The Mill City Times Interview: Captains Cory Parkos and Greg Hoseth of MPLS Water Taxi

Article by Becky Fillinger

There are many health benefits of getting out on the water – a boat ride can lessen stress, improve focus, enhance creativity, lower cortisol and lead to better sleep. In Minneapolis, we have many options to achieve this state of nirvana – paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats, three-hour cruises, etc. What if you’re just looking for a lunch hour break on the water? Well, we’re also lucky to have quick local access to the totally unique MPLS Water Taxi. They’re back on the river for the 2020 season. We spoke to Captains Cory Parkos (CC) and Greg Hoseth (CG) about the origins of the service and how someone might book a cruise with their service.

Q:  What’s the history of the MPLS Water Taxi?

Cory ParkosCC:  In short, I was looking for the right boat and my future business partner Greg was looking for a Captain. I had heard of electric launches like we now use, but being that there are no manufacturers or dealers in the area, I wasn’t able to test one. I happened to run into Greg at the Boom Island Park boat launch about 6 years ago with a Duffy electric. We exchanged info and not long after met back at Boom Island to test and confirm that electric boats performed fine on the river in the current. It was an even bigger bonus that Greg had modified the electric boat with solar panels!

CG:  I believe we started in 2017. My family had a solar electric boat moored on a buoy on Lake Bde-Ma-Kaska. Someone wanted a buoy really bad and used us as a non-conforming boat to get their spot - so we were evicted. A month later Minneapolis Parks inquired about operating a water taxi. I didn't know much about the river and on one of my outings I ran into Cory. I shared what was going on and Cory was interested in becoming a partner. Cory is the one who knows the river and grew up in the area. He’s a river rat from the beginning.

Q:  Have you always been a fan of boating?

CC:  Growing up, my father had a 16’ Sea Sprite with a 60hp Evinrude motor. He would always take the family, cousins and neighborhood kids for rides. My first boat was a paddle boat in my early teens - since then I’ve had well over a dozen canoes, kayaks, jet skis, runabouts and houseboats.

CG:  My family lived on Lake Minnetonka for ten years and that's where I got my start. We had mostly speed boats with one sailboat. The boats that I have been interested in are more of what are referred to as Launches - low-powered, canoe shaped, which were designed to bring families to their cabins before roads.

Greg Hoseth

Q:  What’s the optimum passenger size for your cruises?

CG:  With the smaller electric launch style boats we use, they are just right for small private parties. A group of 6 friends or a few couples can come out and enjoy the tranquility and healing offered by the Mississippi River. Grab some takeout and have lunch on the river!

Q:  Will you expand beyond your one boat?

CC:  We’re waiting to see how the economy is for the summer. We hope to have two boats going out soon.

Q:  What have you enjoyed most about your taxi service?

CC:  The most enjoyable thing for me is getting people out on the river. I see their enjoyment and appreciation of the Father Of Waters. We cruise downstream to the Upper Lock and see, hear & feel the energy and power of St. Anthony Falls. Or we could go in the opposite direction to the Lowry Ave. Bridge & see the amazing blue heron rookery! Returning downstream you will see an incredible seldom seen view of the city from the river.

CG:  I enjoy when people realize we’re so different from other river tours. We operate electric boats for one-hour cruises and in the near future want to really provide a taxi service to get you to a destination like a taxi. The electric boats have received very positive reviews - no noise and no exhaust. Other attributes are the clean energy with battery regeneration right on the vessel. It's very unique.

Q:  How do we book your tours?

CC:  We offer the one-hour private pleasure cruises by reservation from 10am - 10pm. The boat is sanitized between cruises and we as captains are socially distanced from the passengers. You can book our tours through the website https://mplswatertaxi.com/. You may also call or text me at 612-801-1921. Follow us on Facebook!

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About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories.