Twin Cities River Rats

We are a show ski team in Minneapolis Minnesota located on the Mississippi River between the Broadway and Plymouth Bridge.

We provide FREE water ski shows all summer long. We can’t wait to see you this summer on the mighty Mississippi.

Twin Cities River Rat History

River Rat History
EST. IN 1979
EST. IN 1979

Originally part of the University of Minnesota Water Ski Club, the team first skied on Lake Independence as part of the U or M’s Recreational Sports program.

1985
1985

Began performing exhibition shows (no costumes and no theme) throughout the Twin Cities.

1990
1990

Moved to Buffalo Lake to perform several shows during the summer, featuring an announcer who developed a storyline, costumes for each ski act and continued development of the skiers.

1992
1992

Competed and hosted the first ever Minnesota State (now knows as the Midwest Regional) Show Ski Tournament on Phalen Lake in St. Paul.

Mid 1990’s
Mid 1990’s

Performed regular shows during the summer, while continuing to improve themes, costumes and the difficulty of skiing.

1996
1996

Moved to a ski site on the Mississippi River and created the name, “Twin Cities River Rats”.

1999
1999

Won the Midwest Regional Show Ski Tournament and attended the National Show Ski Tournament for the first time ever.

2007
2007

Hosted a benefit show for the 35W bridge collapse with all proceeds going to the US Red Cross. In just one show, they raised over $35,000!

2013
2013

Reached over 100 members and attended the National Show Ski Tournament for the first time in 9 years. The jump team won 3rd place at the tournament!

2014
2014

Record number of crowd attendance and the team wins 1st place at Midwest Regionals!

2015
2015

1st place at Midwest Regionals and 9th place at The National Show Ski Tournament.

2016
2016

3rd place overall at Midwest Regionals and 1st place jump team.

2017
2017

1st place overall at Midwest Regionals.

2018
2018

1st place overall at Midwest Regionals and 1st place jump team. 5th place at National Show Ski Championships.

2019
2019

3rd place overall at Midwest Regionals and 1st place pyramid at Midwest Regionals.

2020
2020

River Rats take an unprecedented break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2021
2021

River Rats are thrilled to resume performing Ski Shows for our Twin Cities Community.

2022
2022

1st Place overall at Midwest Regionals. 4th Place overall at NSSA Nationals (best place in River Rat History!)

2023
2023

1st Place overall and 2nd place Jump Team at Midwest Regionals. 4th Place overall at NSSA Nationals. Largest River Rat Ballet line to ever compete, 26 skiers!

2024
2024

1st place overall and 2nd place team jump Midwest Regional tournament. 1st place ballet for combo ballet, 34 skiers, the largest combo line in River Rat history!

2025
2025

2nd place overall Midwest Regional tournament. 1st place production and pyramids!

First alumni show in River Rats History!

Team Highlights!

2025: The Never River

  • 2nd place finish, 1st place- pyramid, 1st place- production

2025: The River

  • 1st place finish, 1st-place dock and equipment personnel, 1st place- ballet, 1st place- jump, 1st place- sound crew, 1st place- pick-up boat crew, 1st place- tow boat driving, 1st place- production, 1st place- showmanship

  • The River Rats took home the title of 1st in comedy and 6th in the nation. In addition we are incredibly proud of our team member, Kevin, for taking home the Skip Gilkerson- MVP award of the tournament.

2024: Ratagascar