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Best White Water Rafting In Michigan

When you think of Detroit, the first thing that pops into your head is not likely white water rafting. No, probably not. But Southeastern Michigan and the rest of our state and area have some of the best wilderness and water sports out there! They may not all be close by (though some are!), but rafting in some crazy water can be an exhilarating experience for your family and friends. If it's not exactly a close drive from the Motor City, we'll tell you why it's a great bet for you to still make the trip and hit the water!
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(Photo Credit: Michael Ferro)

Northwoods Adventures
N4017 N. US Highway 2
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
(906) 563-5450
www.michiganrafts.com

Some of the state's leading experts in white water rafting spend their days at Northwoods Adventures in Iron Mountain, Michigan. From family-friendly trips that will get you some experience and fun on the river to solo trips through some of the most dangerous rafting this state has to offer, Northwoods has what you want. Their hospitality is top-of-the-line and cannot be beat, and the scenic area of Iron Mountain is one of the most breathtaking sights year-round, though we suggest you go rafting during the summer... for warmth!

Argo River Rafting
1055 Longshore Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 794-6241
www.a2gov.org/argo

The Argo Canoe Livery is home to some of mid-Michigan's most affordable and fun rafting around. If you're not looking to stray too far from Detroit, or spend too much on your next rafting trip, or risk too much danger with a family or your friends, Argo has just what you need. Still challenging enough to be a thrill, but also easy enough to book and undertake any day of the week, Argo is a great option. So far as the weather is nice enough to hit the water!

rafting_a2.jpg
(Photo Credit: Michael Ferro)

Gallup River Rafting
3000 Fuller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 794-6240
www.a2gov.org

Again, this is not too far from civilization that you can't get out easily whenever you choose, but also not too timid of a rafting course, either. Gallup River Rafting put in special newly-constructed rapids over the last few years that will allow for a more challenging course for more experienced white water rafters and kayakers alike. Sure, the water isn't as unforgiving as some of the places in the Northern Peninsula, but for a nearby location to Detroit, you could do much worse and it's the perfect way to experience simple white water rapids to see if you might be interested in heading out to the tougher stuff!

Related:  Best Getaways For Parents Near Detroit

Bear River Whitewater Park
616 Lockwood Ave.
Petoskey, MI 49770
(847) 255-0210
www.northernmichiganpaddlingclub.com

Running straight through Petosky, the Bear River is one of Northern Michigan's most fun and exciting rivers to go whitewater rafting down. Depending on the weather, rain fall, and water conditions, the river itself is different every time you go down it, so no excursion is ever the same as the one before! The community here removed all the dams and many other man-made obstructions in order to return the river to its natural state, and what you have now is a thrilling body of water just ripe for white water rafting!

Big Bear Adventures 
4271 S. Straits Highway
Indian River, MI 49749
(231) 238-8181
www.bigbearadventures.com

The Big Bear Adventures company out of Indian River, Michigan has an incredible setup for family and friends looking to travel together in the Lower Peninsula. If you're not ready to hit the most challenging white water rafting that the Mitten State has to offer, but don't want to settle for something too tame, Big Bear Adventures and their "Challenging Mid-Section Trip" could be just what you need. With different lengths of trips to choose from, the "Challenging Mid-Section Trip" takes the best and most wild parts of the trip and drops rafters right into the middle of it! Perfect for those seeking the more dangerous and exciting aspects of rafting!

Related: Best Weekend Getaways In The Detroit Area

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
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