cover image: Plainwell Kayak Company
Ready for Some Kayaking in Kalamazoo?
As the temperatures begin to soar in Southwest Michigan, many of us are looking forward to hitting the local beaches.
With over 80 lakes and multiple rivers in Kalamazoo County alone, this region boasts plenty of options for spending time on the water.
But water is not only for swimming. Whether you’re an expert watercraft user or a rookie, canoeing or kayaking in Kalamazoo is a fun, local option for water-loving families to try this summer.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, we offer options for river tubing.
Grab Your Oars, Southwest Michigan
We’ve assembled a list of area lakes or rivers that are perfect for all water sports enthusiasts. Rental locations offer a variety of canoes, kayaks, tubes and other equipment needed for your adventure.
Make the summer extra memorable by taking advantage of Kalamazoo’s best paddling water fun. Use our map to plan your trip!
In this article
Watercraft Rental FAQs
Before you embark on your next river or lake adventure, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions to get you started. Be sure to call the watercraft rental company before leaving.
What questions should I ask the watercraft rental company?
“How do I reserve my watercraft?” Some have online forms, but many do not—and most do not prefer walk-ins. Call ahead and confirm watercraft availability.
“What types of payment do you accept?” Many of these locations are small businesses and may not accept credit cards.
“Do you provide life jackets?” Most companies include safety equipment with all of their rentals; we recommend verifying their gear and sizes available (especially for kids).
“What is your weather/cancellation policy?” Policies on weather vary by rental provider. Some will issue refunds and others may allow you to reschedule.
What should I pack when kayaking or canoeing?
Sun and Bug Protection: Most rivers and lakes don’t offer much shade. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun. Since water attracts mosquitos and other insects, pack bug spray, too.
Watertight Bag: Protect your phone and any other valuables that you need to bring with you.
Change of Clothes & Towels: You can leave them in the car or store them in the rental facility’s lockers.
Food and Drinks: Check with the rental company, but many allow a small cooler in your watercraft. Also, eat before you depart: 3-4 hours of paddling will work up an appetite!
20+ SWMI Lakes & Rivers for Canoeing & Kayaking
Ready to go kayaking or canoeing in Southwest Michigan? Read on for lakes and rivers for local options to get in the water:
Lakes & Rivers Near Kalamazoo
| 1 – Dowagiac River – Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rentals 52963 M 51 North, Dowagiac, MI 49047 269-782-7410 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes and kayaks Time Paddling: 2 to 6-hour trips available |
| 2 – Eagle Lake – Simple Adventures 5163 Fort Custer Dr, Augusta, MI 49012 1-844-WE-KAYAK Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards. Online reservations available. |
| 3 – Kalamazoo River – Mainstream Tackle and Outdoors 180 W Michigan, Galesburg, MI 49053 269-665-5076 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks, canoes, tubes, and cooler tubes Time Paddling: 2-hour to half-day rentals available. Kayaks can also be rented for 24 hours, a weekend, or weekly. |
| 4 – Gun Lake – Gun Lake Rentals 2422 Patterson Rd, Shelbyville, MI 49344 269-672-2500 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and pontoon boats. Online reservations are available. |
| 5 – Kalamazoo River / Rupert Lake – Plainwell Kayak Company 211 N Main St, Plainwell, MI 49080 269-365-2926 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks. Transportation services are also available for those who bring their kayaks or canoes. Time Paddling: 1 to 3-hour trips available. Lake kayaking is also available (variable duration). Reservations encouraged, online or by phone. |
| 6 – Long Lake – Ramona Park Beach 8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002 269-329-4522 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards |
| 7 – Kalamazoo River – Verburg Park (Kzoo Parks) 669 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-337-8000 Watercraft Rentals: kayaks A new kayak rental kiosk was added to Verburg Park in 2024. Scan the QR code and pay for your rental (two hours or longer). Each kayak includes a life jacket and a paddle. |
| 8 – Maple Lake – Paw Paw Kayak Rental Sunset Park, Paw Paw, MI 49079 269-206-9566 Watercraft Rentals: kayaks and paddleboards Order online and select your time for pickup; Paw Paw Kayak Rental serves as your distribution site. Maple Lake also offers a sandy, swimming beach for before or after kayaking. |
