Drift along Michigan’s Muskegon and Thornapple Rivers with Wisner Rents Canoes. From quick kayak escapes to longer raft and tube trips, find your pace on these inviting waterways near Newaygo.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and moderate fitness; muster steady paddling for longer trips.
Wildlife
History
Newaygo’s rivers once powered local sawmills and mills during the 19th century, shaping the town’s early economy.
Conservation
Wisner Rents Canoes supports Leave No Trace principles and works to maintain clean river access points to protect the ecosystem.
Wisner Rents Canoes
Drift along Michigan’s Muskegon and Thornapple Rivers with Wisner Rents Canoes. From quick kayak escapes to longer raft and tube trips, find your pace on these inviting waterways near Newaygo.
Wisner Rents Canoes operates river rentals and shuttle-supported trips in Newaygo, Michigan. The business offers a selection of canoe, kayak, tubing, and raft trips that run between local launch points including Newaygo, Anderson, Pine Avenue, and Thornapple stretches. Each trip lists a recommended duration and route, from short 1.5-hour family floats to full 4.5-hour paddling days.
Equipment is provided for applicable routes — boats, life jackets, and necessary gear are made available so guests can focus on the float. Several trips include transportation or return shuttle options (for example, bus rides back from Anderson are offered on select tubing and rafting trips). Trip descriptions advise guests to bring essentials such as water, sunscreen, and a packed lunch when appropriate. One tubing/rafting route notes that alcohol is permitted with the expectation of responsible behavior. Wisner Rents Canoes recommends booking early for popular 2.5- and 4.5-hour routes to secure preferred start times.
All information about trip length, launch points, equipment, and return transport is provided in the trip summaries so paddlers and tubers can choose the route that best fits the group’s pace and needs. Wisner Rents Canoes serves visitors and local paddlers seeking flexible, equipment-included river experiences in Newaygo County.
Tours Offered
5 Trips
Canoe, kayak, tube and raft options
Location
Newaygo, MI
Located in Newaygo County
Equipment
All gear
Life jackets and boats included
Return Transport
Bus rides
Return rides available on select trips
Select a 1.5-, 2.5-, or 4.5-hour route, confirm equipment and return transport, and book early to secure preferred times.
Bring plenty of water
Longer trips like the 4.5-hour Pine to Newaygo stretch are sun-intensive with limited shade; stay hydrated.
Wear river-safe footwear
Rocky river bottoms make water shoes or sandals with good grip highly recommended.
Secure your belongings
Use waterproof bags or dry boxes to protect phones, keys, and other valuables against splashes and potential drops.
Check shuttle and return logistics
Confirm where to pick up keys or equipment after your trip to avoid any confusion during off-hours.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Required safety gear for all rafting, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking trips.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Shield skin and eyes from intense sun, especially on lengthy afternoon paddles.
summer
Water shoes
Protect feet from rocky riverbeds and provide traction when entering or exiting the water.
Dry bag or waterproof container
Keep electronics and essentials dry throughout your river journey.