When summer weather is definitely upon us here in the Great Lakes State, there’s one amazing way to stay cool – by taking advantage of the best tubing in Michigan. When the muggy temperatures leave you feeling sluggish and overheated, and you’re looking for fun things to do in Michigan, there’s nothing better than getting outside and relaxing within nature. We know it might be hard to drag yourself away from the air-conditioning, but trust us when we say that these nine lazy rivers in Michigan will make for the perfect summer activity. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to tube in Michigan: Grab a few friends and try one of these destinations for river tubing in Michigan – there’s not a better unique and fun-filled way to enjoy a hot day.
This beautiful river can be accessed in and around Mt. Pleasant, smack dab in the center of the state. You’ll be delighted by the river’s gentle currents and scenic views — and you can even bring a beverage or two to enjoy as you float down the waterway. Find out why the Chippewa River is the best lazy river for tubing in Michigan with Chippewa River Outfitters.
Address: 3763 S Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Venture to Hastings and rent a tube for a two and-a-half hour journey down the Thornapple River, which offers the perfect combination of relaxation and natural wonder. Grab a few loved ones and embark on the ultimate summer adventure — just don’t forget the sunscreen! Read more about one of the best Michigan float trips in our previous article.
There are several options for enjoying a journey down this glorious river, but we recommend one of the best tubing trips in Michigan along the Muskegon River with Wisner Canoes. Pick up a few tubes and spend a calming day bonding and cooling off on the river.
This stunning river winds through Southeast Michigan and serves as a focal point for summer fun in the region. Make your way to Ann Arbor and tube along the Huron River on the ultimate outdoor excursion. Bring your own tubes or rent your own with — either way, you’re sure to have a blast.
Address: 1055 Longshore Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
You’ll find several options to choose from when you explore the Rifle River when you stop by the River View Campground in Michigan. If you’re looking to enjoy the coolness of the water as you tube down the waterway, select the "wet-butt" option. Not eager to splash around? No worries! There’s a "dry-butt" option as well. What’s not to love?
The AuSable River is one of Michigan’s most lovely bodies of water, and it can be easily accessed from the town of Roscommon. Check out Paddle Brave Canoe Livery and select from a variety of options for enjoying the water on a hot summer day.
Address: 10610 Steckert Bridge Road, Roscommon, MI 48653
This West Michigan river is an ideal spot to beat the heat all summer long. Visit Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery in the beautiful community of Montague, then rent a large tube and float down the river with the whole family in tow — or select an individual tube and simply "go with the flow!"
Venture to the gorgeous Huron-Manistee National Forest and check out this river, which provides the perfect place for outdoor adventures when the weather gets hot. It's one of the best places to go tubing in Michigan. Pine River Paddlesports Center offers a plethora of opportunities to appreciate the river, including — you guessed it — tube rentals. Visitors of all ages will be completely delighted.
Address: 9590 M-37, Wellston, MI 49689
Advertisement
9. Big Manistee River
Shel-Haven Canoe Rental, 11852 M-72, Grayling, MI 49738, USA
No trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a few hours spent in the great outdoors, and the Big Manistee River is a must-see spot and promises one of the best tubing trips in Michigan. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Wilderness Canoe Trips offers tube rentals that will bring you up close and personal with this scenic body of water. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
What lazy rivers do you think have the best tubing in Michigan? Where are your favorite places to go tubing in Michigan? Let us know in the comments! Then check out one of the best Michigan float trips.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
