Our tubing on the Muskegon River through Wisner's ended badly. I am giving two stars to encourage the owners/managers/staff to be more forthcoming about the extremely hazard conditions presented at the end of the float. After our fun, relaxing trip my grandson, and I saw what we had been told to watch for when it's time to disembark. What wasn't communicated was that you will have ZERO way to steer or maneuver your tubes LEFT toward the boat launch / pickup point. * as an older woman - never floated before, I and my grandson were put in a dangerous situation when the SUPER STRONG CURRENT took us past the point where we were told to get out. The shallow, gentle river ends right where you need to be able to control or "drive the tube" to the left riverbank. We were in the middle attempting to go left when the crazy fast current grabbed our tubes and shot us out to the rough, deep water. If it hadn't been for some very brave and kind river visitors, our day might have ended very differently. One person attempted to swim to us and couldn't make it again, due to the current being so strong. I had to make the decision to jump out of my tube, hoisting one arm around it, swim while pulling the three tubes containing our cooler in one, my young grandson in the other toward the rocky shore past the exit point. Swimming against that river current released adrenaline you read about - when people lift cars off people! There is ZERO way I am strong enough or a good enough swimmer to do what I did. Two women in kayaks (angels really ) rowed to us. If they had not been there.... Right when they were I'm afraid to think what might have happened. One of them allowed me to lean on their kayak to rest. We finally were able to exit the river on someone's private property and walk back to the pickup vehicle. While one of them hauled our tubes back to the launch with their kayak. Please know that the exit point is treacherous on the 2.5 hour float. If you are not experienced, if you are not a strong swimmer - BRING A PADDLE - so you have some control of the tube when you need it. I MAY NEVER FLOAT AGAIN. but if I do, I now know the questions to ask and what to bring with me. The lady at the desk and the young man who picked us up were both very friendly. While she did impart the importance of where we needed exit the river, a stern warning to FIRST TIMERS, or older folks about the danger that lies ahead and a complete inability to "steer left" is absolutely warranted! Please be safe out there! * in response to the owners response; it absolutely has happened before. The three women who assisted us told me "always bring a paddle when tubing or, rent a kayak, so you have some control". Quite possible it has never happened to a writer before. I write - so an honest review to help others be safe felt necessary. read more

As always, the owner, staff, equipment, and experience are all amazing! They do a great job outlining the trip and how to navigate the river. Of course, a level of awareness is to be owned by yourself while in nature as well. Will be back time and time again. The river as brought to you by Wisner Rents Canoes is unmatched and never gets old read more

Wisner Rents Canoes - River trip! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Newaygo, Michigan

I really enjoyed my experience with Wisner Rents Canoes recently. We had a large group and did the Pine to Newaygo 13 mile trip with canoes and kayaks. I can't speak to the reservation process, as we had a friend who handled that, but the experience from check in to the end was great. I browsed the website beforehand and appreciated the super detailed and helpful FAQ and information. I'd never kayaked or canoed on a river before, so I didn't really know what to expect, but it was a lot of fun. You can bring food and drinks for your trip, and they sell water, ice, and small snacks. You can also buy water shoes (helpful for tubing) and koozies that you can hang around your neck (which would have been useful for kayaking). Once we were all checked in, we loaded up in the bus and they drove us to the starting point where our kayaks and canoes were waiting. The trip was mostly leisurely (a tandem kayak experience may be a test of some relationships, haha) and we saw tons of wildlife: green herons, great blue herons, turtles, and three bald eagles! It wasn't too busy or crowded on the river, which was nice. It was $66 for the double kayak rental, which includes paddles, life jackets/cushions, and transportation to the entry point. You can also bring your own kayak or canoe and they'll transport it for a charge. Fishing boats, tubes, and rafts are also available to rent. A fun summer activity! read more

See all

Always a great time with wisner! They always take great care of our groups. The equipment is in good shape. The food is good that they provide and we will use them again read more

I've been going through Wisner's my whole life. Literally. I wouldn't even think about going through anyone else, and I promise that you wouldn't want to either. The Muskegon River is always going to hold a huge place in my heart and that is due to being able to use the service that Wisner has always provided to me. Their employees are friendly, pleasant, and it always seems like their goal is to make their customer's day. They surely make mine THANK YOU WISNERS!!!! read more

