Canoe or Kayak Lake Joanis (at Schmeeckle)

Looking to enjoy Schmeeckle Reserve from the water? Rent a canoe or kayak to paddle Lake Joanis! Several boats are available at the south shore launch for an easy and convenient paddling trip for one or more people. Just stop by the visitor center to pick up keys, paddles, and life jackets. Kid-sized life jackets are available. Items must be returned before the visitor center closes for the day. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

Canoe Packages (for off-site use)

Durable fiberglass and polyethylene canoes are the perfect choice for one or two people in all types of water. Our inventory includes Old Town Canoes, Mad River Canoes, and Wenonah Canoes. Packages include paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

Single Kayak Packages (for off-site use)

Lightweight single kayaks are the perfect way to explore waterways. We offer recreational kayaks from Perception Kayaks and longer sea touring kayaks from Old Town. Packages include paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

Tandem 2-person Kayak Package (for off-site use)

Our tandem kayak from Perception Kayaks is a fun way for two people to enjoy the water. A slip-in child seat is available for this kayak, allowing a little one to join in the fun. The package includes paddles, life jackets, and foam pads and tie-down straps for attaching to a vehicle. Only one tandem kayak is available for rent. View sizing guide for paddles and PFDs.

Canoe/Kayak Trailer (for off-site use)

For larger groups, we offer a canoe/kayak trailer that can haul up to 8 canoes and/or kayaks at a time. A cargo box in the middle of the trailer is a perfect storage space for paddles, life jackets, and other items. The trailer hooks up to a standard 2-inch ball hitch and requires a four-pin flat connector for its lights. The trailer comes with rubber straps to secure the boats. Canoes and kayaks are rented separately.

Snowshoes (for use at Schmeeckle or off-site)

Our inventory of durable snowshoes includes those made by Redfeather (La Crosse, WI), Crescent Moon (Boulder, CO), and Northern Lites. Snowshoes are sized based on the total weight of the user and their gear. Small sizes are for weights up to 175 pounds, medium sizes are up to 200 pounds, and large sizes are up to 250 pounds.

Cross-Country Ski Packages (for use at Schmeeckle or off-site)

Our cross-country ski packages include high-quality Salomon or Atomic classic skis sized at 182-206 cm, poles sized at 130-160 cm, and ski boots sized at 36-50 EU (U.S. Men's 4.5-15 and U.S. Women's 5-13). Click here for sizing recommendations. 

Note: While skiiers are welcome in Schmeeckle, the trails are not groomed for skiing. They are heavily used for winter hiking and snowshoeing. The closest groomed trail system is the Plover River Trail, located 3 miles northeast on Highway 66. A more extensive and challenging trail system can be found at Standing Rocks County Park, about a 20 minute drive southeast.