COVID-19 UPDATE:听With pretty much all of metro Detroit鈥檚 nightlife, entertainment, and recreation options stuck in suspended animation, we鈥檙e fortunate to have an abundance of natural beauty within easy reach. With that in mind, for this year鈥檚 City Guide we鈥檝e rounded up a number of great nearby places to bike, hike, fish 鈥 or just take in the view. Even outdoors, though, it鈥檚 important to take precautions. In addition to the usual (wash your hands often and don鈥檛 touch your face), the state Department of Natural Resources offers these guidelines:听Go out only if you鈥檙e healthy.听Avoid long-distance travel.听Keep 6 feet apart from people not from your household.听If the parking lot at your destination is full, leave and choose someplace else.听Be safe out there!
In a state with more than 11,000 lakes, it鈥檚 no surprise water recreation has become a favorite pastime. It also means there鈥檚 no shortage of ways to spend a day on the waves. While the beauty and mystery of vast lakes Michigan and Superior may be alluring, you don鈥檛 need to make a long trek. Indeed, the Department of Natural Resources recommends sticking close to home for your outdoor activities for now. Hit the water right here in metro Detroit at these local kayak and canoe spots.
Shelby Township听
Stony Creek Metropark
While there鈥檚 an abundance of outdoor adventure to be had around Stony Creek, gliding across the calm waters of Stony Creek Lake may be the best way to enjoy its beauty. The calm nature of the lake makes it a perfect spot for relaxing solo cruises or family outings with the little ones. The 500 acres of blue may seem intimidating, but you can always rest your paddling muscles at Winter Island, a little oasis situated directly across from Baypoint Beach. Baypoint is also home to the Mt. Vernon boat rental, which (when open) offers kayaks for a $10 hourly rental, in addition to rowboats, paddle boats, and canoes. Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Charter Twp.;
Auburn Hills
Clinton River
The Clinton River is one of the few lower-peninsula bodies to offer an intense white-water kayaking experience. According to the Clinton River Watershed Council, the river can be divided into three sections: the Headwaters, best for a tranquil journey through the wetlands; the Lower River, where slow-moving wakes push kayakers through dense forests to finish at Lake St. Clair; and the most difficult section, the Heart of Clinton. Experienced paddlers who brave its waters will slosh through strainers, sharp turns, and steep gradient drops. There are 20 launch locations in total, but some of the most popular are Riverside Park and Clinton River Heritage Park. When businesses reopen, be sure to check out Clinton River Canoe and Kayak in Sterling Heights for a guided tour. Clinton River Heritage Park, 44505 Van Dyke Ave., Utica; 586-739-1600; ; Riverside Park, 3311 Squirrel Ct., Auburn Hills; 248-370-9353;
Ann Arbor
Argo Park and Gallup Park Liveries
Just 2 miles from one another, the Argo Park and Gallup Park liveries provide fun and accessible water sporting in Ann Arbor by offering a pair of kayaking routes. The shorter of the two is a 3.7-mile run (a journey of about an hour and a half) from Argo Pond to Gallup River. The second stretches 5.7 miles from Barton Pond to Gallup River and takes around two-and-a-half hours to complete. Each features plentiful wildlife, as well as twists, turns, and ample coves at which to dock and enjoy the fresh air. We recommend starting your adventure at Argo Park, due to its position upriver of Gallup Park. Cruising down the Argo Cascades via inflatable tubes is another popular activity 鈥 but this is no lazy river. The cascades are packed with tight turns and white water, so don鈥檛 forget your sense of adventure. Argo Park Livery, 1055 Longshore Drive, Ann Arbor;
Detroit
The Detroit River
On warm summer days, the Detroit River is a scene of bustling activity. Freighters, river boats, and, of course, kayaks can be seen navigating its 28 miles of majestic blue water. Still, due to its striking deviation from the archetype of typical kayaking venues 鈥 often remote and densely wooded 鈥 the Detroit River can often be overlooked. But this gentle giant offers kayakers a rare opportunity to explore the charms of both the natural and the urban. Downtown Detroit鈥檚 glowing skyline is visible from nearly every point on the water, and yet stretches of lush greenery can conjure the feel of deep wilderness. Plus, recent improvements in cleanliness, accomplished through years of conservation efforts, mean there鈥檚 never been a better time to dip your toes听 in.
To choose among the various launch sites lining the river鈥檚 banks, you鈥檒l need to decide which of its numerous sights, such as Belle Isle, Peche Island, Fisher Mansion, Detroit Canals, and Grosse Ile, rank highest on your bucket list. Luckily, most noteworthy destinations are within paddling distance of one another, making it easy to check off multiple points of interest in a single trip. If exploring the waters around Belle Isle is a top priority, consider a start at the Flynn Pavilion in Belle Isle Park. Other popular launch spots include Grayhaven Mooring Facility and Fisherman鈥檚 Marina, both of which are only a short trip from Belle Isle, Peche Island, and Fisher Mansion.
For those interested in a guided exploration, a number of kayaking services are stationed along the river, offering unique aquatic adventures such kayaking lessons, historical tours, and sunset or full-moon tours. When they reopen, Detroit Outpost, Detroit River Sports, and Riverside Kayak Connection will provide myriad experiences for kayakers of all ages and experience levels. Flynn Pavilion, 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit; 313-821-9844; . Grayhaven Mooring Facility, 601 Port Drive, Detroit; 313-808-3342; Fisherman鈥檚 Marina, 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-823-2629听
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