The Huron River runs right through town. That alone makes Ann Arbor one of the better paddling cities in Michigan – you can launch a kayak five minutes from downtown and be on the water for hours without seeing a road. The Huron is also a designated National Water Trail, 104 miles of it, so there’s no shortage of river to explore beyond city limits.
Here’s where to put in, what to expect, and how to rent if you don’t own.
Argo Cascades – The Signature Paddle
If you’ve seen anyone post about kayaking Ann Arbor, they were probably at Argo. The Argo Cascades are a series of nine small rock chutes and pools that bypass the Argo Dam, creating a mini white-water experience that’s fun without being scary. You paddle down through the cascades, splash through the pools, and emerge into the calm water below.
The Argo Park Canoe Livery rents kayaks, canoes, rafts, tubes, and SUPs right at the cascades. They run two options: stillwater paddling on the 2-mile Argo Pond (calm, good for beginners and SUP) or a 3.7-mile river trip downstream to Gallup Park that takes about 90 minutes.
The livery opens in late May and runs through early September. Peak season hours are 9 AM to 8 PM daily, with last river rentals at 4 PM. Parking at the livery on Longshore Drive is extremely limited on weekends – park at Bandemer and walk over, or come on a weekday.
1055 Longshore Drive, Ann Arbor.
Argo Cascades | Argo Park Canoe & Kayak
Gallup Park – Flatwater and Family Friendly
Gallup is the easy one. The 2.5-mile Gallup Pond is wide, calm, and sheltered from current – perfect for first-time paddlers, kids, and anyone who wants to be on the water without thinking about navigation.
The Gallup Park Canoe Livery rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats right from the park. No river trip here – it’s stillwater only, which means you paddle out and paddle back at your own pace. Great for a sunset float or a casual hour on the water between errands.
The park itself has a big free parking lot off Geddes Road, restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground. You can make a whole afternoon of it – paddle, eat at the picnic tables, walk the paved loop trail.
3000 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor.
Gallup Park | Gallup Park Canoe & Kayak
Bandemer Park to Argo – Upstream Quiet Water
Bandemer Park sits just upstream of Argo Pond, at the confluence of the Huron River and a quieter backwater channel. If you bring your own boat, launching here gives you access to calm water that most renters never reach.
Paddle upstream from Bandemer toward Barton Dam and you’ll get into a stretch of river that feels surprisingly wild for being inside city limits. Great blue herons, turtles, and the occasional bald eagle. The current is gentle enough to paddle upstream without much effort, and the round trip to the dam and back is about 3 miles.
Free parking at Bandemer Park off Main Street. There’s a gravel launch area near the footbridge. No rental livery here – BYOB (bring your own boat).
Hudson Mills Metropark – The Scenic Float
Twenty minutes northwest of Ann Arbor, Hudson Mills is where the Huron River gets quieter and the banks get wilder. The Rapids View launch puts you on a gentle, tree-lined stretch of river that flows southeast toward Dexter-Huron Metropark – about a 2-hour paddle through some of the prettiest scenery on the Huron River Water Trail.
This is a one-way trip, so plan your car shuttle or arrange pickup. Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery at Delhi Metropark can set up canoe and kayak trips starting from Hudson Mills, with shuttle service included.
The Rapids View launch has been recently renovated with a new parking lot, trailer parking, and improved accessibility. A Metroparks vehicle pass is required.
8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter.
Hudson Mills Metropark Golf Course | Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery
Dexter-Huron Metropark – Midstream Access
Dexter-Huron sits right between Hudson Mills and Delhi on the Huron River Water Trail. It’s a smaller, quieter park – no livery, no crowds – but it has a solid launch point and access to beautiful river in both directions.
Paddle upstream toward Hudson Mills for a workout against gentle current, or float downstream to Delhi for an easy 5-mile trip. The park has picnic tables, grills, and a canoe/kayak launch right at the water.
This is a good BYO launch for experienced paddlers who want solitude without driving an hour.
Delhi Metropark – End Point and Livery
Delhi is where most guided river trips end. Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery operates out of the park and runs trips of various lengths, from 2-hour floats to full-day paddles starting as far upstream as Hudson Mills. They rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes, and handle the shuttle logistics.
The park itself is worth a visit even if you’re not paddling. There’s a rapids section where the river drops over a small dam – fun to watch, not recommended to run in a kayak unless you know what you’re doing.
About 15 minutes west of downtown Ann Arbor on Delhi Road.
Delhi Metropark | Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery
Independence Lake County Park
Fifteen minutes north of Ann Arbor, Independence Lake is a 200-acre lake inside a county park with a designated swimming beach and ample room for paddling. Unlike the river spots, this is open-water lake paddling – wider views, more wind, and a different feel entirely.
No rental livery on-site, so bring your own kayak or SUP. The launch area is straightforward and the parking lot is large. Swimming, fishing, and picnicking round out the day.
3200 Jennings Road, Whitmore Lake.
Kensington Metropark – Kent Lake
About 40 minutes east of Ann Arbor, Kensington Metropark surrounds Kent Lake – 1,200 acres of water with designated paddling areas, a boat launch, and scenic shoreline. The lake is big enough to spend a full day exploring coves and inlets.
Motorized boats are allowed but limited to low speeds, so it stays relatively calm. This is the spot for longer lake paddles and SUP sessions where you want space to move. Boat rentals available seasonally.
What You Need to Know
Rentals: The two city liveries at Argo and Gallup are the easiest entry point – just show up, pay, and paddle. Skip’s at Delhi is best for longer guided river trips. No reservations needed for the city liveries, but expect waits on hot summer weekends.
Own boat launch spots: Bandemer Park, Argo Park, Gallup Park, and any of the metroparks have public launches. Most are free (metroparks require a vehicle pass).
River flow: The Huron through Ann Arbor is Class I at most – gentle current, no real rapids. The Argo Cascades are the only section with any white-water character, and even those are tame. Safe for beginners.
When to go: Mid-May through September. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot – warm enough to enjoy, empty enough to hear the birds.
Close
The Huron River is Ann Arbor’s best outdoor amenity, and getting on the water is easier than most people realize. Browse more outdoor recreation and water trail listings on miannarbor.com.
