Just Add Water

Round up your favorite clients and colleagues and make the most of Minnesota’s most fleeting season with a day on our lakes and rivers.

In the City

As we head into Q3, what better way to motivate your team and foster the spirit of healthy competition than with an impromptu regatta on Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, or Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, or Como Lake in St. Paul? Reserve a flotilla of pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at Wheel Fun Rentals, and let the games begin! wheelfunrentalsmn.com

On the Big Water

Earlier this summer, a Hollywood director brought his crew to Excelsior because the picturesque Lake Minnetonka village reminded him of the Hamptons. To give your own crew a Hamptons-style experience, board the Paradise Grand at the Port of Excelsior and spend an Instagram-worthy afternoon sipping cocktails and admiring the grand estates and gasp-inducing new construction on Robinson’s, Wayzata, and Crystal bays. twincitiescruises.com

On the River

If your out-of-town clients have never been properly introduced to the Mississippi River, the lifeblood of Minnesota (and a vital waterway in the world’s largest inland navigation system), caravan over to North Mississippi Regional Park, less than 6 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. Rent a fleet of kayaks from Mississippi River Paddle Share and spend the afternoon paddling downriver to Boom Island Park in Northeast Minneapolis. paddleshare.org

On the Border

On a bluebird summer day, clear the agenda and head out to Lakeland on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River, best enjoyed on weekdays when boat traffic is lightest Call ahead to Beanie’s Marina, a local fixture since 1918, and reserve a couple of sport boats or a pontoon for exploring this National Scenic Riverway between Minnesota and Wisconsin. beaniesmarina.com

Photo by Thomas Millot

On the Hook

If your teammates all think that a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work, humor them with a day on Lake Waconia. Stop at In Towne Marina for a bucket of bait, cooler of ice, fishing license, the keys to a deluxe 24-foot Grand Island pontoon, and directions to Clay Banks, Harm’s Point, and other proven spots for catching muskies, walleye, bass, and crappies. intownemarina.com