Tubed this past week on Sunday & Monday! Bought tubes for $35 at the desk instead of renting. They have an air compressor on site but the line is pretty long for it on weekends and there is only 1. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the current river conditions. They won't rent tubes/canoes to go past the cascades if the river level is too high or if the current is too fast. They sell dry bags and phone bags at the desk as well which I totally recommend! Was happy to have my tevas on as well. The only thing I wish I had during our trip was a paddle for the end. We tubed from Argo to Gallup and there is no current at the end. The water was also kind of dirty looking due to the recent thunderstorms. So much fun though!! Recommend buying rope to tie tubes together while on the river! read more

They have a nice youthful staff eager to assist. It can get quite busy on weekends unless you come early like we did. On other occasions, it is very difficult to find nearby parking. We went through the "falls" route. Right off the bat, we went through a series of three mini-falls. Get your paddle out of the way of the rocks and branches! Thereafter, it is pretty tranquil. A bit too relaxing for me. However, it was a great excursion. Leisurely, it took two hours. There is also a longer route option. They shuttle you back to the parking lot. Remember your mask and ID. Required for check in and the mask for the shuttle ride. On hot days it's not a bad idea to bring a water bottle and hat. There is also a nice multi-use path after you are done. read more

See all

Came here in the spring so it wasn't time quite yet for canoeing, but Argo Park as a whole is a big recommend if you're in the Ann Arbor area and looking for the closest hike to downtown. Argo Park, situated on the Huron River, of course, is connected through a trail system to like 17 (that's an exaggeration, but it's still a lot) other parks. You can walk along the river, through forest & dirt paths, along boardwalks, over & under bridges, in a giant loop that will bring you right back to Argo. The entire Barton-Argo loop clocks in at just about 2.5 miles, so definitely an easy little hike to do before or after you mill about downtown and soak up the other awesome bits Ann Arbor has to offer! I love this place as a starting point because it's probably the most well-developed of the interconnected parks in this area along this part of the river. They have bathrooms, picnic tables under canopies, and all the resources you might need to set as a good start / end point to your adventures along & within the Huron River for the day. Just make sure to get here early if you're going on a hot summer's day because everyone has the same idea here. It's a great start & end point so the parking spots fill up fast! read more

See all

Booked reservation for boats 5 days in advance to get a slot on the July 4 Saturday holiday. The online ordering system had some issues, so I ended up calling and doing everything over the phone. COVID-Era safety measures were that my reservation would be a timed reservation in advance, and I could have up to 7 people with any combination of boats during that time. The only time available when I called was 2:45pm- so I got one of the last few times available for a 2hr rental. I had 2 adults and 1 12yr old and we all wanted individual kayaks, which we all got without any issues, and plenty of life jackets as well. We arrived early to score a parking spot in the full lot as someone else was leaving. We had lunch on the picnic tables. Used the bathroom facilities, grabbed some water fountain water for our bottles. We walked the forest trails for a bit too cool off in the shade, and 10min before the reservation time, lined up at the boat rental, signed release forms, and then were given instructions to grab a paddle, a life jacket, and then wait behind the white sign for a boat runner to call us over one-by-one to the launch pad. The launch pad made it so easy- I didn't get wet hardly at all unless I got out of the boat or splashed my self while rowing. The launch pad is not used for getting back in- so that was the only tricky part- getting back onto the dock without help, but I just rolled back out. The Stillwater route for canoes and kayaks goes to the right side of the livery, and in about one hour, you can make it to the highway overpass before turning around. If you want to do the cascades- those would be best with floaties, since you won't be going back up stream and may need to carry your transport back. Electric vehicle parking can be found across the dam and across the rail road tracks- but you can (illegally) cross the tracks to easily get to the livery from there- and it's a good alternative parking area if the dirt lots are full. read more

Ann Arbor has an amazing park system with an incredible 163 parks that play host to a huge variety of activities. Sometimes it seems like there is a park around every corner as you work your way through this city of 121,000 residents. Today, my wife and I took a 9-mile bicycle ride on A2's Border-to-Border Trail System touching five different parks in the process. We started at Argo Park with its Argo Cascades for Canoe and Kayak trips down the Huron River. We finished at beautiful Gallup Park on the Huron River with amenities for kids of all ages. The trail accommodates bicyclists, walkers and runners who routinely show each other a nice degree of courtesy when passing each other on this popular off-road paved trail. The Arbor town's Border-to-Border trail system is a real gem and is a great example of why this city has long held a reputation for recreation, fresh air and plenty of green space. 5 stars all the way to the end of the trail. read more

