What You'll Get
Bodies of water are frequent metaphors in poetry due to their unfathomable depths, unknowable sprawl, and unattainable porpoises. Set sail into the enigma with today's Groupon: for $98, you get an extended paddleboard tour for two from Stand Up MN, including a meal and refreshments (a $170 value).
Extended tours take patrons gliding through the waters of the Mississippi as it meanders through Minneapolis's tranquil, wildlife-rich Urban Wilderness Canoe Area. After a brief orientation, groups of four paddlers set sail standing atop their paddleboards—Stand Up MN provides the vessel, paddle, and life vest—and listen as their experienced river ranger discusses the animal life, foliage, and bubble formations commonly encountered on the leisurely expedition. Vertical voyagers then rejuvenate with a pit stop at Blue Heron Bay—a private island that affords up-close views of 15 large, majestic herons nesting overhead—where they can quell appetites with a meal from Common Roots Cafe, refuel with an organic, locally produced nutrition bar, and cool off with a crisp raspberry iced tea before plunging back into the aquatic abyss from an on-site rope swing.
After the cruise concludes, river-weary adventurers receive a drink voucher from a local bar. Patrons also receive vouchers for a food-truck scavenger hunt, which offers free products at food trucks operating throughout Minneapolis.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires Oct 2, 2011. Amount paid never expires. Limit 2 per person, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 2 per visit. Must sign waiver. Subject to weather. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
About Stand Up MN
Though they've only been leading paddling tours for a few years, the certified guides of Stand Up MN have already helped thousands of people explore the Twin Cities' local waterways up close. After equipping their guests with standup paddleboards, personal flotation devices, and ample training, they embark on trips along the quiet stretch of the Mississippi River that cuts through their urban landscape.
From St. Paul, groups glide under bridges and pass idyllic natural areas—and from Minneapolis, they can take a break from paddling to high-five low-flying birds from a rope swing over the water. Stand Up MN also leads extended paddling tours to Taylors Falls, where state parks and tumbling waterfalls abound. These excursions are complemented by the company's special events, which include speed-dating events at which participants spend most of the time hanging out while paddleboarding.