After kayaking down Platte River, Riverside Canoe Trips was a great spot to pick up some souvenirs and sweet treats! The hard serve ice cream is incredible, especially after a hot day. We enjoyed the blackberry chocolate chunk and the brownie batter cookie dough. If you're camping near Honor, definitely worth checking out! read more

Riverside Canoe Trips - Brownie batter cookie dough ice cream cone in front of Platte River - Boating Near Me - Honor, Michigan

Rented some individual kayaks for a trip down the Platte River which runs through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park area. This was an amazing trip which ends close to where the river flows into lake Michigan. The water was super clear and I highly recommend this trip. Pack some lunch and drinks in a small waterproof cooler and add the extra time so as not to be rushed. Riverside canoes has a nice shop and good equipment. You do have to pay for parking though when you drop off your vehicle which stinks. read more

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My wife and I visited this business yesterday and utilized their services to tube on the Platte River in Honor, MI on scenic M22 Highway yesterday afternoon. The location was convenient, parking was somewhat tight near their main building, the outside of the buildings were nicely decorated, inside was average, their process of paying & getting equipped to tube (or canoe) and to get to the tubing put in location, etc., was confusing and complicated for people like us who have never tubed before, involved interacting with several different Riverside employees in several different locations inside their main building and outside their main building, was reasonably priced (IMHO), offered no real solution to the big problem of knowing what to do with your vehicle fob "keys" while you tube so that they don't get wet and deactivate the car fob rending it unable to open your car, etc., in the parking lot where you park near the Platte river upon completing your tubing venture (they sold us a little thick box that supposedly closes in an airtight way not allowing water to get in while it's in your pocket as you tube for $12...but it didn't work, water got in and our fob was all wet as we opened it after getting out of the river at the end!!! Riverside said they were "sorry", and refunded our $12 for the box), and the employees were nice, friendly, and knowledgeable. read more

Had a great time on the Upper Platte River w/Canoes & Kayaks from Riverside Canoe Trips. This was our 42nd year on the river and much fun was had by all. Riverside was great! Provided us with great customer service, canoes & kayaks, and spotting to make sure we had no problems. Would highly recommend Riverside!! We are already looking forward to our 43rd annual trip next summer! read more

Riverside Canoe Trips - July 19, 2025 Canoe/Kayak'ers on the Upper Platte River - Boating Near Me - Honor, Michigan

Loved the kayak trip itself but employees don't explain anything and an angry old man who drives the shuttle bus was an absolute jerk.

I enjoyed the ice cream and a two hour kayak trip to the mouth of lake Michigan. This was last weekend. Fish were running- so there were fisherman, but all were very respectful of the various boater/floaters. There's a portage at this time, it doesn't apply all the time but is usually in place by mid-September. If you are paddling or floating with some who may need help with getting in/out of their craft be aware of this. Other floaters are often quick to help if they see someone in a pickle, if you will. It's the Midwest way. Gotta love it, eh?! read more

Have been tubing many times down this river. My sister booked for 11 of us for my bachelorette party. Tubing was fun but the hassle it was to get to the river was insane. The process is unclear and hectic and nobody who works there seems to really know what's going on or what would be helpful to guests. We took three coolers. Nobody who worked there decided to mention that we had to make a mile trek down to the river once we were dropped off. What is even the point of getting dropped off? So we have the 6 of us who are able to carry the cooler struggling walking a mile with it. Not a great experience. A warning from staff would have been nice, maybe we would've made sure we had one with wheels or taken less. Also we booked two closed tubes, but our paperwork only showed one. The driver was arguing with us that we only had one on our paperwork and it would cost extra. We kept on saying it's fine we can pay the two dollars and it's like he just wanted to prove a point that we didn't do something right. Finally river was SUPER shallow in some points which I know isn't the fault of the business but knowing the water conditions should probably be part of their plan. When we we got to the end of the river our drivers had to be taken be shuttle to their cars, which made no sense to any of us because we thought the whole point of moving the cars would be to end and be able to get right in the car. Just a crazy experience that took way too long and could've been communicated more smoothly read more

They rented us a leaky kayak which had to be bailed several times. We notified the office when we returned, but they didn't provide a discount or apology. The bus driver basically called three women stupid in his bus because we didn't have our "paperwork from the office". Yes--the same office which put the leaky kayak back on the rack to rent to others. read more