See all

Great activity for solo paddler or a group! So nice you can bring a pup along too! There are river tips or just paddle around the lake as you please. Good activity for any summer day read more

Usually we head down river, but due to low water we had to head up due to large group w/ kids and wanting canoes. It was cool, too! Paddling under the bridges and up to the dam was a new and relaxing experience. The current wasn't too strong, and the water was deep and calm. We saw water lilies, cranes, deer, jumping fish, a turtle, and many birds. Our boys enjoyed passing under a few bridges and M-14. The canoes and equipment are clean and in good order, and there was enough parking. Be sure to apply sunscreen and bug spray. Bring water, and maybe a snack. A waterproof bag is nice for phone/camera if needed. We had out not super athletic family in town, and the boats were stable enough for our younger kids. The staff were great in keeping the canoes steady getting in and out of the boats. read more

Updating since I finally got the chance to rent from them yesterday. Had a great experience! It was super crowded because it was Labor Day but they had things running as smoothly as possible, folks directing people to waiver area then to the rental desk, etc. The wait for the river kayak trip (to Gallup Park) was an hour+ but they had single still water kayaks available immediately (along with canoes and tubes) so I went with that. It was 2 hours for $14.50 which I thought as incredibly reasonable. You'll just need an ID or car keys to leave as collateral while you have your rental out. Paddling along the river north up to the bridge was relaxing and lovely on a sunny day. Saw a small family of ducks and lots of people enjoying the last gasp of summer. Just pack the sunscreen (very little shade) and stick to the middle since the edges are full of water plants (aka seaweed and lilypads) that make paddling a bit tough. Just return your vessel to where you picked it up and get your keys/ID and you're all done. Rentals are available through early October but hours more limited after Labor Day so check their website for dates/times. It's a great excursion for both summer and those beautiful and warm fall weekends. read more

We just moved to Michigan and This place is only 20 min from us! So much greenery, it's peaceful, although don't be fooled you WILL have to work those arms out! We take our 6 & 8 year old and they love it! The Argo trip is about 1.5 hrs and they shuttle you back. YOU WILL GET WET! What to bring: *bring an extra pair of clothes if your planning on going out after you will get wet. I usually just wear my swimsuit and bring clothes to change into Make sure to bring a small waterproof bag for snacks and phones/ camera *Highly recommend water shoes!! Especially if the kids will get out of kayak at some point. Don't worry they usually have some there although sizes are limited * there are small lockers for 50c *sunscreen *Definitely bring snacks especially if your bringing kids, they'll get hungry! Highly recommend this trip for family day trip or team building activity! read more

Argo Canoe Livery - Double kayak near Argo - Parks Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

I love the livery. It's good family fun. We like taking our time tubing the little rapids. They have a pretty efficient format for signing your waivers and paying. There has always been a line and a short (30 min) wait in my experience weekend or weekdays. I'd wear water shoes because the bottom of the river is rocky, bring or buy a waterproof bag (my favorite is a clear plastic bag that they sell there for $15), bring rope to tie to your tube, watch that you don't lose your sunglasses (wear cheap ones), bring a floating cooler, tunes, buddies and not much else. I strip down to my suit at my car. I don't wear a life jacket but I'm a good swimmer and don't get wasted as a matter of choice. Good for 5+ years read more

See all

Today was my first day ever kayaking! And I loved it! The team at Argo's were so professional and helpfulness from the counter person who took care of the paperwork and rental agreement at the beginning to the driver who took us back to our cars at the end. In between were the folks who helped us into and out of the kayaks (neither was a pretty picture, but we got 'er done!) and coached us on what to expect on the river and how to react to situations we might encounter. The only thing they didn't do well? Prepare me for how much fun I would have! They made it so easy. The price for a single kayak was $21, which worked out to be about $7 an hour. A great rate for an afternoon of fun in nature. The park itself is a beautiful little place that deserves a visit even if you opt for no kayaking. read more

