Play At These Paddle Sport Locations-West Michigan Paddle Sports

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West Michigan – August is the perfect time to go floating down a river and in Michigan you have many to choose from! (Michigan is home to 36,000 miles of rivers & streams!) Whether you are looking for a relaxing float down a quiet river or the challenge of navigating the Sturgeon River, the fastest river in Michigan’s lower peninsula, you will find it here in West Michigan! Try canoeing, kayaking or tubing at any of these locations before summer is over!

Wisner Canoes, Downtown Newaygo

http://www.wisnercanoes.com/

Wisner Canoes offers canoe, kayak, rafts, tubes and jon boat rentals on the Muskegon River in beautiful downown. Float trips run from 2-6 hours and rental includes drop off service to your starting point. Popular starting points include High Rollaway, Croton Dam, Newaygo and many other points. The Muskegon River is one of the most scenic rivers and a blue ribbon trout stream.

Happy Mohawk Canoe Liver, Montague 231-894-420, http://www.happymohawkcanoelivery.com/

Choose from canoes, kayaks, rafts or tubes to enjoy the peaceful unspoiled beauty of the White River. Transportation is provided for all watercraft rentals along with paddles and personal floatation devices. The White River averages between 2-4 feet in depth. Water flows 3-5 miles per hours over sand bottom. The scenic White River is a pristine undeveloped river that flows through state and national forest. Native Americans originally named the natural protected White River as the Waubishsippi in their Indian language. During the lumbering boom in the late 1800's logs were sent down the river to White Lake where sawmills were located. Today the river provides great recreational experiences for beginner to intermediate canoeist of all ages.

Missaukee Paddle Sports, Lake City 231-839-8265,

http://www.missaukeepaddlesports.com/

Missaukee Paddle Sports is unique because they offer canoe and kayak rentals on 7 area lakes and trips on both the Manistee and Muskegon Rivers. They will deliver canoes and kayaks to these lakes, or clients can pick-up craft to take to other lakes or rivers. Trips on the Muskegon River range from 2 hours to 2 days. The upper Muskegon River is the area's hidden gem. The river meanders through state land and boasts an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles, great blue heron, deer, beaver and otter. Because it is not a high traffic river, you are able to see much of this wildlife.

Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston 800-71-RIVER,

http://www.thepineriver.com/

Pine River Paddlesport Center is the largest kayak rental in Michigan and have the biggest selection of canoes, kayaks and rafts in Michigan. This uniquely positions them to be able to put their guests in craft that are experience-appropriate and weight-appropriate. They rent watercraft on the Pine, the river with the most fun-factor in Michigan, and on the Manistee, the finest multi-day paddle-camping river in Michigan. They also rent mountain bikes on site, have a 4-route, 32' tall auto-belay rock climbing wall, a beautiful 9-hole disc golf course, tree and rock identification challenges that are both fun and educational, and a very quiet, private, and clean campground.

Vacation Trailer Park, Benzonia 231-882-5101,

http://www.vacationtrailer.com/

Vacation Trailer Park is a canoe and kayak livery on the beautiful Betsie River. Trips can take anywhere from one hour to three days. The Betsie is a designated scenic river by the State of Michigan. If you are looking for something above the rest, this is truly one of the best! There are all kinds of birds, wildlife and fish along this river. Prices start at $40.00 per canoe for a 1-2 hour trip. They operate from May thru September and our hours are 9-5.

Paw Paw River Campground, Paw Paw 269-463-5454, http://www.pawpawrivercampgroundandcanoes.com/

The Paw Paw River Campground offers a wide variety of fun for the entire family. Whether you’re an RV enthusiast, enjoy the comfort of our cabins, or choose to tent camp along the Paw Paw River this campground has just what you’re looking for. From fishing, horseshoes, canoeing, tubing, or just plain relaxing you’ll notice that family fun is number one! Campers don’t forget to stop in and enjoy a home cooked meal at Ma n Pa’s Country Kettle located on site for your convenience!

