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Reservations are required on weekends and holidays for paddle trips and tubing trips, as they are the busiest times of the summer. Online reservations can be made through our website by clicking on the “Book Now” button. During the week, paddle trips run on a first-come, first-serve basis, but online reservations are highly encouraged to make check-in easier. If you are bringing a large group (10 or more) during the week, we recommend making a reservation — this is helpful to us and allows us time to prepare for your group trip.
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Sorry, we don’t offer any group rates at this time. We keep our fees as low as possible to provide a great outdoor experience.
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Unfortunately, no. Due to liability and park policy, we do not offer shuttle service for persons or equipment that are not renting from Skip’s. We also do NOT allow persons to drop-off or take-out their equipment at our designated Skip’s location inside Delhi Metroparks. There are separate, public boat launches at West and East Delhi, and numerous others at Hudson Mills and Dexter-Huron Metroparks.
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Skip’s is located within and owned by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. To enter any of their park systems, a Metropark pass is required and can be purchased for $10/day or $40/year at their tolls upon entry.
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- Please park your vehicle at the main Delhi Metropark: 3902 E Delhi Rd, Ann Arbor
- Please WALK the B2B Trail (along the river) over to our “old” Check-In Building to check-in, collect PFD’s, and await Skip’s Transportation (Skip’s patrons ONLY).
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Weekend/Holiday Trip Times:
- Hudson Mills to Delhi Paddle – 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm– on the hour (kayaks & canoes).
- Dexter-Huron to Delhi Tubing- 9am to 2pm (online reservations for tubes).
Weekday (M,T, Th, F) Trip Times:
- Hudson Mills to Delhi Paddle – 11am, 12pm, 1pm on the hour (kayaks & canoes).
- Dexter-Huron to Delhi Paddle – 3pm & 4pm (kayaks & canoes).
- New on Wednesdays: Dexter-Huron to Delhi Trips -1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm (kayaks & canoes)
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We charge per boat (or tube)…. NOT per person. Exception–Canoes with a 3rd person (10 years old or older) will be half the canoe fee, depending on the trip chosen. You may fit 2 adults and 2 small children (with combined weight under 100 lbs) in a canoe. We do not allow a 3rd person in our 2-person kayaks.
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Yes. Along with cash, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and more. Check out our pricing page to determine how much you will need.
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Yes. One Driver’s License per individual renter or per group must be left as a deposit when renting from Skip’s.
**Currently NOT taking deposit due to Pandemic.**
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Sorry, we do not have lockers at this time–please leave your valuables in a hidden, concealed spot in your car, OR leave your valuables at home for extra safety. We recommend not taking anything on the river that you can’t afford to lose or get wet. We do offer waterproof containers for purchase at check-in. Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery is NOT liable for lost, stolen, water-damaged or misplaced items.
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Coolers are permitted on our canoes and kayaks. We will have them for purchase if needed. The maximum size of cooler allowed is 12”x12”x12”. Only ONE cooler per boat. Styrofoam coolers and glass bottles are NOT allowed on the river. We have the right to deny rental privileges to any overly-intoxicated person and to refuse transportation in our vehicles as well. You should expect the river to be patrolled by local police and it is possible to receive a warning, be fined, or arrested if you become unruly or are disrespectful to others around you.
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We do offer a few items for sale, in case you forget them on the day of your trip. We sell water-trail maps, dry-bags, sunscreen, water shoes, t-shirts, sunglasses straps (Chums), water, gatorade, pop, chips, candy, and granola bars. Other items you should consider bringing would be sunglasses, a hat, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes. If you plan on bringing a camera or cell phone, bring a dry bag for safe keeping (or purchase one at check-in). Bring extra dry clothing or a change of clothes and keep dry towels in your car.
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The water temperature, depth of the river, and also the water current vary throughout the season. During summer months the water temperature can range between 60-80 degrees F. River depths can range from 2-5 feet throughout the summer.
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There’s PLENTY of wildlife! Some fish you may come across in the Huron are rock bass, bluegill, black crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, trout, suckers, carp, and others. You may possibly see great blue heron, songbirds, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, Canada geese, ospreys, warblers, sandhill cranes, and more. If you’re looking for more of a quiet, peaceful day on the river, trips during the week are your best option. Our weekends and holidays are usually the busiest times so it might be less peaceful due to the higher volume of customers.
