Posted in Michigan Nature, On The Water April 05, 2023 by

9 Lazy Rivers In Michigan That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

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.

1. Chippewa River
Facebook/Chippewa River Outfitters
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
3763 S Lincoln Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858, USA
2. Thornapple River
Facebook/U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery
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.

Address: 805 W Apple Street, Hastings, MI 49058
805 W Apple St, Hastings, MI 49058, USA
3. Muskegon River
Facebook/Wisner Rents Canoes
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.

Address: 25 W Water Street, Newaygo, MI 49337
4. Huron River
Mr Eagle/Google
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
5. Rifle River
Facebook/River View Campground & Canoe Livery
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?

Address: 5755 N Townline Road, Sterling, MI 48659
5755 N Townline Rd, Sterling, MI 48659, USA
6. AuSable River
Oscoda Canoe Rental/Facebook
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
7. White River
Facebook/Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery
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!"

Address: 401 E Fruitvale Road, Montague, MI 49437
401 E Fruitvale Rd, Montague, MI 49437, USA
8. Pine River
Facebook/Pine River Paddlesports Center
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
9590 M-37, Wellston, MI 49689, USA
9. Big Manistee River
Shel-Haven Canoe Livery/Facebook
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.
Shel-Haven Canoe Rental, 11852 M-72, Grayling, MI 49738, USA

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.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Tubing in Michigan

June 21, 2019
Andrea Limke

What are the prettiest rivers in Michigan?

One of the best ways to witness the prettiest rivers in our state is river tubing in Michigan. All of the rivers mentioned in our list are scenic and beautiful, so it is difficult to determine which one is the prettiest. Thanks to its scenic views, the Chippewa River is definitely near the top of the list, as well as the Huron River which winds through southeast Michigan. The AuSable River is often considered the most beautiful river in the state, which is why it is also known as a wonderful lazy river in Michigan.

What are the best water activities in Michigan?

There is no shortage of fun you can have in the waterways of Michigan. From river tubing in Michigan, to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, and more, the suggestions are endless. River View Campground, mentioned above, is one great place to stay if you want to enjoy water activities. For the best swimming hole in Michigan, check out beautiful Torch Lake. For water fun in the sand, head to Van's Beach. And for family fun in the water, check out this exciting inflatable water park.

What is the best time of year to go tubing in Michigan?

If you're wanting to enjoy a peaceful lazy river in Michigan, you're going to want to plan your trip during the summer. You'll need the heat from that summer sun to keep you warm as you dip your toes in the water. If you want to enjoy a different type of tubing in the cold of winter, check out this snow tubing destination in Michigan.