Argo is yet another one of Ann Arbor's fabulous parks. The system as whole is cool for its interconnectivity. Argo is special because there is a canoe rental livery here. It also has hiking trails and good shady spots for picnicking. I have a friend who enjoys combining picnicking and canoeing regularly; she invites folks to picnic first and then canoe afterward. When I visited on a warm summer day, college and high school aged people were crowded around the livery and many canoes were out on the lake. I know from experience that even if you've reserved canoes ahead of time, your rental may be canceled in the event of bad weather, so if the forecast is iffy, call before you go. read more

Argo Canoe Livery - Parks Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

See all

The kayak trip itself was great. It's a really pretty river, and we saw lots of wildlife. When it came time to go down the cascades, I was really nervous, because I've been tubing there and seen how jam-packed it can get. I was afraid I'd hit someone with my kayak on accident. But we got there at just the right time, because the very first group of tubers was just getting in the water. Otherwise, it could have been dicey. The three star rating is because of the staff. We interacted with half a dozen-plus staff during our excursion, and they were all rude, visibly rolling their eyes at us when we asked a question. We got yelled at for walking down the wrong path. If you don't want people walking there, put up a sign! It's clear the workers are sick to death of dealing with people, and while I know it can be tough to work with the public, that is literally their job! So go for the river but don't expect nice service. read more

Kayaking and floating down the Huron River is one of my favorite summer activities, and Argo Canoe Livery makes it an easy and enjoyable experience. It's impressive how organized they are! The parking lot is small, especially on a busy summer weekend. But you can park near Kellogg and walk across the street, and there are signs and staff pointing you in the right direction. When you get to the livery, you'll find that they system they've developed is pretty clear. You get in line first to pick up some forms, then fill out your forms, and finally pay. At that point, you're ready to line up for your rental! The kayaks are decent, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get from Argo to Gallup. I love that you can take a free shuttle back to Argo afterward! It's incredible how beautiful the river trip is. There's so much green, and the cascades in the beginning are fun. I would do this every weekend if I could! The only downside is that it's $25 for a double kayak, so it's not the cheapest activity. I'd suggest going early, especially if the weather is nice. It gets busy! And take your time since you pay for the whole day. read more

On a warm summer day, Argo is most popular for their canoe rental. That's certainly a great option, but I'm here to tell you that the park itself is worth a visit on its own merit, even if you're not aiming to paddle. There are walking trails here that I have yet to fully explore, but the view and surrounding area are both really beautiful. This area of town, extending down Longshore, is one of my favorite more quiet corners. The picnic pavilion here is just right for a mid-sized group, and there's plenty of extra grassy space for blankets. read more

My wife and I stumbled across the Argo Cascades when we were in Ann Arbor for a weekend trip, staying literally around the corner in an Airbnb rental. After brunch on the Saturday of July 4th weekend, we walked down a trail and saw lots of people tubing and kayaking down the Cascades. Further down the trail, we found the Argo Canoe Livery. There were long lines that day and we had other plans already, but we decided to come back the next day. What a blast! This place takes all the hassle out of canoeing and kayaking on your own. $22 gets you a two-person kayak, paddles, a lifejacket, assistance getting in the kayak, and a trip down the Huron River to Gallup Park. At the other end, a shuttle takes you back to Argo Park. Going down the Cascades is a lot of fun, but it was a bit crowded the day we were there and lots of kayakers were running into each other (us included). After that, it's a nice slow current on a wide river for the remaining 3 miles down to Gallup Park. I consider this a must-visit in Ann Arbor. read more

