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Red Cedar Adventures
SPARTAN COUNTRY: 6 miles, 3 ½ Hours
WE APOLOGIZE, BUT THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO SEVERE AND UNSAFE LOG JAMS. PLEASE CALL FOR AN UPDATE ON WHEN THIS TRIP WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AGAIN
Reservations highly recommended
Shuttle Location: River Town Adventures
Drop Off: MSU Admin Building
End: River Town Adventures
$40 - Single Kayak
$60 - Tandem Kayak or Canoe
$15 - Transport personal kayak with rental
$20 - Transport personal kayak without rental
Drop in just below the rapids on the campus of Michigan State University. From there, the narrow and winding Red Cedar River will take you past the famous Sparty statue and around Old College Field. If you hear a "ding!" keep an eye out, a Spartan home run might be headed for a splashdown. On a sunny day you'll see dozens of students lounging along the banks and just as many (only slightly less active) turtles. You'll float past the Brody Complex and new development at the site of the former Red Cedar Golf Course. As you pass under the Kalamazoo St. bridge and leave campus, the Red Cedar Extension Trail starts to your right. You'll be sure to get some looks and waves from passersby. The River Trail runs the remaining length of your route taking you past Potter Park Zoo, to the confluence and on to Downtown Lansing.
THE DOC FLETCHER: 7 miles, 4 Hours
WE APOLOGIZE, BUT THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO SEVERE AND UNSAFE LOG JAMS. PLEASE CALL FOR AN UPDATE ON WHEN THIS TRIP WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AGAIN
Because of the portages required we recommend this route only for experienced
paddlers only. Reservations required.
Shuttle Location Kruger’s Landing
Drop Off: Ferguson Park in Okemos
End: Kruger’s Landing
$40 - Single Kayak
$60 - Canoe/ tandem kayak
$20 - Transport personal kayak with rental
$35 - Transport personal kayak without rental
Drop in at Ferguson Park in the heart of Okemos, take a wide loop around historic Indian Trails Golf Course before reaching a coffer dam that may require portage if the water level is low. The river traces the route of Grand River Ave and on the weekend you're sure to see some of the frats and sororities on the banks enjoying the sunshine. If you're thinking about paddling this route you probably already know about all the landmarks and history you'll float past as you traverse the length of MSU's campus. PLEASE NOTE: We highly recommend portaging around the rapids at the Administration Building. Only experienced paddlers should attempt to shoot the rapids when water level permits. After leaving campus the hum of the interstate surrounds you but the canopy of trees makes the noise feel a world away. The route ends at Kruger’s Landing off of Aurelius Road.
We were privileged to take our friend and author Doc Fletcher on this route in the spring of 2015 during his research for Canoeing and Kayaking College Campuses in Michigan . When he put a picture of the journey on the cover we felt obligated to show our appreciation by renaming the route in his honor!
BANKS OF THE RED CEDAR: 10 miles, 5 to 6 Hours
WE APOLOGIZE, BUT THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO SEVERE AND UNSAFE LOG JAMS. PLEASE CALL FOR AN UPDATE ON WHEN THIS TRIP WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AGAIN
Because of the portages required we recommend this route only for experienced
paddlers only. Reservations required.
Shuttle Location: River Town Adventures
Drop Off: Ferguson Park in Okemos
End: River Town Adventures
$50 - Single Kayak
$75 - Canoe/ tandem kayak
$20 - Transport personal kayak with rental
$35 - Transport personal kayak without rental
A whole day adventure that runs from Okemos all the way to the Lansing City Market past all of the sights the Red Cedar has to offer; Indian Hills Golf Club, MSU's beautiful campus, Potter Park Zoo, and finally the confluence with the Grand. Not recommended for novice paddlers. Preparation is key for a journey of this length.Sun protection, ample hydration and something to munch on are musts. PLEASE NOTE: We highly recommend portaging around the rapids at the Administration Building. Only experienced paddlers should attempt to shoot the rapids when water level permits.