The driver was rude and complained we didn't get our paperwork from the office first. Three customers on the bus agreed with me that the office staff didn't inform us. He basically called us all liars. Then we were given a kayak that leaked. We had to bail it twice. When we complained about the leaking kayak, we didn't get a discount, refund, or even an apology. Rent from another company. read more

How many canoe trips can boast a big-water beach at the end? A paddle down the lower Platte River can. It's a beautiful summer day, with only the cheeriest of un-threatening, white clouds slipping across the sky. The air in the distance is dancing in the heat, doing the warm-weather wiggle. It's the perfect day for an outdoor outing. But there's dissention in the ranks. The adults want to go canoeing; the kids are whining that they would rather play at the beach than be stuck in an aluminum boat. Problem solved: A trip down the lower Platte River affords both a scenic river amble and a chance to dig in the sand. Where the river empties into Lake Michigan, it creates a crooked finger of beach that's perfect for lounging in the midday sun or watching it go down in flames over the horizon. Situated in the southern part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the lower Platte River is the perfect stretch for canoers of any skill level. Its wide sweeps and lazy pace assuage the fears of the novice and allow the expert to relax. Riverside Canoe Trips, found where M-22 crosses the Platte River west of Honor, makes for an easy place to start. The outfit has paddling the Platte down to a science. Trips start at Riverside's upstream livery and general store. After getting the detailed spiel from an employee and filling out the paperwork, head down the road to river's end, ditch the car at Lake Township Park, and head back upstream on a Riverside shuttle. From there, all it takes is a quick gathering of equipment and people, and the river awaits. Heading out early means that the prodigious wildlife that resides in and along the Platte won't have been scared away yet. Turtles seem to populate every fallen log, and fish swim along the mostly sandy bottom. Beavers paddle along and ducklings chase their mothers, while nearer to the lake terns that sound like hoarse seagulls dive-bomb the river and come away with wriggling minnows. The first stretch of river is a lazy paddle as the Platte cuts through the shady woods. It becomes shallow and sandy-bottomed as it winds into Loon Lake, a small forest-edged body of water that Riverside staff warns is deep in the middle and cold. They advise hugging the right-hand shore. When lake gives way to river again, the Platte's course is slightly more twisted, but also wider as it nears Lake Michigan. In places, reedy marshes flank the river, making for a sunnier, more-open meander. Be sure to stay to the middle to make it through the narrow gap in a fish weir that is usually open. Otherwise, portage around it on the left side. The banks get sandier as the Platte nears the lake. At the pullout point, find the landing on the right, and then relax or explore the beach for a view of Lake Michigan. Someone will have to go to Riverside to retrieve the deposit; everyone else should stick around and enjoy the two-for-one pleasure of paddling the Platte. Canoeing and the beach in one easy trip-what could be better than this distillation of two of Northern Michigan's simplest pleasures? If you need something that floats, Riverside Canoe Trips can provide. They rent canoes, rafts, kayaks, boats with motors, and tubes, all suitable for Platte River navigation. For boat owners, a convenient landing is just across the river from Riverside, accessible from Lake Michigan Road and equipped with restrooms and a picnic area. read more

First time visiting Michigan and I was very excited for the river float after finding a pamphlet at a nearby restaurant. The pamphlet was vague so we went onto their website which also left us with many questions. Called to find out more and still found that we were not 100% clear on the process. We decided just to drive out and see what was going on in person.... still could not figure out how this place operates. After talking to multiple employees I could not get a straight answer on what we needed to do, where we needed to go, or how much this trip was going to cost! It was extremely busy so I feel for the staff but ultimately they need to figure out how to streamline the process. I can't imagine how much business they lose because of this. We ended up using our own tubes, parked near the drop in, and floated to the end. Shuttle process was also half-explained to us and one employee even told us "it wouldn't be worth singing up for the shuttle because parking is so backed up"??? We ended up not signing up for their shuttle service because of this but got lucky and were able to hop on with other passengers to get back to our car. Saved a hefty chunk of change and a fat headache by avoiding this business. The river itself was pretty but very slow. Had to use my hands to swim us through a few parts because the current wouldn't carry us. Overall we had a great day and I am grateful we were able to catch a shuttle- would have been more than happy to pay for it as well if I were given that opportunity. read more

Make sure you realize that the river can get very crowded so if you are looking for family friendly just make sure you have a reservation and go early in the day. My family had a nice time read more

