Grand river gvsugrand valley state university allendale. Jul 18, 2017 ive been traveling to michigan in the last days in the beautiful city of ann arbor. An impressive 19 counties drain into the 5,572 square mile grand river watershed, and 108 species of fish and 218 species of birds call the watershed home. His books, many of them illustrated by artist glenn wolff, are widely. This is a popular, rural area access site on the muskegon river. Grand river kayak and canoe tours on the grand river. Middle grand river heritage water trail michigan water trails. First time paddlers can ease their way across mirror smooth lakes and down lazy rivers. A beginners guide to kayaking in michigan michigan. The river is known as one of michigans top 10 trout streams.
Canoeing or kayaking between the source of the grand and elora can be difficult because of low flows and the many portages. It is fed by numerous tributaries along its length, including the flat, thornapple, and rogue rivers. The title spoofs that of norman macleans wonderful book, a river runs through it. The 30th anniversary guide to expedition canoeing in. Calendardocs book tour schedule canoeing michigan rivers. The grand river becoming a paddlers paradise michigan.
For a more relaxed and less expensive trip, float through the huronmanistee national forest on the ausable river in northern michigan. Canoeing michigan rivers is the first definitive guide to canoeing in michigan. For more information about paddling in michigan, including river news, safety and technique tips, and jerry denniss paddling blog, go to. The river runs through multiple towns, but the best place to start is in grayling. As we pulled away from the riverfront, i watched the sun extinguish behind the trees as the grand humbly, steadily, propelled billions of unseen particles and gallons of water to lake michigan flowing from one great. The maps of the rivers were great as was the description of the landings and portages. Looking forward to my next river, and this book will help decide which one. We were initially planning on, and looking forward to, a may 1st, 2020 reopening, however for several reasons in addition to the current pandemic we have no choice but to remain closed indefinitely. Tired, hungry, and a little sore, but satisfied, we departed the grand river park, already planning our next kayaking trip. An indispensable resource for canoe enthusiasts in southern on. Youll read of river fun found all over our great state, from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula, including.
This river access point is maintaned by haldimand county. Calendar of events canoe kayak paddle michigan rivers. Some of our favorite reaches are the ones on the grand river. There are several excellent locations to put your kayak or canoe in either the red cedar river or the grand river. Its 2025, and michigan s grand river is flowing, natural, and alive once again. Kayaking the grand river wmeac west michigan environmental. A paddle of the entire lower grand river, from downtown grand rapids to the shores of grand haven, in one day.
To make a very long story short, it got the better of me. You point a kayak downstream, push off from the riverbank, and find yourself in rolling whitewater. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, kayak tours are organized and. Canoeing the grand as a company is about as lifeless as it comes. Pictured rocks vacations paddling michigan munising.
All information on the interactive water trail map is subject to. Classic rivers such as the au sable, the manistee, and the wild and scenic jordan river are included, as well as popular sea kayaking destinations like isle royal nation park, grand island, and the keweenaw water trail. Mapp professionals care deeply about michigan s waters and are dedicated to preserving our rivers. Weekend canoeing in michigan 10th anniversaryrevised edition 2018 publication doc was recognized with the 2017 author award by the michigan library association and 2018 marks 10 years since the publication of docs first book, weekend canoeing in michigan. Canoeing and kayaking college campuses in michigan by doc. They have a nice landing with plenty of free parking. Clients who book through gr paddling can choose from more than 35 safe.
Feb 16, 2016 from the fork, the boardman flows southwest until it is directly south of traverse city, where it begins to turn to the north, flowing through the land purchased by captain boardman in 1847, and on into the west arm of grand traverse bay. But if youve read the piece, youll remember that the voyages of the dawn treader presumably did not end after that fateful trip down the pine. There are two canoe rentals on the missouri river at river refuge, phone. By ethan lussky kayaking is one of those things everyone should try at least onceespecially in michigan. Using atlases to navigate over forty miles of the river, they set off where plaster creek joins with the grand, just west of where interstate 196 crosses over the river.
