River Raisin in Michigan

Trip Overview

Shortly after a heavy rain fall at 6 AM a friend and I inserted into the river's North side at Veterans Park (A couple of blocks west of Telegraph Rd on N Custer Rd.) Our plan was to navigate downstream to where our other vehicle was parked (A gravel parking lot due East of the Riverfront Marina.)

The current was fast and the robust cloud cover made an interesting back drop to our trip. Drab backyards, retail establishments, and floating/fallen trees are the normal scenery so don't expect to be lulled into a state of bliss. Many of the Low Head Dams that haunted the river have been converted to manageable ledges which we found were quite challenging especially with the added water speed.

My only mishap occurred West of the Roessler St. overpass when my kayak became entrapped under a fallen tree. Dislodging it took about 10 minutes. After a few nervous laughs we continued downstream and successfully passed two more ledges until the one at Cappucilli Park where it was my friend's turn for carnage when his kayak broached. The water was pleasantly warm and we were thoroughly soaked, not to mention slightly chilled but because our trip was quick we decided to venture into the turning basin and a drain adjacent to the River Raisin Marina and Campground before we returned to our vehicles. The drain was a welcomed change in landscape. Active fish and wildlife abound in this area, although it still had its share of industrial barrels and trash along the banks.

Our trip lasted approximately 3 hours, which allowed us time to eat extra thick omelets and leave small puddles of water at Gander's Restaurant in Luna Pier... good thing their seats are vinyl.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

None

Directions:

Monroe Exit 14 off 75, depending upon your direction.

Resources:

Google Maps