Access
We work to expand paddle access launches and water-trail entry points across the Northland.
About the Alliance
More than a paddling club — a Northland community.
Northland Paddlers Alliance is a Duluth-based 501(c)(3) building a more accessible, safer, and more connected paddling community on the lakes, rivers, and estuary of the Twin Ports.
Our story
Built by paddlers, for paddlers.
The Northland Paddlers Alliance was recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization by the IRS in January 2016. We are an independent, grassroots membership organization — and a registered Paddle America Club (PAC) under the American Canoe Association — based in Duluth, Minnesota.
From the beginning, NPA has been about more than just paddling. It is the people who show up at the launch, the partners who help us steward access points, the volunteers who run the festival, and the new paddler trying a kayak for the first time at Park Point. That community is what we serve.
Today, our work spans the Twin Ports, Northern Minnesota, and Wisconsin — supporting a regional paddling network through advocacy, education, stewardship, and community events.
Mission & values
Dedicated to expanding paddling opportunities.
Six pillars guide everything we do — from a single paddle on Lake Superior to advocating for new accessible launches.
Education
Safety-first instruction so paddlers can plan trips, manage risk, and have fun on the water.
Community
We are a paddling partner — for the new paddler and the seasoned one alike.
Stewardship
From adopted launches to seasonal cleanups, we look after the waters that look after us.
Advocacy
We bring a paddler voice to local and regional planning, conservation, and policy efforts.
Inclusivity
Lower-barrier paddling for first-timers, families, and every skill level across the Northland.
How NPA works
A small organization, a big alliance.
NPA is run by a volunteer board, working committees, and an active membership across the Twin Ports. Everyone here paddles — there are no paid staff.
Volunteer board
An all-volunteer board of paddlers elected by the membership at the annual meeting — chair, treasurer, secretary, and at-large directors.
Run for the boardActive committees
Programs & Events, Stewardship, Communications, and Fundraising committees meet monthly during the season and welcome new members.
Join a committeeAnnual meeting
Members vote on the board, the budget, and priorities each spring. Meeting minutes and the Form 990-N filing are available on request.
Request documentsWant to lead? Board nominations open each February. Committee roles are open year-round. Get in touch if you'd like to be considered or just want to learn more about how NPA runs.
Public record
Nonprofit at a glance
NPA is independently incorporated and recognized by the IRS as a public charity.
Legal name
Northland Paddlers Alliance
Tax status
501(c)(3) — IRS-recognized 2016. Contributions are tax-deductible.
EIN
47-5540742
NTEE: N01 (Alliance/Advocacy, Recreation & Sports)
Mailing address
5421 Otsego St
Duluth, MN 55804
United States
Founded
IRS ruling year 2016. Independent, no national affiliation.
Transparency
As a small organization, NPA files Form 990-N (postcard) annually with the IRS. Visit our Impact & Annual Report for details.
Open to every paddler
Non-discrimination policy
Inclusivity isn't just one of our six values — it's a binding commitment of how we operate as a public charity.
Northland Paddlers Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
This commitment applies to:
- Membership and program participation — every paddler is welcome on the water.
- Board, committee, and volunteer roles — leadership opportunities are open to all qualified members.
- Partnerships — we collaborate with organizations that share these inclusive values.
Report a concern
If you experience or witness behavior at any NPA event that conflicts with this policy, please tell us. We take every report seriously and act on it.
- Confidential: [email protected]
- By mail: NPA Board, 5421 Otsego St, Duluth, MN 55804
- Response: within 5 business days
Reports may be made anonymously and will be handled by the board chair or — if the chair is named in the report — by another board officer.
Partners & friends
We paddle better together.
NPA works alongside local water-trail groups, paddlesports retailers, and brewers who care about the Northland.
American Canoe Association
NPA is a registered Paddle America Club (PAC), connecting our members to a national paddling community.
St. Louis River Alliance
Collaborator on Sunset Paddle community programming and stewardship of the estuary water trail.
Ski Hut
Long-standing partner for community instruction, gear knowledge, and on-water programming in Duluth.
The Duluth Experience
Partner on local fundraising initiatives, including the Lillydipper Pale Ale collaboration.
Ursa Minor Brewing
Brewed the Lillydipper Pale Ale to benefit NPA — 100% of proceeds supporting paddling in the Northland.
And many more
Local outdoor businesses, water-trail groups, and community partners across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.