Maximum paddler weight the weight limit of our watercraft is 325 pounds maximum per person. Monday night, aug 28th i called the number to grand river kayaking and canoe. The book is a great piece of information for the canoer who is advancing in skills and loos for the next step up in challenges, yet lets the novice know where he can canoe safely. The mission of gr paddling, is to provide guided kayak and canoe excursions in and around the greater grand rapids, michigan area. Our members promote the protection and responsible use of michigan s natural resources. Paddle your way through michigans waterways in canoes or kayaks and let this silent sport speak to your soul. Lower peninsula liveries canoe kayak paddle michigan rivers. The 2020 edition will be a 12day paddle of the grand, covering the last 250 miles of the 260mile long river.
It is navigable from the high bridge on county road 407 near mason tract to the rivers mouth. Last summer, i took a cedarstrip canoe down the most dangerous river in michigan. A total of 41 michigan paddling adventures are detailed for you in docs two books, weekend canoeing in michigan 20 rivers and michigan rivers less paddled 21 rivers. Paddlers choice 30% off summer 2020 sale morning delight. Signed up for the short trip, was told on site that it was a 90 minute journey down the. We are known as the jimmy johns of the kayak and canoe business. Canoeing michigan rivers a comprehensive guide to 45 rivers. The grand river is also ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Grand river kayak and canoe, 327 hogadone ave sw, grand.
A comprehensive guide to 45 rivers, revise and updated at. Bob baigent park, ouse street, cayuga, just downstream of the highway 3 bridge. There needs to be a detailed account of paddling the entire grand river and this definitely is not. Portage information is missing from the first couple of maps, which is very important through fergus and elora. We did the platte river from loon lake to lake michigan and it was a blast. A comprehensive guide to 45 rivers, revise and updated jerry dennis, craig date on. Our series on the grand river follows about 100 people who will canoe, kayak and study the entire river for an expedition that starts wednesday. Theyre easy launches, its easy to get in and out of the boats, there isnt a lot of boat traffic on the grand river, and we see a lot of wildlife, says jeff neumann, who coowns gr paddling with his wife, rita. Several ottawa county parks offer kayak and canoe access. People dont realize what a beautiful river it is, ogilvie said. Michigan is blessed with more paddling opportunities than any other state. The canoe rental business has a number of drop points to choose from, but the one that will take you through downtown starts at bridge street and ahnabawen park.
Enjoy a day with your friends and family canoeing or kayaking on the ausable river. Visit the lower stretches of the river after a heavy rainfall and enjoy plenty of white water rapids and narrow twists through manistee county. In lower michigan, easier more accessible rivers traverse state and national forests, such as the grand. The river made famous in ernest hemingways nick adams short stories is a worldclass trout fishing destination and the only michigan stream to be a designated wilderness river. Youll hear the thunder of waterfalls, rush of rapids, call of loons, whisper of breezes or howl of wolves as you ply our waters. Michigan offers a bounty of paddling destinations, and this book is the most. Grk and c is a kayak and canoe rental service that enables people to reserve quickly and paddle down the grand. In addition, the grand river heritage water trail offers maps, tips and more. Posted on september 2, 20 by mattclouse please watch the story as aaron and cameraman from tv take in the adventure on the grand. York park, on highway 54 front street, just downstream of the bridge. I took the cedarstrip canoe down the most remote river.
Canoeing north missouri rivers canoeingkayaking tips. We never had to portage and the river was slowmoving, a great trip for beginners. The huron river water trail is a 104mile inland paddling trail connecting people to the river s natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in michigan s lower peninsula. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Slight rapids at pietreville hwy with some cross waves. Founded in 1990, the grand river environmental action team is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of and restoration of the upper river watershed in the jackson county of south central michigan. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. Plan your paddling trip on the middle grand river with our interactive map. Grand river expedition 2020 this is the 4th grand expedition, running every 10 years incl. Grand rapids michigan has tons of opportunities for water sports. This is the 4th grand expedition, running every 10 years incl.
The grand river is a river in the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of michigan, united states, that flows into lake michigan s southeastern shore. Lansing, mi imagine paddling a canoe or kayak from jackson to grand haven along a managed water trail that includes markers for portage points, local amenities and information on cultural. A prominent feature of grand rapids, the grand river begins in somerset township near jackson and is the longest river in the state of michigan approximately 260 miles. Whether youre a fan of the lake, river, or sleeping creeks, there are a ton of options in the mitten state. The grand river is simply beautiful and paddling it is a serene, natural, physical activity that gives families a safe wilderness adventure that they remember for a. Average speed 43 mph, max 11mph through downtown grand rapids. Only rivers serviced by canoe n kayak liveries are included, so that this book can be a guide to. Pine river canoe trail the pine river canoe trail is a 30mile water trail that winds through the open fields and flood plain forests of gratiot county. Our customer satisfaction surveys see more than 96% giving their visit an excellent score.
