Union Lake

Paddling on Union Lake

What better way to hang out with friends on a beautiful day? Have a paddling party on the lake!

Union Lake is a quiet lake just off of Hwy 35 at the Northfield exit. Find your way to Albers County Park. There you’ll find a fabulous pavilion, kids play area, and a LOT of steps leading down to the lake to just kick back and plant a beach chair in the water.

There is a boat ramp 100ft to the north of the park where we lock up all of our kayaks and paddleboards that we rent out. Park your vehicle at the park and walk over to the boat ramp to pick up your gear.

There is a dock at the boat ramp, but DO NOT try to step from the dock into your kayak or onto your paddleboard. Just walk it down into the water and once you are deep enough step into/onto your watercraft. You can maneuver your watercraft over to the dock while in the water and use the dock to stabilize yourself. Please be cognizant and courteous of motorized boats and kindly leave room for the fishermen. They are there enjoying their form of leisure too.

Unlike the Cannon River, you don’t have to worry about water levels on the lake! Union Lake is a medium sized lake - about 400 acres in size, about 5.5 miles of shoreline. It’s a relatively shallow lake so it does experience a mid-summer bloom of aquatic vegetation. If the lake is too mucky and green we’ll put boat rentals on Union Lake on hold. One thing to consider when paddling on any lake is the wind. Here in southern Minnesota we experience a lot of windy days in the spring. If it’s a seriously windy day we may recommend a river trip instead.

Paddling Checklist

  • What to bring?

    • PFD : Personal Floatation Device – We require them and have them available, but you’re welcome to bring your own

    • Swimsuit / board-shorts – stuff you don’t mind getting wet

    • Strapped sandals or old shoes – they’ll get wet and flip flops have a tendency of coming off as you enter your boat and getting washed downstream

    • Water – it’s important to keep yourself well hydrated

    • Snacks – if you desire

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses and/or a hat

    • Waterproof camera – if you like

    What not to bring:

    • Electronics unless they are in waterproof sealed cases, and even then it is at your own risk of getting wet

    • For any items that need to stay dry, we do offer 10 liter dry bags and waterproof phone cases for rent for $5 a day

    • Expensive clothing, jewelry, non-waterproof watches, etc.

    • Alcohol. There are plenty of great watering holes to check out after your trip.