It’s a hot summer day in Northern Michigan. You can already feel the heat hit you the second you walk out the door, and you know there’s only one place you want to be: floating on the water. Or better yet, experiencing a classic Northern Michigan summer activity, Platte River tubing inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
So call your friends, grab your gear, and hit the road! Because the earlier you get to the river, the quieter it will be. But before you head out, here are the 5 mistakes to avoid when tubing the Platte River to ensure your trip is nothing short of amazing. Grab your iced coffee, lather up your sunscreen, and follow along!
Mistake 1: Not wearing proper footwear
Do I need water shoes for tubing the Platte River?
Yes, absolutely! But don’t make the number one mistake when tubing—wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops might be an easy option to throw on as you head out the door, but as easily as they slip on, they slip off even quicker. If you aren’t wearing waterproof shoes that are securely strapped to your feet, there’s a high probability they’ll go overboard. And trust us, they’ll beat you down the river because floating sandals happen to be surprisingly speedy!
But it’s not just about what happens in the water. Protective footwear is a game-changer for the walking portions of your tubing trip, too. Whether you’re navigating the gravel paths at the launch on our popular 2-hour Weir to Lake Michigan trip or making the scenic trek back through the woods after the 1-hour Loon & Walk float, the last thing you want is to be walking barefoot while carrying your tube.
That’s why secure water shoes or strapped sandals are highly recommended for all of our Riverside tubing trips. Stick to proper footwear so only you get lost in the beauty of the Platte River, not your shoes.
Not sure which river trip is right for you? Read our guide to Platte River rentals to plan the perfect day for your family.
Mistake 2: Leaving your gear unsecured or unprotected from water
What should I bring tubing on the Platte River, and how do I keep it safe?
While tipping over on the Lower Platte River is rare, you should never say never on the water. We all bring along essentials that must stay dry, like phones, car keys, and wallets, so keeping them protected is a non-negotiable.
Instead of risking a leaky plastic bag, stop into our shop to check out our selection of waterproof gear storage. Our most popular options include small, clear dry bags designed specifically to keep valuables safe. For your phone, we carry waterproof cases that go around your neck, so you can take photos without the worry. Or, grab one of our floating, water-tight boxes that will keep your valuables dry, even if they go overboard.
On the topic of keeping things secure, your refreshments need some protection too! If you’re spending an afternoon on the water, especially on the longer Lower Platte tubing trip, you’re going to want plenty of cold drinks and snacks for the crew. You can keep everything ice-cold, fresh, and above water with one of our floating coolers available for rent. These float right alongside your tube. Just make sure your cooler and dry bags are properly tied down to your tube so your lunch and gear don’t float away without you! If you need any of these river essentials, just pop into our newly renovated store along M-22 before your launch.
If you’re still packing for your river trip, check out our tubing list here so you don’t miss a thing!
Mistake 3: Misjudging Your Time on the Water
How long does it take to tube the Platte River?
When it comes to Platte River tubing, we offer two distinct routes depending on your schedule. First is the 1-hour float called the Loon and Walk. This is perfect if you are short on time, have younger kids, or are fighting a windy day, as this stretch of the river is well-protected by the trees. Then there is the popular Weir to Lake Michigan trip, which typically takes about 2 hours to complete.
What is Unlimited Time, and why would we need it?
While we typically allow 2.5 hours to complete the Weir to Lake Michigan trip, we also offer an Unlimited Time option for a small fee. This allows you to keep your equipment all day so you can pull your tubes up at the mouth of the river—known as Platte River Point—where the river empties into Lake Michigan. From there, you can hang out on the beautiful Lake Michigan beach for as long as you want! It’s well worth planning ahead to make the most out of your day. Be sure to ask about our Unlimited Time option when you book your tubing trip.
For either route, you will need a National Park Pass since we are located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can easily purchase your pass right here at our Riverside storefront before you launch. Just be mindful of your group’s timing and the shuttle schedules to avoid any unnecessary delays. For a full breakdown, you can always check out our “What to Expect” videos here.
Planning your trip during peak summer weekends or holidays? Check out our tips for a busy river trip to help you navigate the crowds like a pro.
Mistake 4: Skipping basic safety precautions
Do kids need life jackets for tubing the Platte River?
Yes. If you are tubing with children under the age of 8, they are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while on the water. We provide these life jackets with all of your rentals.
Safety means having the right fit for everyone. Before you leave our shop to head to your launch point, our team will help your entire group get properly fitted for your specific equipment and vests. A Platte River tubing trip is meant to be relaxing. If you have any questions about navigation, rules, or river depth, always ask our friendly staff!
Mistake 5: Forgetting Sun Protection
How do I protect myself from the sun while tubing?
You might be excited to get your tan on, but the water’s reflection doubles the intensity of the sun. Don’t let a cloudy day fool you, either! A fun day on the water shouldn’t end in an avoidable sunburn. If you realize you forgot your sun protection at home, Riverside has you covered. Our on-site store is fully stocked with high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats of all styles. Plus, just about anything else you might have left behind. We make sure that forgetting the basics never stands in the way of a perfect day on the river!
Time to Hit the River!
There you have it: 5 easily avoidable mistakes for a perfect day of Platte River tubing. We have been helping families navigate these beautiful waters for over 50 years, and we are here to help you make your next tubing trip the best one yet.
Grab some secure footwear, protect your valuables, and check out our “What to Expect” videos ahead of time. Once you follow basic safety precautions and pack your sun protection, you are officially ready to head toward the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! And if you happen to forget any essentials at home, our store is fully stocked with everything you need for your day on the Lower Platte River.
So finish up that coffee, round up your friends, and come see us at Riverside, on M22 in beautiful Benzie County. After all, there is no better way to beat the heat of a hot Northern Michigan summer day than a relaxing float down the river. See you soon!
