to take out.
After you’ve made your reservation you will receive an email confirmation. Everyone in your party must complete a waiver before heading out on the water. After all waivers have been received we will text you the code to unlock your kayaks. Remember to take your lock with you so you can lock up again at the take-out.
Please note, this year we are not transporting people so you will need to arrange your own shuttle - a kind friend or family member to drop you off or use two cars: park one at the take-out and drive your party to the put-in.
Package Deals & Group Rates
Our favorite package deal is the Bike & Boat Adventure. Beginning in August 2022 we will be able to offer bike rentals. However, if you have your own bikes we are happy to shuttle your gear for you in order to make the Northfield/Dundas loop work for you!
Soon we will offer two self-guided options: The Dundas Loop and The Wilderness Loop. If you’re hoping for a guided experience we have limited options for that, but we’re happy to try and work something out. Got a large group of folks looking for an adventure? We offer group discounts! Scroll down for more details. Don’t hesitate to email, text, or call if you have questions: rentals@farmsteadbikeshop.com | 507-761-6355
Bike & Boat - the Dundas loop
Come on over to Northfield, MN and meet us at Farmstead Bike Shop. From there we’ll send you up the river path to Dundas - about 3.5 miles. In Dundas you’ll find kayaks locked up at the river launch near Chapel Brewing. Unlock the boats and lock up the bikes. Float or paddle back to Northfield! The whole trip takes 2-4 hours depending on conditions and how much effort you put into the pedals and the paddle. Oh yeah, and how long you stop to enjoy Dundas - we recommend Martha’s Eats and Treats and Chapel Brewing or packing a picnic and chilling in Memorial Park.
This trip is such a great option for a low-key outdoor adventure. You don’t have to worry about shuttling any gear. You can make it an athletic pursuit or just a leisurely day out.
Until our rental bikes are ready (August 2022) this loop requires you to have your own bike. We’re excited to offer bike rentals in the near future.
Bike & Boat - the Wilderness Loop
COMING SOON! For the more adventurous folks we’ll send you out to Keepsake Cidery for a longer, more challenging bike and boat loop. For this adventure we recommend that you use your own bike that is suited for gravel roads and hills. Our rental bikes are better suited for paved paths and city streets. If you are unsure if your bike is capable of this adventure we can help you assess.
From Farmstead Bike Shop we’ll send you up river to Keepsake Cidery - about 7 miles south. Lock up the bikes at the Cidery. The folks at Keepsake will direct you to the boat landing where you’ll find boats locked up and waiting for you! From there you will float or paddle back to Northfield. The whole trip takes 3-6 hours depending on conditions and how much effort you put into the pedals and the paddle. Oh yeah, and how long you stop to enjoy Keepsake Cidery and the Cannon Valley Wilderness.
Things to keep in mind - Biking from Northfield to downtown Dundas is pretty easy for most folks. However, the bike route from Dundas to Keepsake can be a challenge for some. The route is significantly more hilly and includes about 1.5 miles of gravel. The paddling portion is about 8 miles from the cidery to Northfield. Keepsake Cidery has limited hours so we will only offer this loop on Saturdays & Sundays during their open season.
Group Rates
Email, text, or call to set up a group rental. We offer discounts if you are renting five or more boats. Our group rentals make for a great company team building day, school field trip, scout outing, youth group activity, family reunion… you name it!
rentals@farmsteadbikeshop.com