The Lazy River In Minnesota Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

Is there anything better on a summer day than leaning back on a warm inner tube, cold beverage in hand, and letting a river carry you slowly downstream, along tree-lined banks while puffy clouds scud across the blue sky above? We're hard pressed to think of anything! And for those of us who live in and around the Twin Cities, there's no better lazy river in Minnesota to float than the Cannon River out of Welch.

The Cannon River is a gorgeous stream that flows eastward, from south-central Minnesota to the Mississippi River.

Along the way, it flows into Sakatah and Tetonka Lakes, and through the charming towns of Faribault, Northfield, and Cannon Falls before joining the Mississippi at Red Wing. This lower portion of the Cannon, from Faribault to Red Wing, is designated as a Minnesota Wild and Scenic River.

Along this stretch, between Cannon Falls and Red Wing, you'll find the tiny village of Welch.

Known a southeastern Minnesota ski destination in the winter, come summer, Welch is a river floating mecca.

Welch Mill is the premier outfitter for tubing the Cannon River.

It also also offers canoe and kayak rentals.

Just park, pay, grab some tubes, and hop on one of Welch Mill's handy, dandy shuttles.

You can pick float trips of different lengths - depending on flow rate and water levels - and the shuttle will drop you at the launch point.

From there, you just float back to the landing.

You can rent a smaller tube for a cooler - but remember no styrofoam coolers or glass containers of any sort are permitted on the river.

For more information about tubing - or canoeing and kayaking - on this lazy river in Minnesota, including rates and river levels, check out Welch Mill on the web. Call before you go to find out how late shuttles are running, and remember Welch Mill only accepts cash - no cards or checks. Don't forget to bring sun protection and a non-styrofoam cooler for a picnic lunch or snacks, as well as your favorite beverages (in plastic or aluminum containers).

Have you floated the Cannon River out of Welch? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your favorite lazy river float in Minnesota!