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    Riverside Canoe Trips

    3.1 (62 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Floating on the Platte River
    Art C.

    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.

    My kids first trip down the river!  Made me so happy!

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    1 year ago

    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.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Riverside Canoe Trips

    Review Highlights - Riverside Canoe Trips

    After kayaking down Platte River, Riverside Canoe Trips was a great spot to pick up some souvenirs and sweet treats!

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Tipsy Canoe Rental & Brew

    Tipsy Canoe Rental & Brew

    4.3
    (4 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    We drove past the Tiki bar this weekend on our way to a brewery and I made my boyfriend turn around…read moreand stop there. A cute tiki bar on the river with live music, fire pit and margarita slushies sounded like the perfect place to be. We sat down at the bar and weren't greeted for at least 15 minutes. There were probably 10-13 other patrons around so we gave some grace even though we prefer a "Hey I'll be with you shortly" or whatever else. One lady came over to us looking grumpy and said (referring to the other woman behind the bar) "she isn't a bartender so if you think she's ignoring you, she's not). We said okay thanks, no worries. another 10 minutes goes by while we watch the "non-bartender" pour quite a few beers for people who arrived after us. Very confusing and a bit upsetting that we had now been sitting for almost half an hour without even getting our drinks placed. As soon as we agreed to leave, the grumpy woman asked for our orders with a scowl on her face. During our order, the non-bartender asked her a question about a beer being on draft vs the bottle. The lady answered her, rolled her eyes and said "what else" to us with attitude. We were so uncomfortable and felt lied to. My excitement about this place quickly went down. I would rate one star, but the place could be so great with better employees/better system. Google reviews showed multiple reviews about the same grumpy woman. Unless she is the owner, maybe it's time to find someone else...

    Love the atmosphere! Wish it would of stayed open longer this season…read more Love it when they have live music

    Photos
    Tipsy Canoe Rental & Brew
    Tipsy Canoe Rental & Brew
    Kayak trees

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    Kayak trees
    The Dempsey Manor

    The Dempsey Manor

    5.0
    (5 reviews)
    33.9 mi

    Stop what you're doing and book a stay at the Dempsey Manor. It's an old Victorian home that has…read morepassed hands a few times, and currently is a bed-and-breakfast, one of the most charming and cute that I've ever seen. Stayed here for one night during a Northwest Michigan nature getaway. Jan and Jim are both super hip kind folks that gladly take care of your every need or want. Jan was very accommodating with my vegan lifestyle and made me a delicious breakfast. The rooms are all decorated different, with lots of original and traditional Victorian decor. Lots of opportunity to learn about the history of the home, the prior owners, and the town. Plenty of literature. The sunroom is fantastic! There's really so much to say, but I'll leave it at-trust this five star review and book your stay here, ASAP!

    I didn't get to stay here yet because I did t make a reservation early enough, but I still got to…read morego in for a tour. For a fifteen dollar donation I got to enjoy two hours of Jim's hospitality, meeting the cats and the talkative parrot Josefina - Jose for short. The collections are really impressive, the architecture is both stunning and cozy. I wish I could hang out with Jim and Jan for the whole weekend just learning about them, the house and the collections. I learned a lot!

    Photos
    From the balustrade looking down into the foyer
    From the balustrade looking down into the foyer
    Foyer with the largest of the home's fireplaces. Jose on his perch chattering away.
    Foyer with the largest of the home's fireplaces. Jose on his perch chattering away.
    The Sun Room-so charming and cozy!

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    The Sun Room-so charming and cozy!

    Riverside Canoe Trips - boating - Updated August 2026

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