There are two places to rent a boat on Lake Waconia: In Towne Marina downtown for pontoons, and Carver County at Lake Waconia Regional Park for kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. Both are seasonal. This guide covers what each offers, what you need to bring, and where to launch your own boat.
Advertisement
Pontoons: In Towne Marina
In Towne Marina (8 E Lake St, (952) 442-2096, intownemarina.com) has rented boats on Lake Waconia for more than 45 years. It rents pontoons only, in 20-foot and 24-foot sizes that carry 9 to 12 people. Gas and life jackets are included. Renters must be 21 or older and hold a Minnesota watercraft operator's permit or a rental certificate. Rates are posted on the marina's website. As of October 2026 the marina was done renting for the 2026 summer season. It also runs a private, paid boat launch downtown.
Kayaks, Paddleboards & Canoes: Carver County
Carver County rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes at Lake Waconia Regional Park on weekends from 11am to 4pm, roughly early June to mid-August. Rentals are first come, first served, and the minimum age is 12. Per the county's 2026 rates, kayaks and paddleboards are $15 an hour and canoes $10 an hour.
Do You Need a Boating Permit?
Minnesota is phasing in a watercraft operator's permit requirement for motorboats over 25 hp and all personal watercraft. Since July 1, 2025 it applies to anyone born after June 30, 2004, and from July 1, 2026 to anyone born after June 30, 2000. It extends to those born after June 30, 1996 on July 1, 2027, and after June 30, 1987 on July 1, 2028. Motors of 25 hp or less are exempt, except personal watercraft. The permit course costs $34.95. Renters can instead take the Minnesota watercraft rental course, which is valid for 180 days. Check the DNR's boating education page for current details.
Launching Your Own Boat
The DNR public access in Lake Waconia Regional Park has 36 trailer spaces and two boarding docks. Other public accesses are listed on the DNR LakeFinder page. Lake Waconia is infested with zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil: clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before you leave.
Bring With You
Photo ID, your operator's permit or rental certificate if it applies to you, a payment method, sun protection and drinking water.
Invasive Species
Lake Waconia has zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. If you bring your own boat or paddle craft, clean, drain and dry it before leaving the lake.
When to Go
Mornings tend to be calmer, with less wind and fewer boats, which suits paddling and fishing. Summer weekend afternoons are the busiest time on the water.
Plan Your Day on the Lake
Pair a rental with lunch or dinner downtown, a short walk from the marina.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you rent a pontoon on Lake Waconia?
- Yes. In Towne Marina (8 E Lake St, (952) 442-2096) rents 20-foot and 24-foot pontoons with gas and life jackets included. Renters must be 21+ and hold a Minnesota watercraft operator's permit or rental certificate. Rates are on intownemarina.com. As of October 2026 it was done renting for the 2026 season.
- Do you need a license to drive a pontoon on Lake Waconia?
- Minnesota's operator's permit requirement is phasing in by birth year: since July 1, 2026 it applies to anyone born after June 30, 2000, operating a motorboat over 25 hp or a personal watercraft. It extends to those born after June 30, 1996 in 2027 and after June 30, 1987 in 2028. Renters can take the Minnesota watercraft rental course instead (valid 180 days). In Towne Marina requires a permit or rental certificate for all pontoon renters.
- Where can you rent kayaks on Lake Waconia?
- Carver County rents kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at Lake Waconia Regional Park on weekends from 11am to 4pm, roughly early June to mid-August, first come, first served, for ages 12 and up. Per the county's 2026 rates, kayaks and paddleboards were $15 an hour and canoes $10 an hour.
- Where is the public boat launch on Lake Waconia?
- The DNR public access is in Lake Waconia Regional Park, with 36 trailer spaces and two boarding docks. Other public accesses are listed on the DNR LakeFinder page. In Towne Marina also runs a private, paid launch downtown.