Been coming here for decades and Riverside Canoe is one of our Top 10 favorite places on Earth! Kelly and Kyle are amazing souls and have done the business proud after having taken over ownership years ago. The staff is super friendly and always goes out of their way to make sure everyone is safe and equipped. Yummy refreshments available for purchase and the shop has just about everything you could ever need and more. The canoe trip is full of lovely picturesque scenery. Truly there is never a bad time of day to head out. Summertime is super busy but we always manage to slide in. I've debated on writing this review because of how special this place is to us, and honestly I didn't want to have to share lol. It is loved by all around! read more

I would not recommend this place to anyone. So unorganized and over the top with paperwork.. called to make reservation to get there and go. Instead we wait over an hour to even get our tubes in the river. You have to walk a mile with your tubes, cooler and everything else. Not one person at the rental place suggested we buy bug spray so we were eaten alive, the river was filled with seaweed. Worst river trip I've ever taken. read more

We wanted to go kayaking and Riverside was close to our campsite at Platte River campground. I thought the organization could be a bit better. In order to rent your canoe/kayak/tube you had to watch a video, then rent at a small kiosk and then go inside and pay for it. The guys helping to actually load you into the floating device were good though and our kayaks were in good shape. The main attraction, the trip down the river, was a lot of fun. We went on the late afternoon so the river traffic was fairly busy. There were several parties camped out in an area of the river or Loon Lake, drinking and enjoying the water. It made for some interesting people watching and fluctuating company of the other river travelers. The river ends at an outlet at the beach and Lake Michigan. They give you the option to check in the paddles and safety floatations at the beach for $5. I find the extra charge annoying but in practicality worth it. We had only paid for the 2 1/2 hour trip and we barley made it back in time to turn these items in. Next time we plan on the beach check in so we can relax afterwards. I am giving three stars to the organization and the additional fees. The activity itself is 5 stars. read more

We've taken the Platte River 2-hour tube float twice with Riverside Canoe Rental. The last trip was in July 2016. This float starts downstream from a dam and ends just before Lake Michigan. Both times we've been there there have been plenty of cheerful, helpful workers. They also have a 1 hour trip, but it doesn't end at Lake Michigan. There's an informational video to watch that gives all the details about drop off, car shuttle and safety. The staff will write your float document, you pay and leave a deposit (cash is best as they can just hand it back to you when you're done). Then head downstairs for the van driver. Riverside's van pulling a trailer of tubes takes your party, except for your driver, to the end. Your driver takes your vehicle to the one of the parking lots at the end. Park in one of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore lots or along the road WITH your national park permit, or there's one county lot that charges $5. Riverside's van then picks up your driver and takes your party upstream to the start. You'll be offered plastic bags to put your stuff in and cord for tie-up. The plastic bags can be knotted and they're pretty good at keeping your stuff dry. Then it's a short walk along a gravel road from the drop off to the river, WEAR SANDALS for the walk. There are a few wooden stairs on the river's sandy bank, and then you're on the water. The float takes 2 to 3 hours. The river water was warm both times we've gone (July & August). The current is relaxed but steady and will carry you along. The variable is the wind, a tail wind will make the float faster, a head wind will make it slower. On a previous float we had a strong headwind as we reached the end and had to hop off and walk in the river for a short time. The river varies in depth from mere inches to several feet, All along the float we saw people standing in the water, they were usually knee to waist high. There's a stopping point approximately half way, we reached it in 45 minutes. It has a ramp out of the river (it's slippery!!!), a picnic bench and trash cans. At the river's end a worker from Platte River Canoe collects your tube and marks your receipt so you can get the deposit back. You'll have your vehicle right there. There's a changing room and washrooms, but no showers or vending. read more

Riverside Canoe Trips - Floating on the Platte River - Boating Near Me - Honor, Michigan

Did a tube ride from El Dorado to the lake yesterday. Water running very high so it was extremely slow, almost backwards. Mixed reviews on the staff - some were friendly and helpful, but a snot-nosed boy working near the river area actually rolled his eyes when I asked for clarification on the pickup process. For that they only get a mediocre review. Suggest trying somewhere else before this place. read more

If you are looking for a family-friendly outing, or a peaceful time out in nature, avoid this place. It is wall to wall with tubes and kayaks and canoes. People are blasting music, passing out beers and yelling obscenities/using other crude language for the whole family to hear. It's a frat party on the river. We couldn't get off the water fast enough. read more

