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See all 3 routes on Straight River

Minnesota | Southern Minnesota

Straight RiverMedford City Park to Kroghs Landing

DNR-recommended lower Straight River section from Medford City Park to Kroghs Landing, using official public access records and the nearby downstream Faribault interpreted gauge.

Route location

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DistanceAbout 7.0 mi
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAbout 2.5 hr to 4 hr
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Straight River flows downstream from Bridge Street in Owatonna, Minnesota.
River contextStraight River in Owatonna river-level photo — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Tim Kiser
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.

Permits, camping and season
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Use the named public accesses, follow Minnesota boating/PFD rules, and obey city, DNR, road-shoulder, and private-property postings.
CampingDay tripTreat this as a day trip. No designated campsite is selected between Medford and Kroghs Landing; use separate campground or lodging plans rather than informal private-bank camping.
SeasonApr-OctDNR says the Straight is best in spring and early summer and is often too low by July. Treat the downstream gauge as a corridor check and make a same-day visual call at Medford, especially after storms.

Access and shuttle

Run the DNR-recommended Medford-to-Kroghs section of the Straight River with a nearby downstream interpreted gauge. Expect a narrow rocky channel, changing wood, and a Class I-II former dam feature near the finish.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Medford City Park access
DirectionsOpen map

Minnesota public-water-access GIS resolves Medford and Kroghs Landing with river-mile records and source-backed coordinates.

Finish

Take-out

Kroghs Landing
DirectionsOpen map

The Faribault gauge is downstream of the take-out, so pair it with a same-day depth and obstruction check at Medford.

Road shuttle

Stage at Kroghs Landing, then launch from Medford City Park. This selected route starts below Clinton Falls, but the former Walcott Mill Dam rapid sits just above the take-out and should be scouted before committing.

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Additional access notes
  • Do not count on informal exits through private banks or farm fields between the two public accesses.
More route and safety guidance
  • DNR warns that the Straight is narrow, rocky, and obstruction-prone, with trees and snags that can change quickly after high water.
  • Use Medford City Park and Kroghs Landing as the planned public endpoints. Do not rely on private-bank exits or informal roadside pullouts.
Terms and safety
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Conditions

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Photos and recent reports

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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 recommended one-way7.0 mi, Medford City Park to Kroghs Landing

    MN DNR lists Straight River Medford City Park Trailer Access to Kroghs Landing Carry-in Access as a recommended one-way paddle.

    Source

  • Public access recordsWAS02042 to WAS00186

    Minnesota public-water-access GIS resolves Medford and Kroghs Landing public access sites with coordinates and river-mile records.

    Source

  • Official DNR bands182 / 220-1,370 / 1,640 cfs

    MN DNR interprets the Faribault gauge as Scrapable below 182 cfs, Low from 182 to 220, Medium from 220 to 1,370, High from 1,370 to 1,640, and Very High above 1,640.

    Source

  • Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23559 cfs at 2026-07-23 10:15 CDT

    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.

    Source

  • Safety contextNarrow rocky channel; former Walcott Mill Dam Class I-II

    DNR maps place Medford, Kroghs, the Faribault gauge, and the former Walcott Mill Dam rapid, and warn about rocky channels, dams, trees, snags, and July low water.

    Source

Verify it yourselfCheck the source links

Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.

Other routes nearby

More on Straight River

All 3
County Road 45 to Medford City ParkSouthern MinnesotaModerate · About 3.7 mi

Nearby routes within 75 miles

Cannon RiverFaribault to Dundas · about 9 straight-line mi awayEasy · 13.75 mi

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