Boardman River

Traverse City's treasure — from technical headwater twists to a mellow drift into Grand Traverse Bay

Photo: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske), Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

The Boardman River begins near Kalkaska and winds roughly 28 miles to West Grand Traverse Bay, passing right through the heart of Traverse City. Few Michigan rivers pack this much variety into one paddle: the skinny upper headwaters are narrow, quick, and deceptively technical, while the lower reaches below Traverse City widen into a slow, relaxing drift. In between, the middle Boardman threads through cedar swamps, grassland prairie, and shaded Northern Michigan forest — it is one of the most scenic day-trip rivers in the Lower Peninsula.

One thing that makes the Boardman special is its ongoing restoration story. Dam removals along the river — including the former Brown Bridge Dam — have returned stretches of the river to a free-flowing state, exposing open prairie where the old impoundment used to be. Downtown Traverse City now hosts a whitewater park where paddlers can surf standing waves at the right flows, adding a play-boating option you won't find on most Michigan rivers.

At a Glance

• Approximate length: ~28 miles, Kalkaska to Traverse City
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate; advanced at Keystone Rapids and the Traverse City whitewater park
• Water character: Quick, narrow headwaters → steady middle current → wide, slow lower river
• Best season: May through September; spring flows are livelier, summer is mellow

Paddling Sections

Forks Campground → Shumsky Road

Put-in: Forks State Forest Campground, Brown Bridge Road  |  Take-out: Shumsky Road public access  |  Distance: About 4.5 hours of paddling

The classic upper-middle Boardman trip. You start in tight oxbows slipping past cedar canopy and sweepers, shoot through culverts just past Ranch Rudolf, skim the gravel shoals of Scheck's Place, and then watch the river widen as the current eases through the former Brown Bridge pond prairie. A blend of scenery and moving water that keeps you engaged without wearing you out — plan on roughly 4.5 hours.

Brown Bridge → Shumsky's Landing → Beitner Road

Put-in: Brown Bridge canoe launch (44.6418, -85.5096)  |  Take-out: Beitner Road park  |  Distance: About 12 miles, 4–5 hours with a lunch stop

A favorite West Michigan Kayaking Club route. Paddle from the Brown Bridge launch about 2.25 hours to Shumsky's Landing (launch area with parking — good lunch stop), then another 1.5 hours to Beitner Road. High banks, eagles, and deer sightings are common. Skill level here is beginner to intermediate.

Beitner Road → Cass Road (Keystone Rapids)

Put-in: Beitner Road  |  Take-out: Cass Road bridge (¼ mile west of Keystone Road)  |  Distance: A few miles of rapids

Below Beitner Road the river picks up into the Keystone Rapids — the Boardman's whitewater stretch. This is intermediate to advanced water; scout first, and know there is a take-out option just upstream of the rapids if you prefer to skip them. The Cass Road take-out is at the Cass Road bridge.

Traverse City Urban Float & Whitewater Park

Put-in: Lay Park / Union Street area  |  Take-out: Clinch Park, Grand Traverse Bay

A unique city paddle: drift the lower Boardman through Traverse City and finish at the bay. The whitewater park near Union Street offers surfable waves at moderate flows for intermediate and expert paddlers, with pedestrian bridges and tiered viewing steps for spectators.

Hazards & Portages

The main hazards are natural: sweepers and overhanging cedar in the tight upper oxbows, culverts to line up on just past Ranch Rudolf, and gravel shoals that can hang you up at low water. The Keystone Rapids below Beitner Road are the river's serious whitewater — scout from shore and portage if you're unsure. Take out at Lone Pine on the right before entering Boardman Pond to avoid a steep, awkward climb at the dam. All the historic dams on the paddled sections have been removed, but stay alert for submerged remnants and old pilings.

Access & Parking

Access is excellent along the middle river: the Brown Bridge Quiet Area canoe launch has free parking and is first-come, first-served. Shumsky's Landing on Shumsky Road has a launch area with parking, and Beitner Road offers a small roadside park. Four easy access points sit along River Road south of Traverse City — at Garfield Road, two River Road crossings, and Shumsky's Landing. No permits are required for recreational paddling; arrive early on summer weekends as lots fill up.

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