Sep 7, 2008 11:34 pm US/Central
Finding Minnesota: Boating On St. Croix
(WCCO)
No doubt summer is winding down, but there are some golden days to be had between now and when the first flurries of snow to take advantage of Minnesota's waterways, even if you don't own a boat.
"I'm amazed when I hear of somebody I know that live in Stillwater or in the area that have never stepped foot on a boat on the St. Croix," said Andy Malon, who owns Stillwater Boat Club and Rentals.
His fleet of pontoons makes the freedom to be found on the river accessible to most everyone.
"They don't go that fast, they're easy to drive. We do a quick run through with the boats with our renters," Malon said.
Driving a pontoon is less challenging than driving a ski-boat, which is why Malon says even a novice can take the wheel. It will run you $250 for a half-day on one of Malon's pontoons, about $350 for all-day.
These boats handle 10 to 12 people, so split it a dozen ways and it's a relatively inexpensive way to spend a decadent afternoon on the St. Croix River. And you control your destiny. You can decide where you want to go and how long you want to stay.
Head north and you'll find more wilderness, islands and narrow channels. Think a tame version of Robinson Crusoe and the Boundary Waters.
"I still get to points where I've never been before. Try the backchannels," said Malon. "There's lots of backwaters on the north."
Head south and you'll find more homes, marinas and a wake free zone through the Hudson Narrows. Islands offer plenty of beaches and places to sit a spell.
"People just hang out, they set up their campsites, fire pits, and they just hang out for the whole weekend," Malon said.
Dock your rig in Hudson, and you'll find some great restaurants and some great views. You can explore lots of territory in an afternoon on the St. Croix.
"It's a getaway, it's probably like having therapy," Malon said.
A few hours on the river can clear a lot of mental cobwebs, so if you're mind's been cluttered by things other than a little escape, now might be the time to book a boat.
"It's in your own backyard and not to enjoy it is almost kind of a sin," Malon said.
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