I absolutely loved it here! We spent a great afternoon picnicking and kayak/canoeing with our family and it was a wonderful day in a beautiful environment. The parks have plenty of picknick areas and walking trails, and everything is kept up, beautifully. The liveries offer several different rental options, ranging from paddleboats to rubber boats and the usual suspects in between (kayak, double kayak, canoes and tubes). I even noticed a bunch of water bikes at Gallup (where we got out). They require a deposit in form of your drivers license or car key, and life jackets are mandatory but included in your rental. The actual facilities are super nice, bathrooms are clean and well-stocked (there's even autoflush! Fan-cayy), there's a limited amount of coin operated lockers for valuables (50 cents), and the rental station sells concessions for a fair price. Gallup has a nice playground area for small kids, also. You have several different options for trips, our group opted for the one which takes approximately 1.5 hours, departing Argo and ending up at Gallup. Part of our group was in canoes and the other half went with sit -on-top kayaks. The awesome thing about the kayaks is that your trip includes racing down several cascades to get to the point where the canoes launch. The cascades were definitely fun and not that scary, there was enough 'thrill' without fear of tipping over. That being said, it helps if you have at least some paddling experience because you're going to want to head down these puppies forward, which requires some maneuvering. We saw a bunch of ducks, some small fish, some baby turtles and a big fat turtle on our trip. It is a very peaceful and beautiful thing to do on a sunny afternoon. I love that this river was clean, the water was clear and that the river itself was mellow. There is some current at a few spots but this is a very gentle flowing river, great for families with (small) children. read more

Argo Park is amazing and the Canoe Livery made it that much better! The water is nice and still by the livery and the staff is wonderful to work with. My friends and I were unsure if we wanted to canoe or try the new paddleboarding. It ended up being about half and half and we had an amazing 2 hour time on the water. The equipment, including paddleboards, canoes, paddles, and life jackets were all in great shape. Before and after the trip on the water, we sat out at one of the pavilions and enjoyed the water and sunset. It was nice and quiet but very safe and comfortable. I can't wait to go back! read more

Many Ann Arborites head to the Arb or Gallup Park to walk or bike... Argo has some great trails, most people probably don't even realize!! I love the trails at Argo because they go right by the river (nice view) and they are not paved or wood chipped or littered with gravel. I'm talkin' pure dirt trails through the woods! If you start at the canoe livery and head through the trails, you'll eventually cross the bridge and be in Bandemer park. Bandemer also has nice woodsy, dirt, trails. Check a map - it's possible to do a whole loop and end up back at the canoe livery, it's a nice little hike through the woods. And while you're at the canoe livery... why not rent a canoe! You can take the trip from Argo down to Gallup park, it's a nice trip and pretty quick - probably only an hour and a half / two hours, and THAT'S if you're barely even paddling. Things to note about this trip: --Call to check ahead what time the last boats of the day are being sent down the river, it can be rather early on weekdays. --You can park at Argo, take the canoe to Gallup, and they'll drive you back to Argo for your car. --There is a spot (a dam) where you will have to take your canoe out of the water and drag it down a small hill and plop it back in the water. --The water near the Arb is often pretty shallow... be careful of the rocks... and "rock man" - the guy who is found rearranging the rocks daily in the river. --On summer weekends, you can end up waiting for a canoe at prime time. BOTTOM LINE: Argo Park is a great spot for a picnic, a walk through the woods, or a starting spot for a leisurely canoe ride. read more

When I was in AA for recruitment weekend (that's when you get accepted to a phd program and visit - they feed you and have you meet all the faculty you'll never see again in a desperate attempt to convince you that Michigan is the best choice for you.... then once you've signed on they make you slave away on tedious reseach projects for very little pay while you struggle to teach 50 freshman and prepare for oral prelims.... but anyway, that's another story). So,as I was saying, I was in Ann Arbor for recruitment weekend and one of the faculty members, hearing that I like to canoe, exclaimed "don't go to Chicago, they don't have any good canoeing. Come here and you can go to Argo every day of the week." I was beginning my third year before I had time to visit, but my first canoe trip here, lazily paddling around, the sun warming my face, it made me glad that I decided to do my phd at Michigan. Yes, Argo Canoe Livery made it all worthwhile... Anyway, you can also rent a rowboat, and if you have your own canoe you're free to canoe here as well. Reservations are accepted. And if you don't want to canoe, the walking trails are worth the visit in and of themselves. For those new to canoeing, they have organized canoe trips as well. read more

SO MUCH FUN! I live downriver and normally travel all the way up north to do some kayaking and enjoy some river fun...UNTIL I found this little gem! I can't believe I didn't know about this sooner! Its only $20 to rent a kayak for the whole day which is not bad at all. They offer canoes, kayaks, double kayaks, and tubes. We go here all the time during summer and always have a blast!! read more

