RIVER FALLS – Paige Olson was born and raised in River Falls. She always enjoyed being outdoors. She went to college and majored in natural resources and tourism from Colorado State.

Not quite satisfied with one degree, Olson received her masters degree in adventure education and leadership from a school in Prescott, Arizona. While obtaining her degree, she wrote a paper that would serve as the foundation for the Kinni Creek Lodge.

“I picked my thesis paper to be about opening a lodge and outfitter. I loved the idea so much that it became the origin of this place,” Olson said with a smile.

Tucked away in downtown River Falls sits the Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitter. Olson has been the owner since 2000. 

Since her purchase she turned the property into a vacation rental that offers kayaking trips and fly fishing guides. It also has a bed and breakfast.

Olson previously owned a similar business in Hudson that used the St. Croix for its kayaking routes. Once the property in River Falls became available, Olson pounced. 

River view.jpg

The lodge is located right next to the Kinnickinnic River. Olson said the busiest months are July and Aug. Sam Fristed/Star-Observer.

When the business first opened the lodge only offered canoes to customers. Olson said she switched to kayaks because they were easier to manage. 

Since making the switch, Olson began to purchase more kayaks every year until ending up with enough to create an armada.

This summer will be their 23rd in season in business. Olson admitted she never thought the business would grow the way it has.

“I started with a three room bed and breakfast with two canoes,” Olson said. “Now our kayak fleet is around 250.”

Kayak fleet.jpg

A pile of kayaks. Olson said the lodge has around 250 kayaks. Sam Fristed/Star-Observer.

Before Olson opened the business, she said kayaking had always been popular in River Falls. She said her business helped the activity grow in the city.

“I brought the outfitting business to River Falls,” Olson said. “We’re kayak town USA.”

Olson is humble in her statements. She doesn’t take all the credit. Instead she credits residents and tourists that helped grow the activity in the city.

Olson said her favorite part of running the business is meeting the people. She added being outdoors is another benefit.

“It’s like being on vacation all day every day,” she said laughing.

Seven days a week the lodge is a vacation spot for tourists. The lodge is open from April until November allowing hundreds of tourists to kayak the Kinnickinnic River The lodge is open in the winter too. 

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The landing spot where all trips conclude. Sam Fristed/Star-Observer.

Olson said there are routes for all levels of kayakers. The lodge has shuttle services to launch points where kayakers will paddle back to the lodge. 

The times for the trips vary. Those without experience are recommended to take the one hour trip while advanced kayakers can take a six hour trip from Prescott back to River Falls.    

This year business has increased despite the late start to summer. Olson said the busiest months are July and Aug. 

However, a recent heat wave has increased business. Olson isn’t complaining.

“It’s nice to see that we are busy as we head into the peak season of kayaking,” she said.

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At the conclusion of the trip kayakers can rest at the lounge area that overlooks the river. The overnight lodge is located in the background. Sam Fristed/Star-Observer.

As the peak season arrives, Olson recommends people act “sooner than later” in reserving a trip.

“If people are interested I would make the reservation now. The next few months fill up quick,” Olson said when talking about reserving a kayak trip.

Kayak reservations can only be made by phone Olson said. Additional information about the lodge and fly fishing can be found online.

(1) comment

Denise Hughes

I love Kinni Creek Outfitters. Wonderful little haven right in the middle of town, Clean, well kept.

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