Come to Roscommon County and enjoy some of the finest canoeing, kayaking and tubing in the world. Nestled in gently rolling hills and valleys, our gently flowing rivers will treat you to a special experience. Blanketed with forest and captivating water we are here waiting to share the wealth of wildlife and wilderness with you. Float the Muskegon and the South Branch of the world famous AuSable River with us. Each of these rivers has its own unique characteristic, but all of them gently take you through the cool shaded forests in and near Roscommon County.

AUSABLE RIVER
The South Branch of the AuSable River is world renowned for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. The South Branch of the AuSable River flows northward out of St. Helen to Roscommon (This section is floatable only at certain times of the year). Out of Roscommon the AuSable River flows north and east through the George Mason Wilderness Retreat. There are no homes or roads in the 3,500 acres between Chase Bridge and Smith Bridge; this stretch of the river is preserved as a wilderness. Here the river's depth ranges from one to four fee; a few places are deeper. A moderate current will take you steadily downstream. The Roscommon Canoe Liveries can help you plan trips from 1-4 hours to overnight trips.

The following hotels offer
Canoe Packages
contact them today:

Press 'Play' to learn about canoeing the AuSable in
this video clip from Great Getaways.

Best Western Beachfront Motel
4990 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
989-366-9126
Houghton Lake, MI
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: Yes

Chalet Motel
9062 W. Lake City Rd.
989-422-5085
Houghton Lake, MI
Lakefront: No

Hillside Motel
3419 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 366-5711
Houghton Lake
Lakefront: No

Lagoon Resort & Motel
6578 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 422-5761
Houghton Lake
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: Yes

Atrium Plaza
9285 W. Lake City Road
(989)422-5175
Houghton Lake, MI
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: No

Riviera Resort
M-55 & North M-18
(989) 366-5122
Prudenville, MI
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Lakefront: Yes

Sands Beach Front Resort-Motel
9192 W. Houghton Lake Dr.
(989) 422-5295
Houghton Lake, MI
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: Yes

Springbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast
565 W. West Branch Road
(989) 366-6347
Prudenville, MI
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: No

Super 8 Motel
9580 W. Lake City Road
(989) 422-3119 · (800) 800-8000
Houghton Lake, MI
Visit Hotel Website
Lakefront: No

Tee Pee Motel
333 W. Federal Highway
(989) 275-5203 · (800) 420-5348
Roscommon
Lakefront: No

Canoe Liveries on AuSable River

• Campell's Canoe Livery - Campbell’s  located on M-18 ( Lake Street) in Roscommon.  They offer rentals of canoes and kayaks which can be used on the South Branch of the AuSable River.  They can be reached at (800)722-6633 or (989) 275-5810.  Their website is: www.canoeatcampbells.com 
• Hiawatha Canoe Livery - Rents canoes, kayaks and tubes.  They are located at 113 Lake Street (M-18) in Roscommon.  They can be contacted by phone at (888)515-5213 or (989) 275-5213
• Paddle Brave Canoe Livery and Campground Resort - They have canoes, kayaks, and tubes for rent.  Located at 10610 Steckert Bridge Road in Roscommon.  They have two telephone numbers they can be reached at: (800)681-7092 or (989)275-5273
• Watters Edge Canoe Livery - Canoes, kayaks, and tubes available for rent.  Located at 10799 Dana Dr. in Roscommon.  (800)681-7092 or at (989) 275-5568

MUSKEGON RIVER
The Muskegon means "Happy River" and flows south and west from Houghton Lake into the backwaters of the Reedsburg Dam. From there the river meanders through miles of unspoiled wilderness flowing over a bed of sand at approximately 3-4 miles per hour. You will travel through the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area, where the Muskegon River takes you gently through some astounding natural areas. Trips from 1 hour to 7 or 8 hours are available.

Canoe Liveries on Muskegan River

• White Birch Canoe Livery & Campground - You can camp, rent canoes, kayaks and tubes at this Livery for travel on the Muskegon River through the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research area.  Trips range from 1 hour up to 6 hours.  They are located in the Houghton Lake area.  They can be contacted at (231)328-4547 or visit them at their website:  www.whitebirchcanoe.com