For all ages • 1 Hour to 7 Day Rental Options
Launch from the Manistee River or the Lake Michigan shoreline with 1 hour to 7 day kayak and SUP rentals—and free delivery to your lodging. Local knowledge, flexible timing, and a mix of river corridors and open-lake paddling make this an ideal way to explore western Michigan’s freshwater coast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1 hour to 7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners for short paddles; moderate fitness recommended for multi-hour or lake-exposed routes
Wildlife
History
Manistee grew as a 19th century lumber port; its river and harbor shaped settlement and continues to define local recreation.
Conservation
Pack out trash, avoid trampling dune vegetation, and respect bird nesting zones to protect fragile shoreline habitats.
Manistee Adventures
For all ages • 1 Hour to 7 Day Rental Options
Manistee Adventures is a Manistee, Michigan outfitter offering canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and tubing rentals for trips on the Big Manistee River and the Little Manistee River.
Available options include canoe rentals, single and double kayak rentals (short- and long-term), SUP rentals, tube rentals, and car-spotting/boat services for both rivers. The Big Manistee River features gentle currents, clear water, and sandy beaches that make it ideal for families, beginners, and children seeking relaxed paddles, swimming, and beach stops. The Little Manistee River contains upper sections with fast, obstacle-filled rapids, sharp turns, fallen trees, and log jams suited to experienced paddlers, while its lower stretches offer calmer flows for paddlers with some skill.
Double kayak short- and long-term rentals include free delivery to a guest’s stay, supporting flexible day trips or extended excursions. Trip summaries describe difficulty, scenery, and river conditions so paddlers can select routes that match ability and preference. Equipment choices support single and tandem paddling, stand-up paddling, and tubing for varied group sizes. Safety-conscious planning is encouraged by aligning river sections to paddler skill levels and by preparing for natural obstacles on technical stretches. By concentrating on clear, factual trip descriptions and a range of rental options, Manistee Adventures helps visitors plan enjoyable, appropriate outings on Manistee’s waterways.
Visitors can choose from quick hourly rentals for a short float or longer equipment loans for a multi-day stay, making it easy to tailor outings around lodging and travel plans while enjoying Manistee’s river scenery and water-based recreation safely.
Tours Offered
10
Canoes, kayaks, SUPs, tubing
Rivers Served
Big & Little Manistee
Scenic river routes in Manistee
Family Friendly
Yes
Beginner-friendly trips for all ages
Delivery Available
Free for double kayaks
Short & long term rentals
Choose canoe, kayak, SUP, or tubing rentals for the Big Manistee or Little Manistee River — check trip summaries and available delivery for double kayak rentals.
Morning launches are calmer
Winds typically pick up in the afternoon on Lake Michigan; aim to launch in the morning for shelter and flatter water.
Use the delivery option
Take advantage of free delivery to your accommodation to set up one-way trips or avoid carrying gear to the put-in.
Watch for changing winds
Lake-driven wind can push you quickly back toward shore; always check the forecast and have an exit plan.
Respect nesting areas
Give shoreline birds space during spring and early summer; avoid beach sections with visible nests or signage.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Required safety gear and typically provided, but bring your own for best fit.
Dry bag (20L+)
Keeps phone, keys, layers, and snacks dry during river and lake trips.
Water shoes or sandals
Protects feet on rocky put-ins and sticky mud at low water.
summer
Windproof layer
Light wind and spray can make mornings feel chilly, even in summer.
spring