Since I can remember, I've been a girl obsessed with the water. I absolutely wanted to be a marine biologist when I was younger (who else can relate?) and, growing up on the east coast of Florida, had plenty of access to the ocean. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing...these were all a part of my upbringing. I still have a love for it...but lack equipment.

1. CHELSEA ROSE | Published: April 7, 2021
9 SW MICHIGAN SPOTS TO ENJOY KAYAKING
9 SW MICHIGAN SPOTS TO ENJOY KAYAKING
WITHOUT OWNING A KAYAK
WITHOUT OWNING A KAYAK
c 6okean
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Since I can remember, I've been a girl obsessed with the water. I absolutely wanted to be a marine biologist
when I was younger (who else can relate?) and, growing up on the east coast of Florida, had plenty of access
to the ocean. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing...these were all a part of my upbringing. I still have a love for
it...but lack equipment.
Thankfully, there seem to be plenty of places around SW Michigan where owning your own kayak will in no
way stop you from being able to enjoy the local waterways. With the weather warming up and the start of
season right around the corner, I wanted to make sure I was prepared. Thanks to kzookids.com,
battlecreekvisitors.com, and stepoutside.org for the bounty of information. Here are 9 SW Michigan spots
where you can enjoy kayaking without owning your own kayak:
1. Gun Lake Marina and Rentals
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2. Look at how clear that water is. It's like it's calling my name. Located in Shelbyville, Gun Lake offers
incredible views and a wide variety of rentals. You can rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and paddle
boards. While many on this list don't start their 'season' until Memorial Day, Gun Lake Marina and Rentals is
open now. Find more information on their website or Facebook page.
2. Marshall Riverwalk
Sign me up! The Marshall Riverwalk, recommended by the Battle Creek Visitors Bureau, provides easy parking
and you can rent kayaks, tubes and canoes through the Marshall Recreation Department. Prices range from
$10 - $30. Side note: the Marshall Recreation Department also offers youth sports. You can nd info on
rentals and youth sports on their website or Facebook page.
3. Liquid Therapy Canoe and Kayak Rental

3. Located in Three Rivers, Liquid Therapy and are o cially open for the season. From April - Memorial Day
they're open on the weekends and will move to 7 days a week from Memorial Day through October. Kayak
rentals will cost you $30 for 4 hours or $45 for the full day and canoes will cost you $35 for 4 hours or $50
for the full day. They also offer group rates which you can nd here or on their Facebook page.
4. Third Coast Paddling
According to their website, Third Coast Paddling offers hourly rentals at multiple locations in SW
Michigan: Paw Paw River in St. Joseph, Galien River in New Buffalo, and Silver Beach in St. Joseph. A single
person kayak runs about $25 per hour but two person kayaks and paddle boards are also available. Third
Coast Paddling will open for the season on May 15th. You can nd more info on their website or Facebook
page.
5. U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery

4. U-Rent-Em is located in Hastings and offers rentals for you to enjoy the beautiful Thornapple River. During
their season, which kicks off on Memorial Day, U-Rent-Em offers rentals on kayaks, canoes, and innertubes
which will cost you anywhere from $8 - $50 a day. Keep in mind they do not accept credit cards. However,
they'll take cash, personal checks or company checks. You can nd more details on their website or
Facebook page.
6. Doe-Wah-Jack's Canoe and Kayak
I've had a number of people tell me how stunning the Dowagiac River is but I want to nd out for myself! Doe-
Wah-Jack starts their season in May opening on weekends only until June. Then, through August, they'll offer
rentals 7 days a week returning to weekends only in September. They offer 2, 4, and 6 hour trips and rates
vary. You can nd further information on their website.
7. Long Lake at Ramona Park Beach
Ramona Park offers a little something for everyone, including those wanting to get out on the water! Located
in Portage, you can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards by the hour or for a at rate of $36 for 4-6 hours.
via/ Google Maps