Our Trips
Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube or raft. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes. Call today to reserve your trip for this coming spring, summer, and fall season. We open May 1 through Mid-October. You'll find clear water, sandy beaches and a new adventure at each bend. Stop for a while. Plan a picnic. Make a day of it.
Reservations & Cancellations
To avoid complications and disappointment, reservations are recommended. Cancellations must be made with at least 3 full days notice to be eligible for refunds and group cancellations must be made with 11 full days notice. Call us at 231-325-5622.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Pass Required For Lower Platte Trips.
We do sell these on premise.
Lower Platte Trips
Our Lower Platte trips travel down a friendly river with a gentle current -- ideal for the whole family! The average river depth is 2-3 feet, flows through a small lake (Loon Lake) and eventually ends at Lake Michigan where you'll find beautiful SUGAR SAND BEACHES and amazing scenery. For safety reasons, we recommend you stay along the shoreline, and avoid swimming in Loon Lake as it is deep in the middle. The normal canoe trip takes 2 hours total and includes your rental items, personal floatation devices and shuttle service.
We offer multiple services in relation to beach equipment pick-up, additional rental items, and additional time on the river. If these interest you, please inquire when you register at Riverside or call. We’re more than happy to answer any questions.
Canoe Trips
Starting at $43
Tube Trips (1 & 2 hour)
Starting at $9 for 1 hour trip or $16 for 2 hour tripLoon and Walk (1 Hour): This is our short tubing trip taking just the right amount of time to get wet and refreshed!
Weir to Lake Michigan (2 Hour): A 2-hour gentle float downstream to a beautiful Lake Michigan Beach. A super way to beat the summer heat!
Kayak & Paddle Board Trips
Starting at $32
Raft Trips
Starting at $116Interested in Canoeing, Kayaking, or taking a Raft down the Platte River?
Watch this quick introduction to get yourself familiar with how we work.Interested in taking a 1 or 2 hour tube trip?
Watch this quick instructional video to get yourself familiar and ready for the water.Pet Policy: Pets are welcome in our canoes and kayaks. Pets are not allowed in tubes or rafts that can be damaged by claws. We ask that we not transport pets in our shuttle. At the end of your trip, your pet needs to be leashed and taken directly to your car. They cannot be in the beach or Township Park areas. Please call to see how you might bring your "friend or family member" with you. The National Park has restrictions on having pets in certain areas. Refer to the National Park Service website for information on acceptable locations and policies for your pet. Learn More
Upper Platte Trips
Looking for something faster and more exciting? The Upper Platte trip is not white water, but close to it! This stretch of river is clean, spring-fed and boasts a faster current with an average depth of 2–3 feet. A good part of this trip features narrow, quick turns and overhanging branches. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours and is for those high-spirited, more experienced boaters eager for a new challenge.
Note: There is a 50% tip over rate on our Upper Platte trips, so plan on getting wet. We do have age restrictions. Please call for details.
Canoe Trips
Starting at $54Kayak Trips
Starting at $45Other Trips
Quiet Time On the River
To enjoy a more peaceful trip on the "Lower Platte" during July & early August, plan to come to Riverside before 10:00 A.M. or after 3:30 P.M. A beautiful and quiet time to canoe the river is just after we open in the morning or after 4:00 P.M. to enjoy beautiful sunsets. If you canoe or tube the "Lower Platte" between 10:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., expect to see a number of other people on the river
Lake Michigan Sunset
For groups of 20 or more, we will supply a bundle of wood for a bonfire on the beach. Don't forget to bring your hot dogs and marshmallows for roasting! This is a great way to spend an evening for a group of friends, family reunions, bridal or bachelor parties or company outings!
Wildlife River Trips
Capture the beauty the river has to offer on camera. Nature photographers will find early morning and evening the best times to see wildlife in their natural habit. You may encounter deer, muskrat, beaver, turtles, raccoon, wild turkey, geese, swans, ducks, herons, hawks, eagles and more! Yes, Riverside does carry film and disposable cameras.
Fall Canoeing Favorites
Come canoeing and experience the colorful, fall foliage and witness the fascinating upstream migration of salmon in the Platte River. The salmon usually begin their "run" upstream during the week of September 15th and continue until mid-October. It is an experience of a lifetime. This is a quieter time on the river as the schools and universities are back in session. Many agree that this is the best time of the year. Call for details.
Other Options
Motorboats - Lower Platte Only
Rowboats - Lower Platte Only
Car Placement for Private Canoes/Kayaks - Upper and Lower Platte
If you have your own private craft, we do offer car shuttling and loose equipment rental. If you have any special needs or special requirements, do not hesitate to call. We will always do our best to accommodate any and all.
