Water Sports

PADDLING IN RIVER COUNTRY

With the most river systems of any county in Michigan, River Country is your canoe /kayak destination. Spend a few days, enjoy some lodging discounts and view the incredible scenery on the rivers in Southwest Michigan. Click here for lodging discounts on our Amish Meandering/Self-Guided Tour Page. To connect with our lodging facilities, click here.
Our river systems offer unique paddling experiences.

The St. Joseph River, probably the most well known river, spans from Berrien County on the west side of lower Michigan to Hillsdale County on the east side of the state. There are many tributaries of the St. Joseph River including the Prairie River, the Fawn River and the Pigeon River. The St. Joseph, for the most part, is a wide and slow moving river, 206 miles long, perfect for beginners or those who want a leisurely tour of the area. Our famous Langley Covered Bridge spans 282 feet across the mighty St. Joseph River, just north of Centreville.

The Rocky River, over 28 miles long, has narrow, twisting turns and white water. The river runs through Cass and St. Joseph counties.

The Fawn River is over 55 miles long running through southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. This river has some white water with adventurous turns and challenges.

The Portage River in Michigan starts at Portage Lake in Kalamazoo County and travels south, more than 38 miles, emptying into the St. Joseph River in Three Rivers, Michigan.

The Prairie River runs through Branch and St. Joseph counties. This 54 mile long river is winding and shallow at times. A true test to any paddlers abilities.

Nottawa Creek is 34 miles long which starts in Calhoun County at Nottawa Lake and travels southwest into St. Joseph County. Enjoy the Nottawa Creek waterfall at Rawson’s King Mill Park, just west of Leonidas, as the creek meanders it’s way to the St. Joseph River, where it ends just southeast of Mendon. You need to portage your canoe/kayak around the falls at the park.

Don’t have your own watercraft? No worries. There are three area canoe/kayak liveries you can utilize to plan a group outing or just a romantic paddling adventure for two. Liquid Therapy (221 S. Main St.) in downtown Three Rivers offers canoe or kayak trips down the St. Joseph, the Rocky River, the Fawn River, the Portage River or the Prairie River. Take a half day trip or paddle all day long. With lodging just a few blocks away, you could take a few days and try all five river excursions! Their hours of operation are; Open Weekends Only-April to Memorial Day and after Labor Day til October Liquid Therapy is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They can be reached at 269-273-9000 or click here to visit their website. In Cass County, Doe-Wah-Jacks Canoe and Kayak Rentals (52963 M-51 N) offers two, four or six hour tours down the Dowagiac River. They are opened 7 days a week from June through August and on weekends only in May, September and October. You can reach them at 269-782-7410 or click here to visit their website. South of Sturgis in Mongo, Indiana, the Trading Post Canoe, Kayak & Campground (7525 E 300 N) offers paddling trips traveling west from Mongo on the Portage River or east of Mongo on Turkey Creek. Campgrounds are available at the Trading Post or stay in Sturgis, Michigan and enjoy lodging discounts at the Hampton Inn, only twelve miles north. Click here to visit their website for specific hours of operation or call them at 260-367-2493. As you can see, if paddling is in your future, River Country is the destination to make that happen.

Don’t forget to visit our Self-Guided Tours page to print and clip hotel discounts for your stay in our beautiful area.

CANOE & KAYAK RENTALS

Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental
52963 M-51 N
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: 888-782-7410

Liquid Therapy Canoe Rental
221 S. Main St.
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: 269-273-9000

Trading Post Canoe, Kayak & Campground
7525 E. 300 N.
Mongo, IN 46771

HERITAGE WATER TRAILS

Much has been said over the years about River Country’s unique ecology. With 150 miles of navigable rivers, more than any other county in Michigan, this area has an abundance of flora, fauna, fish and fowl. It’s importance to local history, commerce, trade and development makes River Country a must see. If bringing your own kayak or canoe, visit the Heritage Water Trails for maps to navigate the St. Joseph River, Portage River and Nottawa Creek.

BOATING

Launch your boat in one of our many lakes in River Country to relax with some fishing, water skiing or swimming. The DNR has a list of lakes in St. Joseph County. Check out the Cass County lakes.

Make sure to review boating regulations and always be prepared with the proper flotation devices to make your boating experience safe.

Marinas/Boat Rentals:
Corey On The Lake Marina*
59549 County Line Rd.
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: 269-244-5878

Lakeside Marine LLC*
515 N. Burr Oak Rd.
Colon, MI 49040
Phone: 269-432-9136

Pat’s Pontoons
14960 M-60
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: 269-273-2800

BOAT RACES

Each year, Constantine welcomes the Michigan Hydroplane Association and the US Title Series Association to the St. Joseph River for exciting hydroplane and runabout boat racing. The Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association races on the second weekend in June and the US Title Series boat races take place on the third weekend in July. Check out US Title Series link to find the racing schedule and more information. Click here to visit the Michigan Hydroplane Association site for their schedule and more information about boat racing and how to participate in this exciting sport.

FISHING

Hunting and fishing is a highlight for the sports enthusiast in River Country! With 58 lakes, 18 lakes with boat launches, visit the area to drop your line in one of our beautiful lakes. For the fly fisherman, River Country has sixteen rivers for some great fishing.

For fishing guide and regulations, check out the DNR website. Check out fly fishing information on the St. Joseph River.

Bait & Tackle:
Arjay’s Bait & Tackle
63541 Lakeshore Rd.
Sturgis, MI 49091
Phone: 269-651-7500

Bob’s Bait & Tackle
411 N. Nottawa St.
Sturgis, MI 49091
Phone: 269-503-7374

Colon Bait & Tackle
233 S. Blackstone Ave.
Colon, MI 49040
Phone: 269-432-3633

Dam Site Bait Shop, Inc.*
170 N. Washington St.
Constantine, MI 49042
Phone: 269-435-2613

Fisher Bait & Tackle
413 W. Chicago Rd.
White Pigeon, MI 49099
Phone: 269-483-7861

Fisherman’s Luck
10312 M-60
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: 269-244-5356

Klinger Lake Trading Post
69130 Klinger Lake Rd.
Sturgis, MI 49091
Phone: 269-651-2679

SWIMMING BEACHES

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than cooling off at one of River Country’s lake parks. St. Joseph County offers a swimming beach with picnic area at Cade Lake Park in Sturgis or Nottawa Park at Sand Lake. Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park on Little Fish Lake or Harmon Park (east) on Shavehead Lake, in Cass County, offers swimming beaches as well as picnic areas. Check out our Group Planning Page for information on picnic shelter rentals for group gatherings.