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Minnesota | Lower Minnesota Valley
Minnesota RiverHenderson Station to Thompson Ferry
Full lower Minnesota River continuation from Henderson Station to Thompson Ferry, combining the upstream Henderson corridor with the official Jordan-gauge section north of Jordan. It is straightforward at normal levels, but the mileage and exposure make it a serious day.
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Route location
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Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at Henderson Station and finish at Thompson Ferry for a full lower Minnesota continuation. The official Jordan ladder is useful, but this route is really about pace, weather, and big-river judgment.
Access map
Put-in
Henderson Station public water accessHenderson Station is a carry-in with a walk from the gate to the river, not a drive-to-ramp launch.
Take-out
Thompson Ferry trailer accessThompson Ferry is an official trailer access, but same-day parking, mud, and flood debris should still be checked before committing to the long shuttle.
Road shuttle
Long two-car shuttle. Stage the Thompson Ferry take-out before launching because this is a full lower-Minnesota commitment day even in favorable wind.
Additional access notes
- There are few attractive public exits in the middle of this corridor, so treat the route as a genuine commitment once you launch.
More route and safety guidance
- Broad bends can build wind and flood debris; check river trend, weather, and daylight before launch.
- Use the named Henderson and Thompson Ferry accesses and plan no unscheduled private-bank exits.
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Conditions
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Gauge source
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Detailed weather
Weather
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Tomorrow and the weekend
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Photos and recent reports
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Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
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Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- DNR bands4.0 / 9.0-12.0 / 16.0 ft
MN DNR interprets the Jordan gauge as Scrapable below 4.0 ft, Low from 4.0 to 9.0, Medium from 9.0 to 12.0, High from 12.0 to 16.0, and Very High above 16.0.
- Gauge check during route review · July 14, 2026Jordan at 10.42 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Official route shape27.9 river miles
MN DNR Map 6 lists Henderson Station carry-in access at river mile 68.1 and Thompson Ferry access at river mile 40.2, supporting a 27.9-mile lower Minnesota continuation.
- Public access recordsHenderson Station and Thompson Ferry named in DNR access data
Minnesota public-water-access data identifies Henderson Station Public Water Access and Thompson Ferry Public Water Access as official lower Minnesota launch sites.
- Put-in supportCounty river-access park at Henderson Station
Le Sueur County confirms Henderson Station River Access & Park has parking along the gravel entrance road and a walk-in launch point for canoes and kayaks into the Minnesota River.
- Primary cautionsLong day, wind, private shoreland
MN DNR Map 6 tells paddlers to expect 2 to 3 river miles per hour, respect private shoreland, and not underestimate wind, waves, or obstacles on this lower corridor.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
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