Paddling Lower Boardman River

Boardman Lake Access

Launch at Medalie Park (see below) at the South end of Boardman Lake. The lake is popular with many birds. Though once heavily lined with various industries, it is now quite popular with kayakers and fishermen. In addition, there’s a sailing school at the North end, at Hull Park.

The shore is somewhat undeveloped, with parks at both ends and dotted with condos & a few business on the East & West lakesides.

 
 
 

Notes of Caution:

  • DO NOT attempt to pass through the culverts under S. Airport Road due to potentially insufficient room to pass a canoe or kayak.

  • Lake has a long fetch when paddling North toward Downtown: extremely difficult to paddle end-to-end when there is a North or Northwest wind, which is often.

  • Once FishPass construction starts at Union Street Dam, paddlers must land/get out at American Legion Park, at the corner of Washington & Cass Streets.

 
 
 

** Notice: Like Life, the Boardman River constantly ‘flows’ with change: the info. below is general, to the best of our knowledge, and always subject to change. Float times are approximate and may vary.

Be prepared for downed trees and varying conditions.

ALWAYS wear your life jacket: it’s your ‘seatbelt’ while traveling by water.

LAUNCHES

Medalie Park

The River Outfitters rents kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bikes during the summer at Medalie Park. It is also home to the TC Tritons Rowing Club. 

This park features a platform launch, paved parking, restrooms in the covered picnic pavilion, and is located on S. Airport Road at Logan’s Landing.

** Note: Once FishPass construction starts at Union Street Dam, paddlers must land/get out at American Legion Park, at the corner of Washington & Cass Streets.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 0.5 hr. paddle/float to Hull Park [varies depending on strength of wind blowing that day + strength and skill of paddler(s)]

  • 2.0 miles by paved roads to Hull Park

 

Boardman Lake Trail @ 12th Street

This location has a new platform launch on the Western shore, a vault toilet in season, and is located at the East end of 12th Street on the Boardman Lake Trail.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 1 hr. paddle/float to Downtown / American Legion Park

  • 0.7 miles by paved roads to American Legion Park

 

Hull Park

The Boardman River begins its urban section West of Hull Park, and has a very gentle flow. Portage is required at the Union Street Dam. A dock & boat launch are available, in addition to paved parking, and restrooms.

Hull Park is located next to the Library, near the corner of Woodmere & 8th Street.

** Note: Once FishPass construction starts at Union Street Dam, paddlers must land/get out at American Legion Park, at the corner of Washington & Cass Streets.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 1 hr. float to Downtown / American Legion Park

  • 0.8 miles by paved roads to American Legion Park

 

Downtown / Hannah Park to Mouth at West Bay

The Boardman’s flow becomes deeper and quite slow as it meanders through Downtown Traverse City, compared with the river’s upper sections. Until FishPass is complete, a temporary landing was approved by the City Commission at American Legion Park, located at the Northeast corner of the Cass Road bridge.

Hannah Park is located just below Union Street Dam.

Paddling Time & Travel:

  • 20 min. float (1 river mile) to River’s Mouth at West Bay

    • Seasonal Note: Depending on river level + time of year, paddlers may need to portage around the MDNR Fish Weir, which adds approx. 10 min. to float time.

  • 1.25 miles by paved roads to River’s Mouth at West Bay Beach Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn)