Canoe & Kayak Rental - CLOSED FOR SEASON
May 25-September 1
Check our social media if there is a chance of dangerous water conditions we will post stories if rentals are closed.
Rentals are first-come, first-served. No reservations.
Patrons are responsible for transport of the boats to and from the pond or Dobbins Creek. Canoe/kayak rollers are available.
We have 6 single kayaks, 2 tandem kayaks, and 7 canoes. (Life jackets and paddles are provided.) Rental canoes and kayaks may not be taken to any other locations, although visitors may bring their own to enjoy our waterways.
You must be 18 or older to rent or have a parent/guardian sign a waiver for you.
No rentals on government holidays. There may be certain days of the week where we will not be able to rent due to off campus classes/activities.
When can I rent?
The 2024 rental season is will begin May 25 and end September 1. Rentals are available Monday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. All equipment must be returned to the maintenance shed by 4:30 p.m. or a late fee of $20 will be charged.
Where do I go to rent a canoe or kayak?
Stop in the Interpretive Center to pay for your rental or use your punch card, and staff will assist you in getting the boats and gear. You must leave a license or car keys at the front desk in order to rent a canoe/kayak.
How much does it cost?
Single Kayaks cost $10.00, and Canoes/double Kayaks cost $15—or purchase a Canoe/Kayak Punch Card for $30.00. This card is good for five boat rentals at a much lower cost! Check or cash only!
Passes do not expire and punches may be used for cross country skiing or snow shoe rentals in the winter.
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is not responsible for lost or stolen cards.
Where can I paddle?
Visitors can paddle on the pond or down Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake. Staff suggests that new paddlers start out on the pond—there is plenty of wildlife to see, and it's a great place to learn. Guests paddling on the creek must plan enough time to make the return trip; there is no pick-up service provided by the Nature Center. The round trip takes approximately an hour and a half, but trip time depends on your pace, your route along the creek, and what you stop to see!
How long is each rental?
Each rental covers the cost for three hours with the equipment.
Where do I return the equipment?
Visitors are asked to return all boats, life jackets, and canoe paddles to the maintenance building, in front of the large white garage doors (southwest side of the parking lot). Please stop by the Interpretive Center to let staff know that your equipment has been returned and to get your items back.
Rentals are first-come, first-served. No reservations.
Patrons are responsible for transport of the boats to and from the pond or Dobbins Creek. Canoe/kayak rollers are available.
We have 6 single kayaks, 2 tandem kayaks, and 7 canoes. (Life jackets and paddles are provided.) Rental canoes and kayaks may not be taken to any other locations, although visitors may bring their own to enjoy our waterways.
You must be 18 or older to rent or have a parent/guardian sign a waiver for you.
No rentals on government holidays. There may be certain days of the week where we will not be able to rent due to off campus classes/activities.
When can I rent?
The 2024 rental season is will begin May 25 and end September 1. Rentals are available Monday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. All equipment must be returned to the maintenance shed by 4:30 p.m. or a late fee of $20 will be charged.
Where do I go to rent a canoe or kayak?
Stop in the Interpretive Center to pay for your rental or use your punch card, and staff will assist you in getting the boats and gear. You must leave a license or car keys at the front desk in order to rent a canoe/kayak.
How much does it cost?
Single Kayaks cost $10.00, and Canoes/double Kayaks cost $15—or purchase a Canoe/Kayak Punch Card for $30.00. This card is good for five boat rentals at a much lower cost! Check or cash only!
Passes do not expire and punches may be used for cross country skiing or snow shoe rentals in the winter.
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is not responsible for lost or stolen cards.
Where can I paddle?
Visitors can paddle on the pond or down Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake. Staff suggests that new paddlers start out on the pond—there is plenty of wildlife to see, and it's a great place to learn. Guests paddling on the creek must plan enough time to make the return trip; there is no pick-up service provided by the Nature Center. The round trip takes approximately an hour and a half, but trip time depends on your pace, your route along the creek, and what you stop to see!
How long is each rental?
Each rental covers the cost for three hours with the equipment.
Where do I return the equipment?
Visitors are asked to return all boats, life jackets, and canoe paddles to the maintenance building, in front of the large white garage doors (southwest side of the parking lot). Please stop by the Interpretive Center to let staff know that your equipment has been returned and to get your items back.
Waivers
Big thank you to Austin Area Foundation for all new lifejackets!