Gondola Romantica

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

From Stillwater, you can cruise both directions on the St. Croix River. Upstream, the Stillwater Islands form a lake-like, powerboat-heavy reach between town and the Soo Line High Bridge; the islands are popular with pontoons, cruisers and fishing boats. Boats cannot continue upstream past the bridge.

Downstream, the river widens and deepens into Lake St. Croix, creating a more open run. Continue along the lower St. Croix to its Mississippi River confluence near Hastings, where motorized traffic is frequent. Boom Site is a popular public starting point for the islands and lower river, with a concrete launch, dock and parking.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (nps.gov)

Boaters leaving Stillwater on the lower St. Croix River can make day trips to Hudson’s Lakefront Park, the Kinnickinnic River delta and Prescott’s downtown waterfront. Hudson’s park has a wharf for docking, picnic areas and a swimming beach. Kinnickinnic State Park offers a large sandy delta where the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix rivers meet, a popular setting for water recreation. Prescott’s public courtesy dock allows passing boaters to tie up and visit downtown during the day.

Source: City of Hudson (hudsonwi.gov)