Access
Expanding launches, paddle access points, and the inclusive on-water opportunities the Twin Ports needs to thrive.
Duluth · Twin Ports · Lake Superior
Come paddle
Come paddle
with us in the Northland.
We are a community-driven 501(c)(3) growing access to human-powered paddlesports — kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard — across the Twin Ports, Northern Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
10Years on the water
240+Active members
1,800+Paddlers met
2Adopted launches
Who we are
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization and registered Paddle America Club under the American Canoe Association.
Our mission
Dedicated to expanding opportunities for human-powered paddlecraft in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What we provide
Advocacy, community, guidance, education — and most of all, a paddling partner in the Northland.
Proudly partnered with the Northland's paddling community
More than a club
Six values guide every paddle stroke
From new paddlers learning to launch, to long-time Northlanders stewarding the estuary, our work is built around these principles.
Education
Safety-focused instruction so paddlers — new and experienced — can read water, manage risk, and explore with confidence.
Community
A welcoming network of paddling partners — sunrise paddles, festivals, films and meet-ups across the Northland.
Stewardship
Adopting launches like Woodstock Bay and Wisconsin Point, organizing cleanups, and keeping waterways healthy for everyone.
Advocacy
Representing the needs of human-powered watercraft users in planning, permitting, and conservation conversations.
Inclusivity
Lower-barrier paddling for first-timers, families, and every skill level — because everyone belongs on the water.
St. Louis River Estuary
Hello, Northland
Building a paddling partner for the Twin Ports.
NPA is a grassroots nonprofit, recognized by the IRS in 2016 and based in Duluth, Minnesota. We work with paddlers, local partners, and water-trail communities to make our lakes, rivers, and estuary waters more welcoming.
From informal community paddles and the Twin Ports Paddle Festival to launch cleanups, accessible kayak landings, and the World Tour Paddling Film Festival — every program exists to put more paddles in more hands, safely.
Learn our story
Programs & events
Get on the water with us this season
Community paddles, signature events, stewardship work, and education — all designed to deepen the Northland paddling community.
Signature event
Twin Ports Paddle Festival
Family-friendly kickoff to Paddlers & Rowers Week — demos, Voyageur canoe mini-tours, time trials, food trucks.
Learn more
Community paddle
Sunrise & Sunset Paddles
Informal community paddles with safety briefings, partnered with St. Louis River Alliance and Ski Hut.
See schedule
Stewardship
Launch Cleanups
Adopted launches like Woodstock Bay & Wisconsin Point — we keep them ready for the paddling season.
Join a cleanup
Initiative
Paddle Duluth
Our initiative to grow access, recreation, and education on the St. Louis River Estuary — a National Water Trail.
Explore Paddle Duluth
Annual
Paddling Film Festival
World Tour adventure paddling films come to Duluth — fundraising for accessible kayak & canoe launches.
Get tickets
Youth
Youth Paddling
Encouraging youth involvement, health, and confidence through guided on-water experiences in the Northland.
Get involved11Loop trails in the estuary
3Counties served
2Adopted launches
501(c)(3)IRS-recognized since 2016
From the Alliance
Read more on Facebook
Latest news & trip reports
Updates from the board, members, and the launch ramps. New posts roughly every other week during the paddling season.
Estuary loops 3 & 4: a 6-mile out-and-back paddle
Calm water, 12 paddlers, three first-timers — a perfect Sunday on the National Water Trail. Here's what we saw, what worked, and what to bring next time.
Posted by Sam K., NPA board · 4 min read
Spring cleanup recap: 27 bags & one happy launch
Twenty-three volunteers showed up at Woodstock Bay on Saturday. The launch is ready, the parking pad is cleared, and the new kiosk goes in next month. Thank you, Northland.
Posted by Jess M., Volunteer lead · 3 min read
Save the date: Paddling Film Festival returns this fall
Nine adventure films from the World Tour line-up. All auction proceeds funding the next accessible launch at the Boy Scout Landing project. Early-bird tickets open this summer.
Posted by NPA Board · 2 min read
National Water Trail
Where we paddle
The largest freshwater estuary in the United States.
The St. Louis River Estuary is a National Water Trail with 11 loop trails for paddlers at every level — a remarkable place to experience an urban estuary from the seat of a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
- Adopt & maintain launches at Woodstock Bay and Wisconsin Point.
- Plan accessible kayak and canoe launches with film-festival proceeds.
- Partner with St. Louis River Alliance, Ski Hut, The Duluth Experience, Ursa Minor Brewing, and others.
Member voices
What it means to paddle with NPA
Real words from members across the Northland — paddlers we've met at launches, festivals, and Sunset Paddles.
I joined NPA the season after I moved to Duluth and instantly had a dozen paddling partners. The safety briefings before each community paddle made it easy to start.
Maya R.Member since 2022 · Duluth, MN
My family did the Paddle Festival three years running. The Voyageur Canoe tour was the highlight of our kids' summer — NPA makes paddling accessible for households.
Derek & Claire P.Household members · Cloquet, MN
As a long-time canoeist I appreciate that NPA shows up — actual cleanups, actual advocacy at city meetings. They earn the "alliance" in the name.
Tom L.Sustaining member · Superior, WI
Three ways to help
Become part of the Alliance
Membership dues, donations, and volunteer hours are how a grassroots organization stays grassroots. Pick whatever fits — every paddle helps.
Become a member
Annual memberships from $25 keep the alliance running and unlock community paddles, events, and discounts with partners.
View membershipDonate
Tax-deductible donations support accessible launches, youth paddling, education, and stewardship — 100% local impact.
Make a donationVolunteer
Help at a launch cleanup, the Paddle Festival, or the Film Festival — or serve on a NPA committee. Bring a friend.
Sign up to volunteerFrom our Facebook
@northlandpaddler · Updated daily during the season
Tonight's Sunset Paddle is ON. Light NE wind, 64°F water at Boy Scout Landing. Meet at 6:15 PM for safety brief. PFD required.
We are 240+ members strong heading into this paddling season — thank you Northland. Spring memberships still open.
Huge thanks to the 23 volunteers at the Woodstock Bay spring cleanup. Launch is ready for the season ✔︎