Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck: Address, Kalamazoo River Reviews: 4.5/5
Kalamazoo River
Kalamazoo River
4.5
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Known for its luxurious homes along the eastern shore.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
53 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
tagnrocky
Noblesville, IN990 contributions
Couples
We were able to rent kayaks from Big Lake Outfitters in Saugatuck and really enjoyed our float down the river. They put us in upriver past Douglas and we floated back to the store. Saw lost of lovely homes, posh yachts and floated past a grounded tugboat that was a gull nesting site and saw baby gulls. A fun way to experience Saugatuck.
Written July 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nico L
Saugatuck, MI23 contributions
Friends
We came to Saugatuck for a few years without ever going out to the big lake by boat. The cruise down the Kalamazoo out to Lake Michigan is so beautiful and peaceful, you will love it. If you rent a pontoon, go beach it and hang out at the "basin" which is the opening in the river just before the channel. On some weekends in the summer you may even catch a band playing on another pontoon out there, its a blast.
Written May 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gadafone
Sherwood, OH133 contributions
Friends
We kayaker a three hour trip from a bridge with a railroad bridge beside it through some really, quiet, serene, waters. We enjoyed every moment of the trip seeing the birds, turtles, a beaver, and some fish. The wildflowers were pretty and I recommend some time up-river if you can!
Written August 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HaveBagWillTravel5
Western Springs, IL114 contributions
We stay in Saugatuck annually and love the Kalamazoo River. We stay on the river and love seeing all the boats and people doing water sports. The river is clean and there is a ton to do on and around it. Definitely worth a visit to Saugatuck to see this wonderful river.
Written April 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samisue2014
Rossford, OH12 contributions
Couples
Clean, quiet river with plenty to do nearby. Shops, eateries and music. Very pleasant walkway on the boardwalk near the boats. Again, very clean. No fishy odor.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathy B
Three Oaks, MI4 contributions
Family
So many things to do on this river -- stay in a motel or a B & B with a great view, ride the river ferry all the way out to the mouth which ends at Lake Michigan, enjoy a meal on one of the restaurant decks, and watch the boats go by, ride the wonderful, old-fashioned Duck, or go over to the other, Douglas side of the river, and enjoy the public park -- feed the ducks at the bottom of the deck, enjoy a picnic lunch in the pavillion, and climb the tall steps on the dune to see the view of the town at the top. Then, run down the back side of the dune, but make sure you are wearing your bathing suit, because Oval Beach is at the bottom, and you can't be in town without a dip in Lake Michigan.
Written February 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JoeNozeAll
Douglas, MI73 contributions
Kazoo River used to be lovely to look at, but the drought has taken its toll. Water not fit to swim in. Fish not edible (PCBs). When the water is back up, a great place to kayak is to drop in at New Richmond and float to Douglas.
Written January 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen S
Euclid, OH62 contributions
Family
HYDROBIKING- 👍👍👍😄😄😄!!!
Enjoyed renting Hydrobikes and pedaling down the Kalamazoo! Reasonably priced and perfect activity for all ages. Hot sun had us easily getting off and back on the bikes after taking dips in the water. Sun umbrellas attached to the bikes were also great at taming the sun. Pedaling is super easy, but you can just as easily allow the bike to "float" downstream without pedaling. Owners are super friendly. Highly recommend this UNIQUE and ENJOYABLE activity! Hydrobikes 269-355-3395
PONTOON RENTAL-
Big Lake Rentals 269-857-4762 excellent day cruising Kalamazoo River/Lake. Friendly and helpful service- decent pricing. Pontoon was easy to drive and park along shore- (allowed to dock it to swim) No tubing 😐, but did enjoy a relaxing boat ride. Note smaller sized pontoons do not have a ladder so jumping on/off boat requires muscle for re-entry.
Enjoyed renting Hydrobikes and pedaling down the Kalamazoo! Reasonably priced and perfect activity for all ages. Hot sun had us easily getting off and back on the bikes after taking dips in the water. Sun umbrellas attached to the bikes were also great at taming the sun. Pedaling is super easy, but you can just as easily allow the bike to "float" downstream without pedaling. Owners are super friendly. Highly recommend this UNIQUE and ENJOYABLE activity! Hydrobikes 269-355-3395
PONTOON RENTAL-
Big Lake Rentals 269-857-4762 excellent day cruising Kalamazoo River/Lake. Friendly and helpful service- decent pricing. Pontoon was easy to drive and park along shore- (allowed to dock it to swim) No tubing 😐, but did enjoy a relaxing boat ride. Note smaller sized pontoons do not have a ladder so jumping on/off boat requires muscle for re-entry.
Written July 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jack W
Suffolk, VA344 contributions
Family
We took the boat tour on the Kalamazoo and enjoyed it. The captain was informative about local history and the river/lake was interesting. It is a great way to understand more about the area.
Written July 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shar M
9 contributions
Couples
Just gorgeous homes. Sunset was gorgeous we love Saugatuck. Rented a Antigue boat and also took a paddle wheel boat ride and all was worthwhile. Sun fun and just the best
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
watertrailexplorer1
Fennville, MI4 contributions
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James K
Virginia Beach, VA2 contributions
Where can I leave my boat trailer for 2 days after I launch my boat in Saugatuck ?
Many launches but the all say you cannot leave boat trailer in their lot.
Where do they expect a tourist to leave their boat trailer when bringing their boat for a stay.
We are staying on our boat at the Municipal Marina (Seargent Marina) and they won't even let us keep our trailer there during our 2 day stay.
jarIndiana
Muncie, IN396 contributions
I would also call and ask Saugatuck Dunes State Park. It sucks when you cant even park your boat trailer where you launch your boat. I wish you nothing but good luck and wish I could be of more help. You might also call the Michigan DNR who might be of help in a situation like yours.
Good luck
J.R.
Judy L
Winnipeg, Canada121 contributions
Where do you rent canoes or kayaks from?
Hk Miller
Kalamazoo, MI397 contributions
The ones l know of are in Comstock, Mi and they go to downtown Kalamazoo. There are many canoe rentals throughout Michigan. I like Silver Lake, Mi the best for camping etc. Lake Otsego State Park in Gaylord is beautiful as well and one hour from Mackinac Island
yhui92
Plymouth, MI
Does anybody know what the flow is like in the river? I'm hoping to bring my own kayaks out here and want to know if I can paddle back upstream easily to my car.
Where would a good launch area be?
Thanks in advance :)