Canoing the Midwest - Where? Rental Spots?

[adamkosecki]

Hello,

I'm planning a canoe trip. I have my own gear, but some friends do not.

1. Anyone have any recommendations for a 3 - 5 day trip in the Midwest? I have some ideas of my own, but I'm always looking for new spots I have some inexperienced paddlers so anything above class 2 rapids would be too much.

2. Anyone have any recommendations on a spot to rent canoes in the midwest (we live in Chicago)? I have my own gear, but some people in my party are going to need to rent.

I don't want a guided trip. I personally have canoed hundreds of miles in a single sitting so I will be my party's guide (Last year I did the first ~450 miles of the Mississippi River).

Thanks!
Adam

 

[mike64]

Re: Canoing the Midwest - Where? Rental Spots?

Idea for where to go-- I've never been, but heard the Boundary Waters area on the Minnesota/Ontario border is great for several day canoe trips. I've also heard it's gotten kind of crowded in the last 10 years or so, though.

Wherever you end up going, let us know how it went when you get back! That's something I've always wanted to do. Maybe when my kids get older (if I'm not too old myself by then).

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Canoing the Midwest - Where? Rental Spots?

Rapids? In the Mid-West? Ummm, not a problem...

Summer time, The Apple River in Wisconsin is really nice.

Fall Time, The Wapsipinicon (Wapsi to those in the know) in Iowa is an amazing treat to the eyes.

I used to tube down the Apple River with a beer in my hand.
Loved those beer can targets they had set up. Kept the river clean.

Used to live fairly close to the Wapsi.....not bad.....but if you really want a semi wild ride....go check out the Cedar River.

Maybe you'll float by city hall in downtown Cedar Rapids.

I'm originally from Waterloo

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Canoing the Midwest - Where? Rental Spots?

Northwestern Wisconsin. Flambeau, Chippewa, and Jump Rivers all lead to the Holcombe Flowage at Holcombe Wisconsin. The Chippewa continues on south to join the Mississippi. Further up, start at Hayward Wisconsin and do the Namakogan River to its junction with the St Croix the forms the boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Go downstream to Stillwater Mn/Hudson WI, or continue on down to Prescott, Wi where the St Croix joins the Mississippi. It's all flat water although you will want to do the St Croix from Hudson Wi to Prescott during the week as 52 foot boats and barges make pretty big wakes although if you hug the shoreline you will be safe. I suggest at least doing the Namakogan. Rustic campsites along the way. No commercial stuff between Hayward and the St Croix and no portages. Mid summer you can get out and walk as the water is not that deep. Nice sandy bottom in most areas.

 

[arboldt]

Re: Canoing the Midwest - Where? Rental Spots?

You and your friends really need to talk it over and get a better idea of what kind of canoeing you want to do... Lakes? Big water? Gentle rivers? how far do you want to drive to get there?

I loved the Boundary Waters, but haven't been there since 1975. From Rochester in southern Minnesota to the Boundary Waters is a full day's drive. Add another 1/2 day from Chicago. Once you're there, there's hundreds of outfitters to rent from (seems like it anyway). And you can focus on lakes or rivers.

I was born in eastern Iowa, so have heard of the Wapsi, but never been on it. Again, many nice rivers, but careful once you flow into the Mississippi. I've seen lots of people camping on sand bars, but don't know as I'd care to canoe that river myself.

There are lots of rivers in west / northwest Michigan. Many don't have much whitewater even though they may have some calmer rapids. The Au Sable, Pine, Pere Marquette, St Joesph, Kalamazoo, Grand, etc are all possibilities (but know about toxicity on the last two).

What kind of an experience are you looking for? And if your friends aren't exactly experienced canoeists, *realistically* what can they handle?