Tittabawassee River Kayaking Guide

The Tittabawassee River is mid-Michigan's broad, friendly highway of water — flowing from the Sanford area south and east through Midland to its meeting with the Shiawassee River, where the two form the Saginaw River. It is a river built for covering miles: wide, steady, and well-mapped, with an official water-trail map that documents launches and distances in unusual detail. The Saginaw County water-trail map even suggests planning on about 2 miles per hour downstream — a refreshingly honest pace for trip planning.

The river's character is open and unhurried. This is big, moving flatwater rather than a twisty creek: broad bends, wooded and park-lined banks, and a current that does much of the work. The Midland area adds a lively urban flavor, with the famous Tridge — the three-way footbridge over the river's confluence — as a paddling landmark, plus a string of riverside parks that make put-ins and lunch stops easy. Below Midland, the river continues through a greener corridor toward the Saginaw River confluence.

Wind is the factor that surprises first-time Tittabawassee paddlers. On such broad water, a headwind can cut your speed dramatically and turn an easy downstream float into real work — the official map's warning that wind and current strongly affect pace is worth taking to heart. Check the forecast, plan conservatively, and enjoy one of Michigan's most satisfying big-river day trips.

Paddling the Tittabawassee

Sanford Village Park to the Tridge (about 13.25 miles in hops)

The upper water trail strings together easy segments: Sanford Village Park to Tittabawassee River Overlook Park (9.6 miles), Overlook Park to Golf Side Drive launch (2.25 miles), and Golf Side Drive to the Tridge launch (0.4 mile). The Tridge — downtown Midland's iconic three-way bridge — makes a memorable milestone and a natural rest stop.

The Tridge to Festival Park via Dow Dam

From the Tridge, it is 1 mile to the Dow Dam portage, then 1.1 miles from the portage to Caldwell Boat Launch, and 4.8 miles from Caldwell to Festival Park. The Dow Dam requires a portage of about 700 feet on the west side — scout it, carry through, and you are back on easy water.

Festival Park to Wickes Park (about 15.3 miles in hops)

The lower trail continues through a chain of parks: Festival Park to Imerman Park (6.05 miles), Imerman to Thomas Township Nature Preserve (3.9 miles), the preserve to West Michigan Avenue Park (1.6 miles), West Michigan Avenue to Leonard Boers III Riverfront Park (0.75 mile), and Leonard Boers to Wickes Park (3.2 miles) near the Saginaw River confluence. Link hops for a full day or a relaxed multi-day trip.

Hazards & Portages

Dow Dam is the mandatory portage — about 700 feet on the west side; never attempt to run it. Otherwise the river's main challenge is wind on the broad, open reaches, which can slow progress to a crawl and build chop. The current itself is steady and forgiving, but give the usual respect to bridge abutments and any downed trees after storms. Near the Saginaw River confluence, be aware of bigger-water conditions and boat traffic.

Access & Parking

Access is excellent along the whole trail. Sanford Village Park (43.67479, -84.38459) anchors the upper end, with Tittabawassee River Overlook Park, Golf Side Drive, the Tridge, Caldwell Boat Launch, Festival Park, Imerman Park, Thomas Township Nature Preserve, West Michigan Avenue Park, Leonard Boers III Riverfront Park, and Wickes Park continuing the chain. Most launches have dedicated parking; the short hops between them make shuttles quick.

Map