This place is great. Not only do they rent canoes, kayaks, and floats for you to gently roll down the river, but they sell everything else you could possibly imagine that you might have forgotten for camping. We visited practically every day to pickup firewood, ice, and beer. They have good beer selection too, with choices between hoppy and malty beers. They have a good selection of hoodies and other wearables, however the size that I wanted was out of stock, and I would say that perhaps they need more hoodies for us guys - my fiancé had plenty of selection to choose from. The handful of time that I was in there, the customer service was great, and the people that work there are very friendly and eager to help, even going as far as to check what they have in stock in the basement. We were on vacation so I wouldn't say we cared about the price of things as much, but I also would say that the things they had were reasonably priced. Even the beer was exactly what I would expect for the craft beer I was buying daily for our kayak down the Platte River. You guys need an online store so I can buy the hoodie I wanted! Thanks for everything! read more

So I'm a little heavy but I wanted my kids to experience canoeing down to Lake Michigan as I had done during summers of my youth. I investigated weight limits by canoe, kayak, tubes... I signed us up for the canoe, my kids the double kayak. The young staff were always professional, supportive and helpful. My greatest fear was getting in the canoe. There was one young man sitting on the dock to stabilize it. I was about to ask if I could use his shoulder when s second young man arrived to help as well. It was perfect. I loved them so much for making me so very comfortable and able to share this experience with my children. I will never forget your impact on me as a child or now as an adult. Bless your young, nonjudgmental staff. I hope my children will someday return such kindness as you have to me. I would be so proud ! read more

Riverside Canoe Trips - My kids first trip down the river! Made me so happy! - Boating Near Me - Honor, Michigan

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This is a great canoe/kayak/tube ride down the river-but is the most unorganized, inefficient process I have ever gone through. The registration process should take 5'minutes, especially when you have reservations. It took over an hour from the time we got there until we finally were in the water. Most people on vacation are trying to squeeze as much as they can into their day, wasting an hour at this place is unnecessary and therefore I would not recommend this company to go down the river. In addition, if you are staying in Traverse City are like we were the drive is long too, would recommend a different place that is closer. read more

My husband and I go on Riverside's tubing trip every time we vacation at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Service is excellent, the river is beautiful and we typically see plenty of wildlife. There's no better way to spend a hot summer day then tubing down the Platte River. Make sure you spend some time at Lake Michigan where the Platte River ends. Breath taking beauty awaits where the river meets the lake (inside tip - take the boat channel - you can walk or swim to the secret beach where it meets Lake Michigan - truly one of the most beautiful views ever!) read more

Hidden fees... The river is beautiful and this location is very convenient. However, make sure you compare prices, including the hidden $5 fee to be able to return your paddles at the beach so as to not interrupt your fun at the beach. They only give you 2.5 hours to get the gear back to the shop or pay extra fees. And yes, the default expectation is that you'll put the wet paddles and PFD's in your car to carry them back. There are plenty of other places to rent equipment. The lower section of the Platt river gets 5 stars. This company gets 2. Be sure to go early before the river is clogged with listless people on inner tubes. read more

Nice canoe ride down the Platte River through Sleeping Bear dunes. Easy going trip. The only real effort was a stretch on Loon lake when the wind picked up. You can two in a canoe plus a passenger. Unless you real have someone that only wants to ride the canoes are better for just two. Small seat crammed on the bottom for the third isn't ideal. Beautiful scenery on the ride. Parking at the end requires either a pass for the National Seashore or a $5 charge to use the Township park. Lovely to stay for a swim and time at the beach after the trip down the river. Good idea to pay to have all the equipment picked up. Then you only need to get back to the outfitters to grab your deposit. read more

I might be generous on this star count. While I own my kayak, I'm always with 2-5 people that need to rent. Every year it is a zoo. This yr, even though it wasn't that busy it still seemed entirely too complicated. And though we have done this 4 yrs in a row... I still don't get the process. Stand in a line outside, get a piece of paper. Pay inside. Go outside wait forever for your driver to get back from the shuttle. It adds nearly an hour. Then get your paddles back in time...unless you want to pay $5 per. With the amount of congestion (and this summer construction) it is a hassle. Reviewers are right...with such a convoluted process they need to hire twice the employees for half the efficiency. It is like renewing a driver's license. At least here you get a spectacular view of Lake Michigan at the end...BUT quick and get those paddles back! Owners: contact me and my hubby can write you a software program to improve this! ;) read more

