The Straight River flows through the farmlands of southeastern Minnesota, winding its way approximately 30 miles north from Owatonna to Faribault, where it joins up with the Cannon River. Paddling on the river is best during the spring and early summer, when water levels are typically higher. There are occasional shallow riffles, and there is one set of Class III rapids at Clinton Falls and one set of Class II rapids near Faribault.
The Straight River will vary from 30 to 80 feet wide and from 1 to 4 feet deep. Erosion is commonly found along its low grassy banks. Heavy deposits of sediment which may build up on the riverbed are swept away during high spring flow. Paddling on the Straight River is best during the spring and early summer as by July the river may be too low for enjoyable river travel and fishing.
Away from the cities and the small rural communities that are situated on its banks, the Straight is a narrow, intimate stream. Fields, pastures and farm buildings are typically screened from the river by narrow strips of trees on either bank. The trees, which are predominantly elm, willow, poplar and maple, reach out over the stream to form a leafy canopy. However, because of all the trees which are situated along its banks, the river can become obstructed with downed tress after violent storms in the area. It is best to check with the MNDNR website to see if any alerts have been issued for river blockage.
Fish caught in the Straight River include northern pike, crappies, smallmouth bass, and carp.
Wildlife along the Straight River, typical of southeastern Minnesota, includes white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels and other small mammals. Songbirds and waterfowl can be especially plentiful during spring and fall migrations.
Straight may seem an inappropriate name for this twisting, turning river. The river's name is actually a loose translation of "Owatonna," a Dakota Indian word which means "morally strong traders". Faribault was named for its founder, fur trader Alexander Faribault, who established a trading post in the area in 1828. In the 1820's Minnesota was dotted with many fur trading posts, with most controlled by the American Fur Company. Their business was considerable. In a single year Faribault's trade included 1,100 minks, 2,050 pounds of deerskins and 39,080 muskrats. During the 19th century the Straight River area was also an important milling center. The Clinton Mills, in Clinton Falls, ground flour and feed for eight surrounding counties. The Clinton Mill was destroyed by fire in 1896. The Walcott Mills (RM 9.9), which burned down in 1895, is now marked only by the flume where the wheel once turned.
geoPDF map of the Straight River
Straight River at Owatonna, W Bridge St
(RM 26.9)
Straight River near Faribault, MN
(RM 8.8)
Verify if the following outfitters offer their services for the Straight River:
Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental
615 North 5th Street, Cannon Falls, MN 55009; 507-407-4111. Just north of the bridge over the Cannon River. Canoe, kayak, raft & bicycle rental. Shuttles available.
201 Railway St. N, Dundas, MN 55019; 507-407-GEAR or 507-407-4327. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard, tents and other camping gear rental, shuttle service and guided trips on the Cannon River between Faribault and the West edge of Lake Byllesby.
507-281-9516; Jeff@pilgrimpaddles.com. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Mississippi, Root, and Zumbro Rivers.
The first suggested trip is a 8.3 mile long float putting in at Kroghs Landing (RM 10.1) (R) at the County Road 19 bridge (240th St) and taking out at the Teepee Tonka Park carry in access (RM 1.8) (L) in the City of Fairbault. This has a bicycle shuttle of 3.9 mile taking 24 minutes. This stretch has a 9.4 feet per mile river gradient.
This next trip has two options to consider: The first puts in at the Medford Straight River Park trailer access (RM 17.2) (R) and gives you a 7.1 mile long float down to Kroghs Landing (RM 10.1) (R) at the County Road 19 bridge (240th St). This has a bicycle shuttle of 5.3 miles taking 28 minutes. The river gradient is about 3.4 feet per mile. This float can be extended to a 10.7 mile float by putting in at the County Road 45 carry in access (RM 20.8) (R) (just downstream of the bridge). This is a 6.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 36 minutes. The river gradient for this float is also 3.4 feet per mile. With both of these floats you will encounter the Class I to Class II rapids at the old Wolcot Mill Dam (RM 10.2) right before the take out landing (RM 10.1).
The last suggested float is putting in just downstream of the Morehouse Dam (RM 26.9) (R) in the Morehouse Park in downtown Owatonna and floating the 6.1 miles down to the County Road 45 carry in access (RM 20.8) (R). You will have to portage left at the Clinton Falls (RM 21.5) (L) which are Class II to Class III rapids. The average river gradient for this float is 6.9 feet per mile. The bicycle shuttle is 5.6 miles long and takes about 30 minutes.