Michigan is one of those states that, when mentioned, doesn’t spark a lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” from most people. Only Midwest natives truly seem to be aware of the hidden gems that dot the state. But even further, only a handful have probably set foot in each of these spots. From the coastal sand dunes scaling one of America’s Great Lakes to the mountainous, island-speckled Upper Peninsula, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful places in America. I will dedicate a post later this summer to my favorite spots in the Great Lakes State, but for now, I’m going to tell you a little bit about a lesser-known, unlikely-placed spot that has quickly become one of my favorite summer places to recommend to Midwesterners.
Summer is quickly approaching, or so I keep telling myself. The warmer weather we’ve been blessed with lately in the midwestern region of the country has given me dreams of late night bonfires, fireflies lighting the darkened sky, sunny lake days spent fishing and tubing, the scent of freshly mowed grass floating through the warm air, and splashing in waterfalls and swimming holes. One of my favorite ways to pass the time is kayaking. Both an exercise and a way to get a different vantage point from the water level, kayaking is the perfect summer activity, no matter your skill level or location. I discovered my love for the water sport two summers ago when we glided along the rocky cliffs and discovered the caves of Lake Michigan. (To read my blog post on kayaking through those underwater sea caves in Wisconsin, click here.) Since then, I’ve been seeking out gorgeous spots to paddle along. My mom, residing near Grand Rapids, was the one that discovered a “lazy” river that snakes through central Michigan. Called the Thornapple River, this body of water is a tributary of Michigan’s longest river, Grand River. Tucked away in the small town of Hastings lies a canoe livery. Rentals of inner tubes, kayaks and canoes are available at low daily rates. Kayaks and canoes are perfect if you’re looking for a full afternoon of paddling. Inner tubes are ideal if you’re looking for a lazy afternoon of drifting down the river. Drinks are also permitted, so be sure to stay hydrated in the intense summer heat!
If you rent a kayak or a canoe, you are dropped off about three miles down the road at a private launch site. If you rent an inner tube, you are dropped off only about a half mile from the canoe livery. (It takes longer to float than to paddle, so tubers will be on the water only a little less than kayakers). From those points, you’ll drift or paddle back to the livery, where your car sits in the grassy parking area, awaiting your arrival.
We kayaked down the Thornapple River two summers ago on a Monday afternoon, and the crowds were minimal. More people rented inner tubes than kayaks, so we had the first two and a half miles of the river all to ourselves! Rentals are for the entire day, so at any point, you can stop, take a break, or cool off with a swim. The river was only about six inches deep most of the way, only becoming deeper as we got closer to the livery. When the river became deeper and we met up with the inner tube riders, the crowds thickened a bit, but the energy in the air was buzzing. People were drinking, laughing and conversating as they floated lazily along the river in vibrantly-colored tubes. The groups had their inner tubes tied so that they remained together. Some families pulled off to the side, where they jumped from a rope swing suspended above the river. We zigzagged through the maze of inner tube obstacles, grateful that we had most of the river to ourselves up until this point.
If you live near the area and are looking for a beautiful, natural lazy river to float, kayak, or canoe, I’d highly recommend this local spot. Not only is it a quiet, peaceful setting shaded by forests of untamed greenery, but the price is right for families on a budget and is a perfect getaway for a summer afternoon!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 