Riverside Canoe Trips

Overview

Riverside Canoe Trips is the classic way to float the Platte River inside the lakeshore. They rent canoes, single/double kayaks, tubes, rafts, stand-up paddleboards, and even small boats for nearby lakes. The Lower Platte is the star: crystal-clear, shallow, and generally warm in summer—perfect for beginners and families—and it ends right on a broad Lake Michigan beach.

Trip Options

• Lower Platte: A gentle, ~2-hour float with a mellow current and shallow water that finishes at Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
• Upper Platte: A longer, 3–4 hour run with faster water—better if you want more paddling and fewer tubers.

There’s a handy halfway landmark called “the Weir,” where families often pause to rest or swap seats. Dogs are allowed in canoes (not tubes), and small kids can ride with an adult in a double kayak or be towed in a tube behind a boat per the outfitter’s guidance.

What You’ll See

Expect a meandering river through forest and sandy banks that opens dramatically to Lake Michigan at the end. It’s a relaxed float with classic lakeshore scenery from start to finish.

Logistics That Matter

The winning convenience here is the included shuttle: Riverside stages your vehicle at the Lake Michigan takeout so it’s waiting when you arrive. That’s huge, because parking near the put-in is very limited. A Sleeping Bear Dunes pass is required for parking/river access, and you can buy one at Riverside’s shop. Reservations are smart for busy summer days, especially for rafts.

On-site, the shop stocks last-minute essentials, souvenirs, fishing gear, snacks, ice cream, and quick grill items—handy if you forgot something or want a treat after the float.

Best Time to Visit

This stretch gets slammed midday in summer, especially on weekends. To dodge the flotilla, start before 11 am or after 3 pm. They operate long hours (think 8 am–9 pm), so you’ve got wiggle room—use it to avoid the crowd surge and parking crunch. Weekdays are typically calmer than weekends.

Comfort Tips

Backrests are recommended for canoe paddlers—worth it on any route. Water shoes or sandals make sandy landings and quick stops more comfortable, and a dry bag for phones/keys is smart.

Wildlife

Sources don’t list specific sightings, but along this kind of gentle river you may see waterfowl, turtles, and fish, with occasional deer or small mammals along the banks.

Bottom Line

If you want the easiest, most family-friendly way to reach Lake Michigan by river, this is it. Go early or late, grab a backrest, and enjoy the float; the car shuttle makes the finish effortless.