Wish I got to kayak down the Argo Cascade... The actual Argo park itself is breathtaking and a wonderful place to run, take pictures, kayak, canoe, paddle board. But I didn't have enough time to do any water activities this time. hopefully i can visit again in the future and do this. Be sure to bring a waterproof bag to put your keys and phones. See picture of pricing. read more

Argo Canoe Livery - Helpful price card! - Parks Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I miss living so close to Ann Arbor, This is one of the coolest places to hang out. People hang out on the river with canoes, kayaks, and floats! Just beware of the crazy canoers that have NO idea what they are doing and ram you at full speed!!! read more

I live down the street from Argo and it's AWESOME. in the summer time it's a great place to go with my dogs and boyfriend to go canoeing down the river and i can't WAIT for that new course to be built. It's so peaceful and the people who work there are always friendly and nice. The trail around the river is amazing and not alot of people are out there especially in the winter so it's nice when you are walking three dogs. read more

Fun place to paddle!! They hooked us up with a coupla canoes but also have kayaks and paddle boats available. It's a small pond but fun to paddle to the other end and back. Saw lots of swans, geese, ducks, and swallows along the way. read more

Argo Canoe Livery - Parks Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

This was my first time kayaking and we kept hearing good things about this place. The water was cleaner then most and there was only a few areas where we had to walk. We went with people who rented and thank goodness we did when you get to the end they dont offer any kind of shuttle back to your car. They could make a lot of money that way. We have been tubing places where at the end it was $5 a person $7 a kayak and $3 for a tube for they take you back. If they offered this it would be 5 stars all the way!! read more

The kayaking here was great - the river was beautiful and the equipment was well kept. However at the end of our trip, we were supposed to shuttle back. Due to covid, they were only taking one group at a time and required masks in the car. Both are totally okay, but we weren't told about the mask requirement until this end point. Not only that, if you didn't have one, you had to pay $1 for each mask. And we didn't have money on us because we left it in the car after we paid for the kayaks. We argued with them for about 10 minutes until they finally agreed to give ONE of us a mask, shuttle them back, and they could come pick me up. It was just a ridiculous thing to argue over and refuse to shuttle us back despite having already paid and not been informed until the very end about this. In the end, it was about 45 minutes from the time we got out of our boats to getting back to our car with only a five minute shuttle back. Super disappointed in this poor customer service. read more

I went tubing at Argo park today. It is a great experience on a summer day. Unlike a lot of other tubing adventures, this one is actually really well structured for tubing. It is a series of small falls with relatively slow-flowing water. There are many spots that are easy to exit from, and there is a clear end and a path to return to the parking lot. The downsides are it's length and popularity. If you were floating a river you could basically float as long as you like, but argo park has a definitive beginning and end, so you must get out of the water at a certain point. It only takes about 15-30 minutes to float down the whole thing. Most people hop out and go again...and again! It's also pretty crowded on a summer afternoon. That's not a huge problem unless you're in a tube encountering a kayak or vice versa. Most people are courteous and safe, but it can get a little clogged with watercraft. All in all, a totally fun experience! You should know what you're getting into though. I brought my own tube which I purchased at meijer for $8. You can get nicer ones at sucks or on amazon for $20. They rent pretty nice ones right next to the parking lot for $10 for 2 hours I believe. read more

A great experience -- fun trip down the river with surprising amount of wildlife within Ann Arbor (deer, herons, swans, turtles and more). Waiting for the van ride back took a bit longer than expected though. read more

OMG! Tubing down the cascades is amazing. What a super fun thing to do. Just know You WILL get wet. I did not wear a bathing suit and got drenched but it is so fun and beautiful. There were folks so all ages canoeing, tubing, and kayaking. It is really comparable to a lazy river with cascade pools. Do not miss this great adventure when in Ann Arbor on a hot summer day! read more

