Q: I’d like to go on an afternoon canoe trip on a nearby river, but the dry conditions have meant that the water levels at some of my favorites–including the St. Croix out of Taylor’s Falls–are too low. What rivers are good choices these days for canoes?

A: According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there are several great choices for day outings near the metro area, including the Cannon River from Cannon Falls (river mile 25) to Welch (river mile 13.1).   The river gauge at Welch is reading 2.64, which is the low end of medium (meaning you’ll have plenty of water to paddle, but may need to walk your canoe occasionally). They also recommend the Rum River in Isanti and/or Anoka County.  In general, the closer the river is to the Mississippi (and the Twin Cities), the more reliable the water levels are.  For other options, go to the DNR Water Trails website and check out “Awesome Trips” under “Trip Planning” and “River Level Reports” under “Water Levels.”