Bosman’s Pine River Canoe Rental LLC., Cadillac 877-6CANOES,

http://www.paddlingthepine.com/ Kayaking is big this summer! Don't let your big kids go back to school without enjoying a trip down one of Michigan's premiere white water rivers. The Pine River runs through the beautiful Manistee National Forest and is considered to be the fastest river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. First time paddlers find a kayak to be the best way to enjoy the scenery. Taking little ones? Try one of the rafts. There are several trip options available seven days a week at Bosman's Pine River Canoe Rental LLC. Busing is included in the prices and they will bus you from many local campgrounds.

Sportsman’s Port, Cadillac 231-862-3571,

http://www.sportsmanport.com/

The Sportsman’s Port has been serving paddlers and campers since 1968. They are owned and operated by the founding family. Their mission is to help their guests plan successful and enjoyable paddling and camping events. Paddlers have the option of renting canoes, kayaks or rafts. They are located on the beautiful Pine River in the heart of the Manistee National forest. This River is not only one of the most scenic in Northern Michigan; it is also a blue ribbon trout stream. As the highest gradient river in the Lower Peninsula, it allows for hours of enjoyment for all levels of paddlers.

Shomler Canoes & Kayaks, LLC, Irons 231-862-3475,

http://www.shomlercanoes.com/

The Pine River is considered by many to be the premier canoeing river in Michigan. With an average gradient of 12 foot/mile it offers a challenge unequalled in this area. The Pine River is also a National Scenic river that flows mainly through the Manistee National Forest. Weekdays and off-season are truly a special time. With limited development it will seem like you have paddled back in time, seeing the river and wildlife just like the early explorers did so long ago. With trips from 2 hours to 3 days, they can accommodate your group for their canoeing adventure. Whether this is your first visit or the 50th year of a canoeing tradition we invite you to let us show you what we fondly call The River.

Big Bear Adventures, Indian River 231-238-8181,

http://www.bigbearadventures.com/ At Big Bear Adventures you can challenge your kayaking skills on the extreme Indian River. Offering high-quality canoes and kayaks, they are certain to serve those looking for an adventure! During your visit make sure to check out the Family Fun Center and Adventure Golf!

Riverside Canoe Trips, Honor (231) 325-5622,

http://www.canoemichigan.com/

Located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Riverside Canoe Trips offers canoeing, kayaking, inner tubing, and rafting along the Platte River. Travelers can also stop and fish along their way to Lake Michigan and enjoy the sugar-sand beaches. Whether you desire a relaxing float, or an exciting adventure, there is something for everyone!

Twin Oaks Campground and Cabins, Wellston (877) 442-3102,

http://www.twinoakscamping.com/

Located just minutes from the Big Manistee River, Pine River, and the Tippy Dam, the Twin Oaks Campground is the perfect place to drench yourself in water activities! Guests have the option of fishing in the rivers, or daring to canoe, kayak, or tube in the exciting twists and turns that the water provides. Make your reservation quick so you can enjoy all that Twin Oaks has to offer!

Powers Outdoors, Newaygo 231-652-6106,

http://www.powersoutdoors.com/

Thinking about buying a Kayak? Kayaks up to $200 off, all on sale when you mention that you saw the deal on www.wmta.org! Largest kayak dealer in Michigan.

For more information on traveling in West Michigan visit our website at www.wmta.org or call 800-442-2084 to order our new 2008-09 West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide – your guide to all the places to stay and things to do in West Michigan. Founded in 1917, WMTA is the oldest continually operated regional tourist association in the nation. Representing 41 counties from the Michigan-Indiana state line to Mackinac Island and covering the entire west half of the Lower Peninsula, WMTA is dedicated to proving that “We Know West Michigan!”
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EDITORS NOTE: Please note that I will be out of the office for my wedding & honeymoon until August 12, 2008. All picture requests and media interviews should be directed to Megan Streng, megan@wmta.org during my absence. Thank-you!