(a) The use of airboats is prohibited at all times on lakes designated for wildlife management purposes under this section unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner. The commissioner shall mail a copy of each required notice to persons who have registered their names with the commissioner for this purpose.
In most states, the BAC limit for boating is the same for impaired driving. The legal limit for boating in most states is 0.08% BAC. For commercial boating, the limit is 0.04% blood alcohol concentration. Blood alcohol is generally tested through breath or blood tests.
60 minutes past sunset to sunrise the following day.
Each state determines the requirements for operating a powerboat, sailboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on the waters in its jurisdiction, and most require some sort of boating safety and education certificate, which may be called a boating license.
Trolling makes no difference in MN, only so many lines can be in the water on different bodies of water.
Do you need Minnesota Boating education? You need education if you are 12 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a boat over 25 hp in Minnesota. You also need education if you are 14 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a PWC.
Of course paddling is an option on any lake or river that has a public access. Be safe when you paddle. See Minnesota's PFD laws here. Another note about paddling: Almost all these lakes are also open to motor boat traffic.
Federal law mandates that boats of less than 20 feet in length must have a capacity plate in the steering or helm area. It includes the total weight of persons, equipment, stores, fuel, engine assembly and steering controls.
Note that admission to MN state parks is free – any other fees associated with special tours, camping, activities, etc. are not included.
Come experience your state parks!On four days in 2021, all 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will offer free admission to everyone.
Camping fees
| Drive-in campsites | $20-$25/night |
|---|
| Cart-in and walk-in campsites (less than a half mile from parking) | $20-$25/night |
| Backcountry campsites (backpack and watercraft sites over a half mile from parking) | $20-$23/night |
| Equestrian campsites | $22-$25/night |
| Tipis and wall tents | $35-$40/night |
A valid Minnesota state park permit is required for all vehicles entering Minnesota state parks. All permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase.
Dispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests. It is a wilderness experience for campers who enjoy camping far from others and do not need any amenities.
To enter a Minnesota State Park guests must have a permit. Guests can either purchase a $ 5-day pass or a year pass for $35. A year-round permit provides unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.
The DNR is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable, and livable Minnesota for you. We are dedicated to protecting and managing land, water, fish and wildlife -- and providing access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Up-To-Date Travel GuidanceWith cases receding and more people being vaccinated every day, we can now confidently and safely set out on a path back to normalcy. Most of your favorite Minnesota destinations and activities are open and welcoming visitors back.
intended for or available to customers who bring in appliances to the seller or a repair store for repair or servicing: carry-in service; a carry-in store for personal computers.
This is no fee at this access, but parking is limited. Windmill Marina (Afton, MN) - Wide launch with ample room for maneuvering. Minnows and crawlers sold at gas dock.
Lake Minnetonka Boat Launch Ramps
- Grays Bay Boat Launch.
- Cooks Bay Boat Launch.
- Spring Bay Boat Launch.
- North Arm Boat Launch.
- Maxwell Bay Boat Launch.
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park Boat Launch.
- Halstead Bay Boat Launch.
People are allowed to have an open beer on a boat. The open container part of Minnesota's DWI law does not apply to boats. Boat operators can drink -- and drive the boat -- as long as they are not over or near the legal limit of . But keep in mind, if boat operators are driving carelessly or recklessly and is over .
A watercraft license is not required for: Non-motorized watercraft 10 ft or less, or a watercraft owned by a person from another state and that state does not require licensing of that type of watercraft and it is not within Minnesota for more than 90 consecutive days. See MN Boating Guide for more information.
Boater Education is required for all persons between 12 and 17 years of age who operate a powered watercraft on Minnesota waters.
Registering your boardRegistration is required if your paddleboard is over ten feet long. You can register your board at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car), or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Minnesota law requires one U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and easily accessible life jacket for each person on the boat. All children under ten are required to wear an approved life jacket when the boat is underway.
Any person from 12-17 years of age, is required to obtain a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit, commonly called a boat license, to operate a motorized boat over 25 horsepower. May operate a boat of 25-75 horsepower so long as they have someone at least 21 years of age on board with them who may take direct control.
While it isn't illegal to drink alcohol on a boat, it is against the law to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as that for driving a car - 0.08%.
A person may not be towed behind a vessel from sunset to sunrise. When a vessel is towing a person on water skis, surfboards, or similar devices, the operator must have another competent person on board to act as an observer or the vessel must be equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror.
Do you need boat insurance in Minnesota? Yes, it is necessary to have it for any and all boats or other watercraft operated in the state.
