Rowing is a popular sport in Minnesota, and there are many great rowing clubs in the state. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best rowing clubs in Minnesota and what makes them so special. Many of these clubs have been around for many years and have a rich history. They are also located in beautiful areas that attract members from all over the state.
Minneapolis Rowing Club
Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Rowing Club has been a fixture of the Twin Cities rowing scene for years. The Lurline Boat Club was founded in Minneapolis, MN by fifteen young men in July 1877.
The members wanted to improve their health and social status, so they bought a four-oared boat from the St. Paul Boat Club and started rowing on Bde Maka Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun). They charged $10 per year for membership dues, with an additional monthly fee of $1.
With this money, they were able to purchase two new pairs of oars: one from the White Bear Lake boat builders Leman and Johnson, and the other from Bachelor of Hudson, MN.
Today, the club is located just upstream from downtown Minneapolis in the boathouse that it has called home since 1911. The Minneapolis Rowing Club is a private club that is open to members and their guests.
The club offers a variety of rowing programs for all levels of experience, from novice to competitive. In addition to its rowing programs, the club also hosts a variety of social events throughout the year. The Minneapolis Rowing Club is truly a unique and special place, and its members are proud to be part of its rich history.
Minnesota Boat Club
MBC was built in 1870 and is a non-profit organization that aims to improve health and tout success through rowing. Founded on Raspberry Island, which is enveloped by the Mississippi River, MBC offers members a scenic and one-of-a-kind setting.
It’s also located at Matrix House centrally in downtown Saint Paul, so visiting the boathouse is very accessible. Saint Paul is not only a bustling cityscape but also home to many scenic parks and natural areas.
Members can enjoy the view of downtown Saint Paul or escape to the beauty and wildlife of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River with access to Pike Island, Crosby Farm State Park and historic Fort Snelling.
From its beautiful location, the club offers a wide range of rowing programs for all levels of experience, from beginners to competitive rowers. The club is also home to a world-class rowing facility, which includes a boathouse, rowing tanks, and a weight room.
In addition to its rowing programs, the Minnesota Boat Club also offers a variety of social events for its members, including an annual holiday party and an end-of-season banquet. These events give members a chance to socialize and celebrate their accomplishments together.
The Minnesota Boat Club is a great way to get involved in the sport of rowing while also meeting new people and enjoying some fun social events.
Rochester Rowing Club of Minnesota
The Rochester Rowing Club was created by Bill Pavlicek, Doug Berninger, Keith Laughman, Chris Chute, and Jeff van Fossum. The first president of the club – Bill – learned to row in Philadelphia from Bill Knecht of the Vesper Boat Club.
He held the initial meetings for the club at his home on Silver Lake before recruiting more members and purchasing equipment; this included two mahogany racing fours from Columbia University located in New York. One of these fours hung in Friday’s restaurant (now known as Legends) until it closed its doors.
The club is now located just outside of downtown Rochester, in a picturesque setting that includes a boathouse, dock, and lawn. The RRC attracts members from all walks of life, united by their love of rowing. The club offers a variety of programs for all levels of experience, from novice to experienced rowers.
In addition to its competitive rowing teams, the RRC also supports a recreational program that allows members to enjoy the sport at their own pace. Whether you’re looking to compete at the highest level or simply enjoy a leisurely paddle on a beautiful summer day, the Rochester Rowing Club has something to offer everyone.
Duluth Rowing Club
Rowing is a great way to get around Duluth. The Duluth Boat Club was established in 1886, and it was located near the waterfront at 7th Ave West. Now, rowing is not as common because the Great Lakes Aquarium has taken its place.
From 1911 to 1923, the Duluth Boat Club appeared frequently in national media. Out of 58 races, Duluth crews won 47 times – 20 of those were national championships. They also achieve nine second-place medals and one third-place medal. In 1913, Duluth’s “Invincible Four” crew – Dave Horak, Doug and Phill Moore, and Max Rheinberger – set a record that has yet to be matched: a perfect 22-0 record in international meets before WWI.
Between 1920 and 1923, the sport saw a resurgence after being curtailed during WWI. That was when Walter Hoover made his name by winning both the Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup and the Diamond Sculls at Henley on the Thames in London in 1922. The Henley was (and still is) regarded as the world championship. Duluth rowing’s last high point came courtesy of Hoover’s heroics.
The club is now located on the scenic banks of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. The club attracts members from all over the world, who come to enjoy the challenge of rowing on one of the largest lakes in the world. The club offers a variety of programs for its members, including competitive and recreational rowing, learn-to-row classes, and adaptive rowing for people with disabilities.
The club also hosts some events throughout the year, such as regattas and social gatherings. For its members, the Duluth Rowing Club is more than just a place to row; it is a community that celebrates the sport of rowing and the camaraderie that comes with it.
Lake Phalen Rowing
Phalen Rowing Club is a community rowing club located in Saint Paul, Minnesota on beautiful Lake Phalen. The Club was started in the spring of 2008 by a group of experienced rowers who wanted to share their love of rowing with others in the community.
The Club offers both sweep rowing and sculling programs for all levels of experience, from novice to experienced rowers. The Club is open to anyone interested in learning to row or who wants to row for exercise and enjoyment.
Membership includes access to club equipment, coaching, and social events. Phalen Rowing Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on membership dues and donations to support its programs.
Phalen Rowing Club attracts members with its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, its experienced and supportive coaching staff, and its commitment to offering a high-quality rowing experience at an affordable price. club members enjoy being part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for rowing.
Phalen Rowing Club provides an opportunity for its members to connect with other rowers, learn new skills, and challenge themselves physically and mentally. The club also offers its members a chance to give back to the community through its volunteer program.
Phalen Rowing Club is more than just a rowing club; it’s a community of passionate individuals committed to promoting the sport of rowing and supporting each other in achieving their personal best.