Southeast michigan water trails michigan water trails. You get to see all these interesting views along the river and take pictures of. The launch is made of recycled tires and is right below the rapids. We rent canoes, kayaks, tubes and shuttle service for trips up and down the grand river, ranging from 1. This webpage provides information on river access points on properties owned by the grca or river access points owned andor maintained by our municipal partners. Paddling adventures and scenery along the city and park stretch of the grand river. Discover the awakening of spring, the splashes of summer and the colors of fall from a canoe or kayak or other paddle craft. Michigan s longest river at 252 miles, the grand river s main stream rises near jackson and flows north through lansing and ionia to grand rapids and to its outlet at grand haven on lake michigan.
Put in my kayak in downtown eaton rapids behind the quality dairy. Its the easiesttoplan upper michigan getaway for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and all things outdoors. Paddling michigan includes more than 70 trips in both the upper and lower peninsulas for beginner and expert paddlers alike. Crego also offers assisted entry with its kayakcanoe lift. Grand river kayak and canoe 327 hogadone ave sw, grand rapids, michigan 49504 rated 4. No matter where you are in michigan, youre only six miles from a lake, river or stream, making the opportunities to head out in a kayak or canoe almost endless. Paddling in the upper peninsula isnt really a silent sport.
Rapid by rapid, rock by rock descriptions of 1500 miles of canoeing opportunities on 45 blueribbon rivers by two experts who personally paddled every mile. The novel tells the legendary, fourdecadelong, story of the annual 4day. My sister and i took my three year old son for a trip down the river. For more information check out these helpful resources. Routes and access points grand river conservation authority. Despite the large amount of rain, the river is still very manageable, like most of the grand. Visit grand river kayak and canoe to canoe through downtown grand rapids shoreline. Whether or not we decide to resume operations at all this year is yet to be determined. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, kayak tours are organized and rentals available.
Other trips offered by grand river kayak and canoe include indian mounds in grandville, grand. A comprehensive guide to 45 rivers, revise and updated canoeing. Emptying into the tippy dam pond, this river is a match made in heaven for an experienced kayaker looking for a longer trip through northwest michigan. Kayaking and canoeing on the grand river tripadvisor. Whether you want to see msu basketball stars, take part in michigan prie or kayak in the grand river. The natural beauty of the grand river always amazes paddlers, neumann says. The grand is a glorious river, full of life and beauty. Michigan boasts an impressive amount of great lakes shoreline, but besides lake huron, lake michigan, and lake superior, there are rivers and lakes in every part of the state that invite exploring. It is undeveloped, but offers easy access to and from the river and an unimproved parking area.
I just got this book so i havent has time to read through it much yet but im disappointed that it doesnt have anything about the grand river. With more than 12,000 visitors in 2014, canoeing and kayaking the grand is one of waterloo regions top attractions. Grand river from eaton rapids access point to mcnamara landing south of holt. Kayaking and canoeing is one of the most enjoyable summertime experiences you can have in michigan.
Kruger landing at aurelius road is a popular spot and crego park is a great place to paddle around a small lake. Michigans bible of canoeing, completely revised and updated, with detailed descriptions and maps of more than 1,500 miles on 45 of the the states finest rivers. Aug 17, 2016 the grand river, the longest river in michigan, serves as the central vein of the grand river watershed. Pine river mid michigan pine, near midland ikes mobile kayak rentals 9897505251. The district is nestled in the heart of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore, just 26 miles from traverse city. Crystal river outfitters recreational district is home of glen arbors original outfitter for fun and unforgettable adventures. Theyre easy launches, its easy to get in and out of the boats, there isnt a lot of boat traffic on the grand river, and we see a lot of wildlife, says jeff neumann, who coowns gr paddling with his wife, rita neumann. There were lots of turtles sunbathing on logs and on the banks.