Great way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon! Tubes are just $14 ($17 if you want one with a…read moreback rest). The long course took us about 3 hours to float, with a mix of rapids and calm water. They have tubes you can rent as well to carry your coolers, filled with whatever will get your through a few hours of floating! (No glass though) An old school bus picks you up at the end and takes you back to the store. They also will hold your belongings behind the counter while you're on the water. Right on the main strip of Lanesboro, a cute old town with many restaurants, bars, and little shops right within a block or so from the store front.

My niece and I have been tubing on the river for years and we look forward to this annual…read moreexperience. We went out on Sunday and we were told that the river was "running faster than normal" and the route would take two hours instead of the usual three. We thought that might be nice because the weather was kind of chilly and we didn't know if we wanted to be there for three hours. That said, we did not know that the river running faster would mean that it would also feel dangerous in certain parts and the rapids were a lot rougher than normal. We were pushed into various parts of the river where there were sharp rocks and fallen trees jutting out. I understand that root river outfitters doesn't have anything to do with nature, but I do think that there should be a warning about how the river running fast also means that the river is running more rough at certain points. My tube was pushed into a large tree branch from behind and I cracked my neck and I have been in pain ever since. I am not blaming root river outfitters for the situation, but I do think that they should at least let people know what they are getting into when they are going to be having a two hour experience on a river where they really don't have an opportunity to get off if they feel in danger or uncomfortable. This is just something I think that they should inform people before they go.

Apparently there is a local legend about an "actual" bigfoot roaming the dense forests that fill in…read morethe space between the corn, soybean and alfalfa fields that line the local hills and valleys. The folks at BigFoot Canoe (and kayak) Rentals have never seen one, but you never know. Season 11, episode 9 of Finding Bigfoot on the Discovery Channel filmed an episode nearby - spoiler alert - they didn't find one. But it's worth the trip even without a legitimate chance of a sighting. We rented a canoe for trip from Bridge 16 to a landing a mile or so past Ion. Their website says this is the most challenging part of the river. I've canoed, tubed and kayaked in the Upper Iowa river above Decorah dozens of times, and this was our first experience on the Yellow River. For comparison's sake, I would estimate this stretch at about 15% more "dangerous" (relatively speaking) and exciting than a typical stretch between Bluffton and Decorah on the Upper Iowa. The staff told us that we had to know what we were doing to paddle the stretch, so they seem to agree with my assessment. A little faster, narrower, turnier, and more and slightly steeper rapids in places. It also seemed to have much less river traffic; we didn't see anyone else all afternoon. The staff at BigFoot were friendly and helpful. They returned my telephone inquiry call promptly, and were prepared for my arrival as scheduled. They seem to have plenty of kayaks and canoes, so pick your poison.

Amazing cabin! We love the outdoors and this is the perfect getaway. We appreciate the hospitality…read moreand attentions.

Had a wonderful weekend here relaxing and tubing down the crane creek. Tom and Sue are wonderful…read morehost and made us feel very welcomed. If your looking for a primitive getaway you've found it!

Awesome!! Great equipment at good pricing. Bikes are top notch, it's like it's your own.read more

From the owner: Outdoor gear rental for adventures BIG and small. Canoes, Kayaks, SUP, Mtn. Bikes, Fat Bikes,…read moreTents, Hammocks, Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Cross Country Skis, Snowshoes and more

Very fun float kayak paddling trip! We rented kayaks and they helped us put in and take out along…read morewith a quick bus ride back. It was about 8 miles on the river with a few small rapids. The water was fairly shallow and easy to navigate. It took us maybe 2.5 hours for our kayak trip with beautiful scenery. We saw deer, 2 fawns with spots and a doe. We saw two bald eagles and 1 golden eagle, blue herons, turtles, kingfisher, turkey vulture etc. The parking is free; there is a bathroom where you put in. You need to sign waivers before going. They offer PFDs to everyone; under 18 must wear PFD.

We love the town of Cannon Falls. We decided to plan a Kayak trip with some family and give this…read moreplace a try. This area is beautiful and we saw many Bald Eagles as we strolled down the Cannon River. I don't think this was too expensive and it was a lot of fun. We had not been kayaking before and my wife was clueless. I had used canoes when I was a kid and had been up to the Boundary Waters, I felt okay. We told the people that it was our first time and without much of any instruction, they put her in the kayak and away she went. I felt like they could have done anything to make her more comfortable. The rental area is a shack, basically. They put you in kayaks and then pick you up in an hour from departure at the pick up point. Look for the large pink rock, that is where you exit the river to be picked up. We had the last time slot with several people overturning and having to empty their kayak, not me, I stayed dry. The people that had to drain their kayak wasted a lot of time and we were late to our pick-up at the end of the day when you know they wanted to go home and start their weekend. I felt bad but it wasn't my fault. This was a fun time. I would recommend that you have some experienced people to help you if you are new at this. The people running this place are not interested in spending time teaching you how to stay dry. That is up to you.

Broad selection and service. Although this business hasn't been around as long as Heather is in the…read morearea, it is now very well established in one of the best spots around La Crosse area to go to, for equipment, apparel, accessories, gear, and more.

Great service, highly recommend Island Outdoors for rentals, outdoor gear and fishing needs!!read more

Very friendly and helpful place. Easy process to rent bike - sign a waiver and pay when you…read morereturn. We rented their regular 24-speed Fuji bikes. The rate was $18 an hour plus an additional $5 dollars for every additional hour and $5 for helmets. They sell water if you need it and have a holder on each bike for a water bottle. We rode first to Whalen and checked out the pie shop and then returned and went back the other way for a while for a total of two hours. A pretty bike trail that is mostly flat. The visitor center is right next-door and has clean restrooms. A very nice experience.

Great bike rental place right on the Root River Trail. Mom…read moreand I rented two Biria bikes because they looked comfortable and cool. ;) The staff was super friendly and we had the best time on an hour long toodle down the path and back. Would definitely do it again! Seeing all the tubes and kayaks out front of the store made me think it would be super fun to hit the water next summer!

My wife and I attended a paddling class with Pilgrim Paddles to learn techniques needed to paddle a…read moresolo canoe and be better at paddling together in a tandem canoe. We had basic experience paddling a tandem canoe but after taking this class and receiving great instruction on so many paddle strokes and techniques, we understood the nuances necessary to control a canoe in ways I never thought were possible. The instructor, Jeff, is incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished and has amazing patience working with new students. He also has a very strong safety ethic and ensures his students not only learn how to be a better paddler but also confident with safety protocols essential to manage conditions that increase risks when paddling a canoe. I highly recommend taking paddling instruction from Jeff and Pilgrim Paddles.

A couple of years ago I wanted(thought I wanted)to learn to paddle board. I knew Jeff from a group…read morekayak class some years previous. He attempted to teach me paddle board skills. He was successful teaching me the rules and safety protocol. He was patient and had a sense of humor with me because it simply was not going to be something I would accomplish. I have said to a friend that if I had to be lost in the wilderness, I would want to be with Jeff because he is experienced and level headed. Jeff is a thoughtful and masterful expert in his field.