Paddle gentle currents and sandy stretches on the Big Manistee River
1.5 to 18 hours
Life vest, seat cushion, paddles
Explore the lower Big Manistee River by single kayak, with gentle currents and sandbars along the way. This designated Wild and Scenic River is suited to beginner and intermediate paddlers and families with children.
Receive a full refund with at least 24 hours' notice. Receive a full refund if the operator cancels due to unforeseen circumstances.
A $5 parking fee applies at Big Manistee River boat launches and is not included in the listed price.
Complete the waiver before your trip. If each participant's waiver is not signed, your kayak rental may be rescheduled to another available time that day.
Arrive on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your trip may be moved to the end of the day.
Kudos to the Manistee Adventures team for providing excellent customer service and helping us enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the Manistee River. They picked us up at the location where we would finish our trip and transported us to the launch site where a canoe awaited us. When we reached the end, we simply pulled the canoe out, sent a text, and headed home. The entire process was easy and convenient. Manistee Adventures also offers more launch times than the other outfitters I contacted and seems especially willing to accommodate customers’ individual needs. I highly recommend the four-hour trip from Hodenpyl Dam to the Red Bridge Access Site. The river twists and turns through the gorgeous scenery, and the route passes through peaceful wilderness within the Manistee National Forest and Consumers Energy property.
Lloyd A
August 3, 2026
Kudos to the Manistee Adventures team for providing excellent customer service and helping us enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the Manistee River. They picked us up at the location where we would finish our trip and transported us to the launch site where a canoe awaited us. When we reached the end, we simply pulled the canoe out, sent a text, and headed home. The entire process was easy and convenient. Manistee Adventures also offers more launch times than the other outfitters I contacted and seems especially willing to accommodate customers’ individual needs. I highly recommend the four-hour trip from Hodenpyl Dam to the Red Bridge Access Site. The river twists and turns through the gorgeous scenery, and the route passes through peaceful wilderness within the Manistee National Forest and Consumers Energy property.
Lloyd A
August 3, 2026
Paddle from Manistee Lake through downtown to Lake Michigan
Explore Manistee's 1st St and 5th Ave beaches by bike
Explore Manistee's 1st St and 5th Ave beaches by paddleboard
Paddle independently from 1st St Beach or 5th Ave Beach
Beach tube rentals for all ages in Manistee
Explore Manistee with flexible beach cruiser rental times