See all

Everything is very rustic! The people were nice, driver very careful. The trip down the river was fun. Saw many fish and turtles, even an Eagle. read more

SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: N/A DRINK QUALITY: N/A ORDER TIME: N/A AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: N/A MENU SELECTION: N/A OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 5 Summer fun on the River! River adventure worth every dollar. Went with a fabulous group of 6. We rented 6 tubes, cooler tube, and cooler. We brought all our own food and drinks. The parking was a little crazy because the main road was closed down, but once we got to the parking lot there was a ton of parking. This is clearly a popular event that sells out months in advance, and when we arrived there were at least a 100 people there. We chose the 6 mile adventure, and we were shuttled up the River for the start of fun in sun. The shuttle driver was very young, but very polite and fun. The River isn't too wild and the ride was very relaxing. Definitely something we will consider doing in the future. Lessons learned: consider getting a paddle even if you are using tubes. Wear water shoes or water hiking shoes and not sandals. Bring a trash bag large enough for your trash and others. A lot of people clearly have zero concern for the environment so it falls on others to clean up after the lazy and inconsiderate. Grab a tube with longer ropes or bring your own rope. read more

Wisner Rents Canoes - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Newaygo, Michigan

We had a great day on the river! 5 of us tubing on the 4 hour trip and of course 5/6 hours later we finished up! Fantastic day!

Did the thorn apple to newaygo tube float on a Saturday in midsummer with a party of 6. We each rented a tube and a cooler tube to share. The river is beautiful and a calm float, a good time was had by all. I think there could be just a few more questions answered in the FAQ like making it clear you take the bus first, or explaining it might be helpful to have a paddle. I will give them credit, it took us exactly the estimated amount of time to float the journey. It's really affordable! Despite the parking map, parking was kind of confusing. The check in process was pretty smooth overall. Would recommend and use again. read more

Outstanding time! Great staff! Highly recommend. Pick up was right on time and easy to find. Pick Wisner for your next river adventure.

Had a great time as per usual. This last trip there there was a mishap with personal kayaks but it was straightened out by the owner for our next trip. Needless to say the customer service is fantastic. The route is peaceful and can go at your own pace. read more

We go tubing every year, and we let Wisner handle the accommodations! We've never had an issue with parking or payments or anything! Only fun times are ever had while tubing down the Muskegon River!! We can't wait to see you this weekend WISNER!!! read more

We just had an awful experience parking at Wisner. They have inadequate parking and inadequate signage. Our cars weren't just ticketed they were impounded! I could understand a $20 parking ticket but this is ridiculous. It almost seems like collusion. And the impound lot is in another city 10 miles away. We discovered this after getting off the river and the impound lot was closed! We are an hour from home and stranded and no one cares! Is this a scam? Are the neighbors in cahoots with he towing company? The city of Newaygo should be ashamed! People come from all over to do business in your town and fall prey to these predatory tactics. read more

Great time on a great river. Had some difficulty getting off the river. River was deep at that spot and current was strong but overall it was a great time. Staff was friendly. Changing hut was disgusting. read more

friendly and helpful employees that always make that extra effort so you can have the best experience with your friends and family

I've tubed the rifle, au sable, and Muskegon and this was hands down the best trip. It was an awesome slow moving river. It was a good depth as well, and I didn't run into the butt scraping rocks like I have on the other rivers. The prices were right. We did have to wait a little bit for the shuttle which was a bummer. I wish we were informed of this prior to booking so we could've timed it better. Bunch of younger kids working. No issues with equipment. They took us to the drop off and it was an amazing 4 to 6 hr trip down river. I love how there was no guessing game on where to get out! You see a bridge, get out. At other liveries it wasn't so clear cut. In closing, I can't wait to go back. It was exactly what you'd want from a tubing trip. read more

Went with 20+ friends kayaking and tubing. Stayed in the paddle shack, had one of the best 2 nights and 3 days of my life. Great rates, even better time. It's cheaper during the weekdays and you get a discounted rate for groups. The paddle shack was stocked with essentials, had lots of towels. Room for 16 of us to sleep comfortably. We had everything we needed. Definitely should head out there! read more

