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Nearly three dozen kayaks in a rainbow of colors took part in Monday’s grand opening of the newly designated Chisago Lakes Water Trail. After overnight thunder storms, skies cleared in time for kayakers to depart at 8:30 a.m. from launch sites at Ojiketa Regional and Paradise parks in Chisago City and from the Highway 8 bridge in Center City.  At 11:30 a.m., more than 30 kayaks and canoes, and 100 people converged at the docks below Meredee’s Bistro in Lindstrom to see the ribbon cut, officially opening the water trail that traverses the Chisago Lakes chain of lakes from Chisago City to Lindstrom to Center City.  

Before cutting the ribbon, Center City native and arctic wilderness adventurer Tyler Fish described the opening of the water trail as the beginning of a new adventure for the community. Paddlers praised the water trail and the areawide cooperation that made it.

Helping coordinate Monday’s event were Lindstrom City Administrator John Olinger and other members of the Chisago Lakes America’s Best Communities (ABC) Project Team.  The Chisago Lakes Area is a finalist in a nationwide competition that provides financial incentives for rejuvenation of America’s Best Communities. The water trail is just one element of the local ABC Committee’s comprehensive plan to enhance recreational opportunities, and facilitate healthy lifestyles, energy efficiency, broadband internet service and employment in the Chisago Lakes Area.

For more information, see https://americasbestcommunities.com/meet-the-communities/  or inquire at the Chisago Lakes Chamber office in Lindstrom.

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