Photo courtesy Jordan Valley Outfitters
A pair of river rafts floating down the Jordan River on a winter day.
By Emily Bingham | ebingham@mlive.com
The words "winter" and "river rafting" don't often go together -- which is precisely what makes this unusual wintertime adventure, offered by a few Michigan canoe liveries, so special.
"It's a magical experience," says Melanie Bennett, co-owner of Jordan Valley Outfitters, which was the first livery in the state to offer these trips "I feel transported to another world."
On a typical trip, guests sit in a large, six-person raft, which is steered down the river by a guide. Picture it like floating through a snow globe: As the raft moves along, you'll see enchanting ice formations, snow-capped tree canopies, and possibly some great wildlife, such as bald eagles, river otters and deer.
Fast rivers are best for winter rafting because they are less likely to freeze over, but don't expect a white-water experience; the trips are peaceful, and you won't get wet. (Guides do recommend bundling up in water-resistant clothing, like snow pants -- not only for warmth but for occasional drips from your paddle, or if there's snow falling while you're out there).
Best of all? No experience is needed and all ages are encouraged.
Read on for three liveries around the state that offer this unique winter experience; reservations are a must.
Photo courtesy Jordan Valley Outfitters
A passenger view of the river as it winds through cedar trees, taken from inside the raft.
Jordan Valley Outfitters
The Jordan Valley is an 18,000-acre swath of protected land through which winds the Jordan River, Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River. Jordan Valley Outfitters has been hosting these trips for 20 years. "A lot of people enjoy snowmobiling or downhill skiing, but this is a completely different winter experience," says Melanie Bennett, who co-owns the livery with her husband, Dan. "It's just a very serene, beautiful, relaxing trip."
Where: Jordan Valley Outfitters, East Jordan
Rates: $40/person (family friendly rates available for kids 10 and under)
Trip length: River time is 1.5 hours, total time is approximately 2 hours (including transportation to the river and a brief mid-paddle intermission for snacks and warm drinks)
Trip times: Weekdays at 4 p.m., weekends at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
More info: jvoutfitters.com, 231-536-0006
Photo courtesy Big Bear Adventures
Big Bear Adventures
Big Bear Adventures offers winter river trips on the Sturgeon River, a quick and narrow river that holds the distinction of being the fastest in the Lower Peninsula. "It's just so cool to be out there, floating down and looking at the forest and the trees and the wildlife," says Pati Anderson, who co-owns the livery with her husband, Scott. "It's just one of those very unique experiences."
Where: Big Bear Adventures, Indian River
Rates: $42/person for two people, though rates depend on how many are in your group (up to six guests total per raft)
Trip length: River time is 1.5 hours
Trip times: Three departure times daily: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (subject to vary as daylight increases)
More info: bigbearadventures.com, 231-238-8181
Photo courtesy Sturgeon River Paddlesports
Sturgeon River Paddlesports
Also located on the Sturgeon River, Sturgeon River Paddlesports offers 3.5-mile floats more often than not guided by owner Jamie Jacklitch, who's now in his 18th year of guiding winter rafting trips on this waterway. "That's the best time to be on the river as far as I'm concerned," he says. "We see more wildlife this time of year. It's just beautiful out there."
Where: Sturgeon River Paddlesports, Wolverine
Rates: $42/person for two people, though rates depend on how many are in your group (up to six guests total per raft)
Trip length: River time is 1.5 hours
Trip times: Three departure times daily, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
More info: sturgeonriverpaddle.com, 231-525-6878
Photo courtesy Sturgeon River Paddlesports
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