This is one of my favorite activities in Ann Arbor. Do the Argo to Gallup ride and take the van back to Argo. The other river trips, such as Barton to Gallup or just paddling around Argo, are fun but involve more work and *gasp* more portages. Why not relax and let the river carry you most of the way down to Gallup? There are some shallow parts where you will get stuck, especially when the water level is low. I've seen several ppl fall out of their canoes over rocks, which is kind of ridiculous. To these ppl, don't panic! Maybe you should let someone who's canoed before steer. This river is manageable and is not to be feared. I like to pull the canoe over just past maiden lane at island drive park for a picnic. Then wearing my life preserver and some good shoes, float down one of the fast moving parts and walk back up and do this over and over again. On a nice hot day this is just perfect. There are a few deep areas where you can swim, but not too many. You can bring your dog too! The staff don't mind your mutt riding back in the van. Just be courteous to your fellow vanmates and bring a towel for Fido to cut down on the stink and river water. read more

I've been here twice so far, once to kayak and the other time to canoe and I love it. You can always find parking and it's easy to bike to also. I think the cost of rental is totally reasonable and it seems like they always have boats available. Along the way to Barton Dam, it looks as though there are great places to stop for a picnic or a swim. Great two hour (or more) ride and definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon outside. read more

The natural areas in Ann Arbor are amazing and the City of Ann Arbor is doing a great job with providing recreational services for the public. However, the kayak rental employees are just awful. They are rude, they are not helpful. Today, we had tubed down the river from Argo to Gallup Park. Unfortunately, upon arriving at Gallup Park we realized we lost our car keys while our phones were wet and not working. Since multiple kayak shuttles are going to Argo from Gallup and back every five or ten minutes, we very politely asked for a ride back to the Argo area after explaining our situation. One friendlier employee told us that we needed to sign a waiver which we were willing to do; however, multiple others were not very clear. First they told us it was impossible, then after we waited for a little bit they told us it would be 10 dollars per person. They very arrogantly added that we can always take a cab back. With this very unfriendly attitude, they lost some business from us for sure. read more

Had lots of fun here! Some of the girls kayak'ed, while I tubed.. It was a long journey down - approx 3-3.5h! I should have brought food for the river trip like some of the other people did! read more

The lake and the cascades were awesome. The bad thing is the workers are young adults that could not give to craps about there job and treat there customers like crap. It's a little pricey and they don't mention that you could bring your own floats for free and not pay for there's, if your kayaking or canoeing they usually do not help you out but are more concerned with talking to each other even though it's there job and the last time I went I even watched two of there sharing a joint. The lake is awesome, could care less about the workers read more

If I could rate this a negative star, I would. Just a simple inquiry with the bitch, Sheryl, turned out to be a big ordeal with her. She was of no help! If you can work with another company than Argo, please go elsewhere. Rude people and very bad experience all-around. Stay clear of this joint! No help whatsoever! read more

Went here for the first time Labor Day weekend. I had called ahead and they don't take reservations and did warn there would be long lines for the holiday weekend. Waiting nearly 2 hrs for 2 single-person kayaks but the wait was to be expected for a beautiful holiday weekend. My friend and I had a wonderful time floating down the river. There are small rapids in the beginning and that's about it. I even took my small dog with me. The pick-up was easy although be careful you may miss the small sign on the bridge telling you where to turn off for pick-up. We hopped in the van and they took us back to where we started. The "canoe crew" does all the heavy lifting for you. I wish there were more sunny days left this year so I could go again. read more

I live practically on Argo and I love walking down there every day (and so does my puppy who loves to swim). We try to take advantage living so close and not having to park, which on a hot summer day is roughhhhh. Tubing down the Huron is fun, just be careful of kayakers and rafters on the cascades that have no clue how to steer and avoid tubers. Kayaking here is fun as well; we like to take the dog stillwater rafting up to the Barton dam to avoid the cascade crazy. Tip: go kayaking in the morning as they get hella busy in the afternoon, which makes for a long wait. It's a great running spot too. read more

We visited over Memorial weekend and the number of people on the river was incredible. Very few moments where we weren't within ten feet of another canoe or kayak and not quite the relaxing outdoor experience I'd hoped for. Next time we'll save our canoeing for up north where we can truly get out and enjoy nature without the drunken frat boys floating down the river. read more

The Argo to Gallup trip is awesome and a great price. The cascades (7 little rock waterfalls) are a fun little detour past the dam. Be prepared: you will get a little wet. A tandem kayak for $22 or single for $18 is not bad. They bring you back to Argo in a van after the trip. You can also bring a tube and go down the Cascades and walk back up. read more