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Kayaking or canoeing our short trip (Dexter-Huron to Delhi) is 3.5 miles and usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Our long trip (Hudson Mills to Delhi) is 8 miles and usually takes 3-4 hours to complete and depends on how active you are paddling or if you’d prefer to float at a leisurely pace. We approximate the tubing trip from Dexter-Huron to take 2-3 hours, but this greatly varies with river current and depth so plan accordingly. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions and each customer’s amount of paddling versus floating preferences—ask check-in employees on the day of the trip.
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Upon arrival at Skip’s check-in location, we do have porta-pottys for customers. We know many people prefer the “real thing,” and fortunately, there are Metropark public restrooms (with toilets and running water) located at East Delhi Metropark (across the street). For the long trip starting at Hudson Mills, there are porta-pottys onsite before starting down the river. For the short trip starting at Dexter-Huron, there are Metropark public restrooms (Also, a good mid-way stopping point if you are paddling the Long Trip).
Food options…. If you are starting your paddle from Hudson Mills (long trip), about half-way through your trip, you will pass the Dexter Cider Mill (you’ll smell the donuts!) on your right-hand side–there is no safe place to stop there. But, just beyond that, immediately under the bridge and to the left, there is a pull-off area which will allow you walking access to the Dexter Cider Mill, Classic Pizza, and the Dexter Party Store where you can load up on food/snacks.
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There are a few significant rapids on the trips that can be classified as Class I-II, depending on water conditions. We encourage paddlers to pay attention to and avoid swift currents, eddies, and rocks….especially during high-water or low-water conditions. We monitor the river and do have restrictions or the right to deny rental due to high/low water or dangerous conditions. Give us a call or check our Facebook page for updates.
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Some type of foot protection is required. Any type of water-shoe, old sneakers, or sandals with a heel strap are ideal. Flip-flops are not the best to wear out on/in the water because they can easily fall off. The river bed is covered in rocks that can be sharp or jagged. There can also be the possibility of broken glass or pieces of old metal. Foot protection will save your feet and make your trip more enjoyable.
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We do NOT have changing rooms at Skip’s check-in area. There are Metropark public restrooms across the street at the main East Delhi Metropark location.
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No, unless specifically stated, renting watercraft from Skip’s is an unguided river trip and you are choosing to participate at your own risk. We expect that you wear the life jacket (PFD) we provide for you at all times for safety. Additionally, we recommend you have someone in your group that knows how to swim.
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Anyone under 18 years old will require a parent or guardian to sign their liability waiver on their behalf, AND accompany them down the river.
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You and all your rental equipment must be off the river by 7:00 pm, unless stated otherwise to you by a Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery staff member. A late fee of $50 per hour will be charged to your credit card if not off the river by 7:00pm.
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Yes. There are designated picnic areas, shelter areas, and grills available within the Metroparks. For more information go to the Metroparks website (www.metroparks.com) or call Hudson Mills Metropark’s main office at (734) 426-8211.
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Michigan law requires that children under 6 years of age must wear an approved PFD when riding on any watercraft or vessel. However, at Skip’s we require everyone to wear a life jacket or PFD (personal floatation device) for your safety.
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If there is a serious medical emergency, please call 911 (this should be your 1st phone call–EMS and rescue teams are trained and can reach you quickly). If it is non-life threatening, please call us and we will do our best to help you.
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You want to avoid any trees or branches that may be sticking out of or into the waterway. After a big storm, there may be new obstacles (fallen down trees, etc.) that we may not be aware of. This is where our amazing customers can give us feedback on the trip and let us know of any obstructions during their trip. There are also rocks scattered throughout the river–please try to avoid rocks for your safety and so you don’t damage your rental gear.
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If you should tip your boat, you may, in most cases simply be able to climb back on, however, if in deeper water – swim it to shore then climb back on after dumping out any water. If you tip a canoe, you will need to drag it to a shallow area then tip the canoe AWAY from the current and lift-up to let the water drain out before getting back inside. Note, Skip’s does NOT want our customers to risk their safety or life if they are unable to retrieve their lost rental watercraft or gear. Your safety is our top priority!
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Camping is not available at Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery location, however, there is camping available within the Metroparks and other nearby locations. Check the Huron-Clinton Metroparks website for more camping information.
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Yes! We do allow small, well-behaved, pets like dogs (50lbs or less) inside our kayaks and canoes. However, pets are NOT allowed in our inflatable tubes or rafts.