| 9 – Paw Paw River – Coloma Watervliet Kayak Rental 650 N Main St, Watervliet, MI 49098 269-759-8961 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks and tubes. Tandem kayaks are available upon request. Time Paddling: 1.5 – 4.5 hour trips available. Select your rental time online and Coloma Watervliet Kayak Rental will meet you at the river with your watercraft rental. |
| 10 – St. Joseph River – En Gedi Campground River Resort and Canoe Livery 30321 Covey Rd, Leonidas, MI 49066 269-689-7490 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and tubes. Transportation services are also available for those who bring their own kayaks or canoes. Time Paddling: 1 to 4-hour trips available. Geocaching trips also available. |
| 11 – Thornapple River – U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery 805 W Apple St, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3191 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, inflatable kayaks and tubes. Transportation services are available for those who bring their watercraft. Time Paddling: 3 to 6-hour trips available. |
| 12 – Three Rivers – Liquid Therapy Canoe and Kayak Rental 221 S Main St, Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-273-9000 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes and kayaks Paddling Locations: St. Joseph River, Portage River, Rocky River, Prairie River, area lakes upon request. All trips begin at the Main Street location. |
Worth the Drive (or Paddle): 1 Hour + Away
| 13 – Chippewa River – Chippewa River Outfitters 3763 S Lincoln Rd, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-772-5474 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and tubes Time Paddling: 2 – 5-hour trips available. Overnight camping trips are also offered. |
| 14 – Grand River / Red Cedar River – River Town Adventures 305 City Market Dr, Lansing, MI 48912 517-253-7523 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes and kayaks Time Paddling: 1 – 5 hour trips available. Downtown paddling is also available (variable duration). Advanced reservations are required. |
| Third Coast Paddling (Five Locations) 15 – Galien River: 200 Marquette Dr, New Buffalo, MI 49117 16 – Paw Paw River: 601 Graham Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 17 – Silver Beach: 101 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085 18 – Wade’s Bayou: 26 Bayou Dr, Douglas, MI 49406 19 – Warren Dunes: 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks and paddleboards. Reservations are highly recommended. |
| 20 – White River – Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery 401 E Fruitvale Rd, Montague, MI 49437 231-894-4209 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts. Transportation services are also available for those who bring their kayaks or canoes. Time Paddling: 1 – 3.5-hour trips available. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. |
| 21 – Lower Kalamazoo River – WaterTrail Ventures Kayak Rental 3200 57th St, Fennville, MI 49408 269-547-1884 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks Time Paddling: 2 hours – full day. Daily and weekend rentals available. 24-hour advanced reservations required. |
Warm Weather Tubing in Michigan
Looking for a round watercraft instead? We’ve found six spots where you can go tubing in Michigan for the summer season:
| 1 – Chippewa River – Chippewa River Outfitters 3763 S Lincoln Rd, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989-772-5474 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and tubes Time Tubing: 3-hour trips available. |
| 2 – St. Joseph River – En Gedi Campground River Resort and Canoe Livery 30321 Covey Rd, Leonidas, MI 49066 269-689-7490 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and tubes. Transportation services are available for those who bring their kayaks or canoes. Time Tubing: 2 to 3-hour trips available. |
| 3 – Thornapple River – U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery 805 W Apple St, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3191 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks and tubes Time Tubing: 3-hour trips available. |
| 4 – White River – Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery 401 E Fruitvale Rd, Montague, MI 49437 231-894-4209 Watercraft Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts. Transportation services are available for those who bring their kayaks or canoes. Time Tubing: 2.5-hour trips available. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. |
| 5 – Kalamazoo River – Mainstream Tackle and Outdoors 180 W Michigan, Galesburg, MI 49053 269-665-5076 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks, canoes, tubes, and cooler tubes |
| 6 – Paw Paw River – Coloma Watervliet Kayak Rental 650 N Main St, Watervliet, MI 49098 269-759-8961 Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks and tubes. Tandem kayaks are available upon request. Time Tubing: 3-hour trips available. Select your rental time online, and Coloma Watervliet Kayak Rental will meet you at the river with your watercraft rental. |
Kayaking, Canoeing & Tubing Map
find places to go kayaking near me
More Summer Fun
