5 Picturesque Rivers In Michigan That Are Perfect For Tubing During Summertime
Summer in Michigan is truly fun and exciting. There are lots of outdoor activities anyone can do in The Great Lakes States and one of the most popular is river tubing.
With over 36,000 miles of rivers, river tubing in Michigan has become one of the most favorite summertime activities by the locals and tourists. River tubing allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the warm weather while floating above the cold water. This kind of experience can certainly take your stress away while giving you one of the most memorable summertime moments you won’t ever forget.
If you wanted to try river tubing in Michigan, below are some of the best locations that you should check out. They all offer nothing but the best river tubing experience that you will surely love.
Platte River
The Platte River is located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Its mouth is located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and much of the rest is in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Cool off with a relaxing float on a tube or raft down the Platte River on a hot summer day. The river is shallow and clear, and while it moves along at a good pace, there are no rapids to contend with. You will see a multitude of different wildflowers and birds on your trip, so pay careful attention to the shoreline. Source.
Thornapple River
The Thornapple River is an 88.1-mile-long (141.8 km) tributary of Michigan’s longest river, the Grand River. Originally used for fur trading, and the lumber and milling industries, this river is now primarily a recreational wonderland. It offers calm waters and good fishing along its length. This river also features a historic covered bridge in Ada near the mouth of the river. Source.
Chippewa River
The Chippewa River is a stream in Michigan that runs 91.8 miles through the central Lower Peninsula. The Chippewa River flows through Mt. Pleasant and is the focal point of five parks in the city: Riverside Park, Millpond Park, Nelson Park, Chipp-A-Water, and Island Park. The Chippewa River is perfect for a leisurely trip on the water. Canoeing, tubing, and kayaking are favorite past times of residents, students, and visitors to the area. Source.
Huron River
The Huron River is a 130-mile-long river in southeastern Michigan, rising out of the Huron Swamp in Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake Township in northern Oakland County and flowing into Lake Erie on the boundary between Wayne County and Monroe County. In addition to thirteen parks, game areas, and recreation areas, the river passes through the cities of Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Belleville, Flat Rock and Rockwood.
The Huron River is a typical Southeast Michigan stream; mud banks, slow stream flow and a low gradient define this river. For kayaking, canoeing, fishing on a fly, and other freshwater pursuits, follow the Water Trail to learn what others already know– the Huron River is a Michigan treasure worth exploring. Source
Muskegon River
Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Like many of its neighboring streams, the Muskegon was one of the favored logging rivers during the boom years of the 1880s-1890s, and a keen eye can still pick out remnants of stray logs left over from the spring logging runs which are embedded on the river bottom.
Muskegon River is Michigan’s second largest river only to the Grand River. It is surprisingly quite slow, making it perfect for beginners learning in tubing, kayak or canoe. Being such a peaceful river, it promises ample opportunities for viewing wildlife. This factor attracts tourists from across the state, and the world. Source
For more “river tubing in Michigan” information and details, you can check out the following resources:
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/lazy-rivers-mi/
I am just a few hours from Michigan but have not explored the state much. I really need to get up that way more!
This looks like so much fun! We live in Alabama and my mom just sent me a link a natural lazy river nearby so we’ll definitely have to check this out this summer!
Wow, tubing is really fun. I had tried one so similar to this. It is called river rafting, and it is also one hell of an adventure!
I’m yet to visit Michigan but I would love too!! All the rivers look absolutely amazing and your pictures here are beautiful
This reminds me of the carefree days of being a kid! We spent so much time on tubes .. either being pulled behind a ski boat or floating down a river. I sure wish we lived a little closer to Michigan .. guaranteed I’d be floating down the river with my husband! x
I would love to go to every single one of these. There’s nothing like a day on the river!
These places look amazing! I’ve never thought you could actually do something like that on a river, but looks so much fun!
Wow! That looks a lot of fun! I wish we had clean rivers in the Philippines, since we’re located in the city. Good luck!
Love this! local spots to get you off the touristy trail. Thanks for the post. I’ll tuck this back for our next vaca spot!
This is amazing. I know if I ever want to go tubing, that I should go to Michigan! <3
Wow this is cool to beat the summer heat. This reminds me of our junk party in Hong Kong !
I love tubing, it’s so much fun! Haven’t done it for ages though. I live in London but I’m sure there must be some cool rivers here too. Just have to find them haha
This must be so fun! I certainly want to try river tubing in Michigan. Muskegon River seems like the perfect choice for me, since I’m a beginner. I love being in the forests surrounded by beautiful wildlife.
Michigan is such a beautiful state with so much to see and do. I’m glad you shared these gorgeous rivers as I’ve visited a couple of them in the past.
Wow! I love it. That’s really a great adventure. I would love to go there with my family.