Michael P is exactly right, I have never seen a more disorganized check-in/pay/drive system. I'm renting a tube to float down the river, I shouldn't need a 4 minute video, or a 15 minute car trip or stops at three counters in order to sit in a damn inner tube. Also 18$ a pop is a touch pricey just to rent a tube, it seems like they use the funds to hire every local kid to work there. Seriously, I have never seen this high an employee/customer ratio anywhere, unfortunately it doesnt make the process better, just more unmanageable. That said, you get to sit on an inner tube and drink beer and leisurely float down a pretty river. What more could you as for, to you Riverside Canoe, 4 stars in spite of yourself! read more

I've now gone to N. Michigan for Labor Day twice with a group of 10-12 people - and both times the canoeing here was the highlight of the trip. Not the wine tasting, the canoeing! The process is a little cumbersome, but here is what to expect: - Temporarily park across the street from the main building - Stop at the outdoor counter to fill out your gear request form - Head inside to buy beer, snacks, medical supplies, toys or whatever else your heart desires - Pay for the rental and the deposit inside at the counter - Send one person to move the car to the end of the river where it meets Lake Michigan, then take the shuttle back. You won't likely have to wait very long. - Get your butt into the canoe and river The 2.5 hour rental is adequate time if you want to canoe and make a couple pit stops in shallow/calm locations to enjoy adult beverages. The only real downside for us on this day was that the gate was not open on the river so we had to hop out and carry the canoe on land around the gate using the "portage point". It was only a small pain and took 2 mins. At the end of the river we left our canoe with the shore staff and then walked to Lake Michigan to enjoy the beach and water. It's super easy canoeing - there is a gentle current. Get at it! read more

My new favorite river! Absolutely beautiful! Warm, shallow, clear and clean waters! It's my definition of the perfect lazy river! Bring a $3 dollar tube from meijer and take it down the river! Or bring your own kayak or canoe! It's a blast! We booze cruised this river and couldn't understand why it was so perfect! The ending is well worth it as well! $5 dollar parking wasn't terrible at all. You meet new people and have a great time! read more

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Worth a stop to patronize the only private business still in operation within Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. I live out of state now, but still love to get back every now and then for what are the best river float trips in my experience. The Platte River seems even more crowded now than it did in the '70s, but in many ways just as beautiful and relaxing. read more

My inlaws live on Platt Lake and this is a favorite stop for all the kids and adults, alike. We haven't rafted or canoed, but we frequent the ICE CREAM window here. :) The serving sizes are generous, and the prices of the cones are cheap! Lots of unique flavors to pick from (kids favorite = "Superman Ice Cream"... a rainbow ice cream with lots of color/flavors mixed together). There is a nice fire pit that is stoked every evening in the summer, so you can enjoy your cone by the fire and the river banks. Enjoy! read more

The rental people are pleasant enough. Fact is the river is BORING. The three stars are for the pleasant staff but it left me feeling a little cheated read more

Very unorganized, quick brief instructions on how it all works. Place was overpacked with people, we even saw a couple that had a crying baby on their canoe in the river. Shoulder to shoulder kayaking in some parts. The river is scenic but the beauty was dampened by the hoards of people running into each other. read more

Okay so my girlfriend and I went to riverside canoes and I was waiting next to the counter to rent a kayak... Well needless to say they pretty much seemed to pretend like I didn't exist and it took a manager to get their attention... Also I felt like they were uninterested and didn't care about our service... The whole process of driving to park and having get shuttled back was confusing and unnecessary... Especially since we had to return the paddles OURSELVES... Unless you wanted to pay an extra $5 Also while on the water a little after 5pm supposedly during "quiet time" there were so many parties of people... It actually took a lot of the fun out of the kayak to see everyone smoking and drinking on the river... I know they can't help everything that everyone does especially since there's two other business's that rent on the same river... But it kinda ruined it The guys actually putting us on the river were the only bright spot of the employees... They were friendly and helpful... If only the rest of the staff was the same way... After its all said and done I expected a lot more from this business... But I won't ever go back to them if we want to go kayaking down the platte River read more

We had a great experience here. Brought our own kayaks and joined our 24 friends who rented canoes. We only had to pay $5 for the shuttle ride from the end parking lot. The staff here were very nice and helpful. read more

Riverside Canoe Trips - Boating Near Me - Honor, Michigan

Worst attitude ever! The staff is bossy, rigid, and they offer no customer service at all. Stand in line to give your name, then stand in another line to tell them what you want (canoe, tube, etc), then stand in another line to pay! Meanwhile they are bossing you to get the rest of your party as far away a possible so as to not disrupt their system. Not once did they say "thanks for your business" in fact the owner (?) insinuated that I should be grateful to her because she had to work, while I got to go on the trip (never-mind that the cost was over $50). Ugh - Find another place to rent canoes or kayaks. read more

