Outdoor Hotspots: Top 5 Places to Kayak

Kayaking is one of the best local activities we have. We have numerous waterways that give us a lot of time to float down a quite river or even some more energetic rapids that can give us a wild ride. There are quite a few places to kayak, but these five are definitely our favorite.

Argo Park Canoe & Kayak Livery

Feel like being adventurous but maybe short on time? The Argo Park Canoe & Kayak Livery river trip may be perfect for you! The trip is only 3.7 miles, so about an hour and a half of kayaking. You start by rafting, tubing, kayaking, or canoeing the Argo Cascades, then relax and enjoy the breeze as you paddle or float down the beautiful Huron River. After you finish your trip, a shuttle van will pick you up. Summer time slots are everyday from 9am to 4pm. The weekends are usually crowded, so arrive early to avoid big crowds.

$27/2-person kayak.

1055 Longshore Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-794-6241. a2gov.org. | Hours: 9am-4pm, daily.

Gallup Park Canoe & Kayak Livery

The Barton to Gallup river trip is about 2.5 hours with 5.7 miles of beautiful summer scenery. This trip begins at the Gallup Livery where you’ll ride in a van upriver to Barton Park, then enjoy a relaxing paddle back down the river to the park. This trip is made only for kayaks, no canoes or rafts available. Summer hours are weekdays with the van leaving on the hour from 10am to 2pm, and weekends are every half hour beginning at 9:30am to 2pm.

$32/2-person kayak.

3000 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-794-6240. a2gov.org. | Hours: 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday; 9:30am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday

Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery

Open since 1973, Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery offers family-fun without a hassle. No dams on this beautiful stretch of the Huron River, so your kayak trip will be easy-going and filled with local flora and fauna. Trips launch each hour, morning and afternoon, so whether you’re with friends or the family, you can catch a ride on the bus then canoe, kayak, or tube back to your car at your pace.

$32-1 person kayak, $40-2 person kayak for 3.5 hour trip.

3902 E. Delhi Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-769-8686. paddlethehuron.com. | Hours: 11am-7pm, Monday-Friday; 9am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday.

Sterling State Park

Located about 45 miles from Ann Arbor, Sterling State Park has much to offer. Rent a kayak and float on Lake Erie, then have lunch on the beach. Kayak rentals are available and Michigan residents can purchase a resident Recreation Passport for entry into Michigan state parks for the whole year.

$11/Recreation Passport purchased at license renewal, $9/daily non-resident.

2800 State Park Rd, Monroe. 734-289-2715. dnr.state.mi.us. | Hours: 8am-10pm, daily.

River Raisin Canoe Livery

Experience Dundee’s River Raisin Canoe Livery and float down the River Raisin from Dundee toward Monroe with a group of friends. Take in the sunshine, wildlife, and summer flowers along the riverbed. To ensure a kayak is available, call and reserve before your trip. You can even play volleyball, baseball, or horseshoes before or after your trip.

Pricing depends on the trip. Minimum, it’s $16/hour.

1151 Plank Rd, Dundee. 734-529-9029. riverraisincanoelivery.com. | Hours: 10am-5pm, daily.

Counter-Map-2016v2

+ posts

Recent Articles