Located just minutes from downtown St. Joseph and the Benton Harbor Arts District, the Paw Paw River is a perfect spot to explore. Paw Paw River kayaking allows you to paddle through peaceful wetlands and scenic river bends on calm water that’s ideal for all experience levels.
Weather may affect hours. Click “Book Now” for real-time calendar.
Designed for all experience levels, these trips offer calm water, straightforward routes, and plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety standards so you can focus on your paddling adventure with confidence.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available mid-May through mid-October for river locations and late May through Labor Day for beach locations. Please check availability as hours are subject to change due to weather.
Paw Paw River kayaking is a calm and scenic experience in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area. With little to no current, Paw Paw River paddleboarding or kayaking is easy in either direction, making it a great option for beginners and anyone looking for a relaxed outing. You’ll start on a wide, gentle stretch of water (our launch is across from hole three of Harbor Shores Golf Club) before entering a peaceful stretch where nature takes over.
As you enjoy kayaking through the wetlands, you’ll be surrounded by tall grasses, winding channels, and plenty of wildlife. Herons, egrets, turtles, and fish are often spotted along the riverbanks, especially during quieter times of day. The calm water and secluded feel make a Paw Paw River paddleboard or kayak excursion a perfect way to slow down and enjoy Southwest Michigan from the water.
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Our Paw Paw River kayak and paddleboard rental site is located just outside downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, and the Benton Harbor Arts District, next to Harbor Shores Resort and Renaissance Athletic Club, and 90 minutes from Chicago.
Parking: $5 for 3 hours or $10 for all-day parking. Fees are set by the City of Benton Harbor and are subject to change.
No, you simply paddle back to where you started when you’re done. It is easy, as there is very little current on the Paw Paw River, Galien River, and Wade’s Bayou. It is also convenient since you don’t have to wait for a shuttle – just paddle upstream or downstream and return back to the rental site when finished.
Yes, you really can paddle both upstream and downstream at our river rental locations. Our launches are situated near where the rivers meet Lake Michigan — which results in much less current than if you were to paddle at points farther up the river. You can paddle out and return right back to where you started. No need for a shuttle or getting dropped off, which we do not offer.
At all of our rental sites, you can paddle as long as you like and just turn around when you’re ready to return to the launch site. (No need for a shuttle, which we do not offer.) Our most popular reservation length is two hours.
If you need to reschedule your reservation, use the link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. You must reschedule BEFORE your original reservation time. We’re happy to reschedule rentals, but there are no refunds on these services.
You do not need to worry about tipping our kayaks over. They are a beginner-friendly sit-on-top style that is very stable and designed not to tip easily. While our kayaks are designed for stability, it’s important to note that any kayak can tip if a paddler stands up or behaves unsafely.
Yes, each guest is required to sign a waiver, which includes agreeing to wear your life jacket the entire time.
We encourage you to book ahead of time online to make sure you get the equipment you want when you want. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click “book now,” and choose your rental location. You’re also welcome to drop by to rent, but your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.