The first time I went kayaking was at Riverside Canoe Trips, so I always have a soft spot in my heart for this place and always like to work in a trip when I'm vacationing anywhere near the area. I've only ever done the lower Platte, which I find very peaceful, particularly if you can go earlier in the morning before there are a lot of other people on the river and there is still some wildlife out and about. There are no rapids, a gentle current, and beautiful, beautiful scenery all along the river, through Loon Lake, until you hit the beach at Lake Michigan. The kayaks here aren't in bad shape, the prices are reasonable, and it's a great way to spend a few hours if you're looking for some peace and relaxation. read more

Services were poor. It took an hour (exactly one hour according to our receipt) from purchase time to when we arrived at the launch point for our tubing trip. It was confusing for getting around to where we needed to be, and we had to purchase a $10 park pass in order to park our car a half mile from where we arrived. They said they were busy today so the cars were parked far on the side of the road and they ran out of green (enclosed) tubes, but they seemed unorganized and the fact that we waited well over an hour until we got into the water really made us unable to recommend them over other companies in the area. The river is beautiful and it is an enjoyable trip. They did time us, however, which seemed really unnecessary. read more

We actually enjoyed...mostly...our trip. But I am giving Riverside two stars nonetheless. If you are looking to go on their river tube float, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Specifically, watch the 3-minute video on their website. We did not do this -- I can't imagine many people do -- and missed some important details. 1) The river will take more than 2 hours if you are tethered together. It took my group of seven almost three hours to complete. 2) You WILL have to get out of your tube most likely. The river is slow, and we got caught on fallen tree branches and bank-side weeds about a dozen times (not an exaggeration). 3) The plastic bags they give you to put your things in are NOT waterproof. If you accidentally let them hit the water, your stuff will get soaked. 4) No one told us about the 10+ minute walk down a rocky, gravel path to get to the river drop-in. Fine, the online video does mention this. But clearly my party had not seen this, as my 60-year-old father was barefoot. Multiple employees who could have mentioned the walk and recommended he put on flip-flops did not. 5) In general, the employees give you little information on the whole river float process. And when they do, it's a bit confusing...and given in something of a short tone. Maybe we should have done our research more. But I've been on river floats before that were way more enjoyable -- and easygoing. read more

It was pretty confusing and really really busy, I think it would've been easier for a staff member to explain the instructions, rather than a video. But the staff was beyond generous and nice and every single one of them had a smile on their face. Once we got to the water after the long walk it was enjoyable. read more

I've used probably a dozen canoe rental outfits, and this is the most convoluted I've ever seen It took over an hour and a half to get my butt in a canoe, with two impatient kids. Step 1) go to registration desk. Get told I have to wait to watch an informational video 2) watch the tubing video twice, go back to the registration desk to ask why it's been 15 minutes instead of 5 minutes for the canoe video. Finally watch the canoe video. 3) Go back to registration desk. Ask lots of questions because I couldn't hear the stupid canoe video anyway because my kids are cranky because they've been waiting 30 minutes instead of getting into a canoe. Get told it's $60 for a lower Platte Rental, plus extra for this and that and $20 for a deposit on gear, and that if it takes longer than 2 1/2 hours they're going to charge extra (it took 3 hours, and we weren't exactly lollygagging, but they didn't charge extra.). Get some sort of rental agreement sheet I then had to take inside to a cash register to actually pay 4) Inside to stand in a different line to actually pay. Two separate transactions for the rental and the deposit. 5) Carry all my stuff back to the car (water, lunch, etc), and drive to the parking lot at the lake 6) Wait for a shuttle bus to take me back upriver 7) Hand my rental sheet to a person who gets me an actual canoe, and charges me extra money to get a third paddle because I've got an adult and two kids. 8) Canoe. The first half is pretty, quiet river, decent number of people, but not too bad. We paddled out into the middle of the lake, which probably did add about 10 minutes to the trip. But after that, it was just dodging the people tubing. In a canoe. It was pretty obnoxious. 9) I was actually glad to get to the end and turn in my canoe. Landed it, some dude made me pull my rental agreement out and marked it. 10) After all that, I had to go BACK to the building to get my deposit back. I'd probably go on that river again, but I'd go to one of the other outfits instead. I chatted with someone who left this place and used the Trading Post and had a good experience. read more