Best Lazy Rivers in Michigan

             The best lazy rivers in Michigan are essential to an up-north experience. Where are the fan favorites, though? As simple as it may seem to anyone who has a passion for tubing in the summer sun, the reality is some rivers are just not as safe as they seem to those who have not already tried and errored the destination or the activity in general. Northern Nail Polish wants to see that everyone, new or old to the area, has a solid reserve of safe, expansive, lazy rivers to float, kayak, or fish off of. 

1) Muskegon River

           Located in the west corner of the mitten, this river has ties to Michigan's dense logging history. Because of this fact, you can catch sights of archaic logs resting at the bottom of the waterway upon a float. Wildlife, fishing, and all the foliage one can handle-- this river has diverse terrains that provide nourishing views, as well as ample chances to plant one's feet in the sand for a moment. This river is a top pick of the many that Michigan offers but is not the only lazy river worth taking a ride on. 

2) Platte River

           The Platte River is prestigious in its reputation-- and rightfully so. This lower peninsula river system is iconic, as it rests off of the edges of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Pere Marquette State Forest. The river is not only slow and safe but also is glorious in its sights to see. Being encapsulated by the preservation of these areas, the wildlife and foliage are vibrant, tucked into the riverbeds and harboring in the shallows. There is so much of what Michigan has to offer just along the edges of the Platte River. If you are seeking a fulfilling way to relax, take a tube down the platter and count the species of Michigan Native waterfowl that you see. 9 out of 10 times you'll be impressed by the tallied total. 

3) Huron River

            The Huron River is impressive in length and feeds many hobbies year-round for those who appreciate its ample opportunities. Being 130-miles in length, this southeast river streams from swampland to the beloved Indian Springs Metropark in Oakland County. From there, it trickles down into Lake Erie and spills into the Great Lakes again. A filter of the five bodies, this river contains various sights to see for those who appreciate the natural landscape during floats, but for even just the tag-along and tube lovers, this slow-flowing river is ideal. 

4) Thornapple River

           Thornapple River can get a bit lost in the shuffle of lazy rivers, as there tend to be many. Under appreciated, the river is impressive at 88.1 miles long and streams off of a more famous waterway, the Grand River. What was once a transporting avenue for merchants is now a relaxing Michigan Sunday for all those who stop by prepared; sunscreen, cold drinks, and tubes for everyone. Also, the river makes a great fishing spot and is relatively safe for children to swim on the shore of, so long as the water levels are depleted enough. 

5) Chippewa River

            The Chippewa River is famous for being a favorite vacation float destination, as I've heard it mentioned in conversations between families across the country. The river offers many rental servicing providers and is usually utilized by kayaking enthusiasts into even some colder weeks of fall. Floating, fishing, and anything else fun that can be done on a river is found being done off of the Chippewa waterway. 

6) Au Sable River

            Whether jumping in on the Roscommon or Oscoda end, the Au Sable River is easily accessible and relaxed most of the time. This is one of Michigan local's favorite floating destinations as it remains quiet and secluded for most of the river and offers unique landscapes and wildlife, tucking into the state's more untamed area of its east coast. 

7) White River

            Located in the western region of Michigan, the White River is easily accessible and provides gorgeous views of the local community of Montague. Ideal for tubing but welcoming to other simple floating devices. This tends to be a favored rental float, so be prepared that it can become quite packed on certain days (weekends particularly). Being narrow and shallow in various areas, consider the population on the river before deciding to plan a float. 

8) Big Manistee River​​

            The Big Manistee River is far from intimidating; despite its massive size, it runs very slowly and calculatedly-- meaning that those who monitor it are pretty accurate with their suggestive reporting on its conditions. Being 190-miles in length, the river crosses through a total of four counties in the state, giving many places to drop the kayak or tubes in at. The most used sites are in Cadillac and Manistee, itself. Various fishers utilize motorized boats in the waterway, and quick patches of faster flows do exist en route, so keep in mind the value of being aware of what is happening around the floating party you are traveling with. 

            If you're feeling a bit excited after checking out these destinations, don't let this wrap-up keep you contained! Northern Nail Polish has released a particular color for the summer season to keep your momentum and mind on the up-and-coming relaxing water experience just around the river bend. A baby blue shade polish is sure to match the crystal hue of a Michigan river and also will remind you daily of the refreshing moments found when relaxing on a summer float. Sunglasses on, drink in hand, and enough friends to keep a conversation going for hours; you can only expect lasting memories from such an event.