Trent is awesome! Great driver, even better time! wisner is the place to go when you want a seamless experience and a good time to tube. superior to every other establishment in the area by a landslide!!!! I love this place, so much fun! read more

We loved, loved, loved our river adventure with Wisners. The check in process was smooth and efficient and $38 for a three-man raft was a great buy. Our trip down the river was 3 hours of laughs, relaxation, and nature/people watching. (Did you know Newaygo is the nipple piercing capital of the US? In our unscientific study, it is estimated 1 in 3 men are studded.) It is a MUST for western MI visits and adventures. Next time, we will have to stay in one of Wisner's waterfront cabins. We had eight adults, aged 19 to 50ish and we all had a blast. read more

Nice place it seemed kind of unorganized but it was a busy summer day. You get life vests for safety, when I got my canoe a bunch of drunk men helped push my boat into the river, he fell face first into the water. One the way down the river there was a house with a man launching water balloons at people. He had good aim too, he was aiming at folks in the tubes. I got really sun burnt so protect yourself, it does take a while and my 7 year old was getting restless about 1.5 hours into it. The river was smooth and there were no rapids or large rocks to avoid. The water didnt seem super deep, you could see the bottom of the river. read more

Can't really say much, but this is a great place to rent stuff for rides down the Muskegon River! Nice staff and fair prices!

Fantastic service. good pricing. great directions. friendly people. gorgeous trip on the river. felt safe the entire time. We had a fantastic day! read more

We had a wonderful time and one of our tubes popped probably on the trailor on the way there so do beware. But they promptly brought us a new one read more

We did the 2 hour tube trip which was 1 hour too long. It's a REALLY slow river which is fine but got a bit dull. Still, that would've been fine if we hadn't waited 30 mins for pick up. They said their first pick up was at 2. A family that was getting picked up in their canoe by the mom said it was 1:58pm. Perfect! We'd only wait 2 or maybe max 10 mins, right? Wrong. We waited for 30 mins and I started thinking they had forgotten about us. It didn't make me feel very reassured. Bottom line: maybe do another company and consider a shorter trip. read more

Awful experience. I will never come here again. Parking is a joke, all three of our vehicles were impounded - this seems to happen a lot... this business should care about their customers, but they don't. A casual "oh Jerry's towing took them" (to a city 10 miles away) Wisner please warn and care about your customers!!! It cost us over $600.00! Do not go here - EVER, Michigan has rivers all over! read more

Greatest place to go for the full river experience! They do a great job and we have had a blast every year we have gone through them.

Not enough parking on the weekends, I parked on the side of the street, no clear signs posted for no parking. Wisner called the police and had mine and 7 other vehicles impounded! Also, the tubing trip we went on was advertised as family friendly on line, and it was not! Many people were drinking alcohol. read more

Was just out there this past weekend with a group of 14 and it was a BLAST! Super professional - made reservations early, as I know this is the busy season and so glad we did. Others were not so lucky on a hot day~! Even got a confirmation call two days before to check group size and times. Got there, got great directions and they had our tubes all ready for us to enjoy. A really inexpensive, fun way to hang out and enjoy a gorgeous Michigan day! read more

If I could give a half star or less, I would. The river was gorgeous but given the opportunity to experience it again, we would look for a different company or make other arrangements with two cars. We were given no instructions as to where to get off the river but it seemed that it would be fairly obvious where to get off. There was not a single marker for the Wisner pick up area. It was a camper at Salmon Run Campground that told us we had passed the spot and suggested we get out. A campground staff member took us back to the pick up location and informed us that Wisner is routinely irregular on their pickups. They tell you every hour, last pick up at 7 pm, but folks have been known to wait 90 minutes. We arrived at the pick up location at 6:45 pm. After waiting an hour, one of our party hitched a ride back to Wisners. The kind driver who gave our friend a lift asked "which company?" When we replied Wisner, he rolled and his eyes and said "of course. This is typical." At 8:10 pm, a driver from Wisner arrived and said that they hadn't logged us in so no one knew to pick us up. No apology just a lame and frankly, horrifying response. This company should lose their insurance policy with such irresponsible and blatantly poor management. read more