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Water Trail Events

What is it like to paddle the Rouge?
Rouge Uncruise Videos360 Virtual Tour
Paddling Trip Videos
Freight Traffic Ship Finder App
Map of Freighter Traffic
Check Logjam Status
Because any in-person contact risks spreading the disease, Friends of the Rouge requires all participants to abide by the following procedures until further notice.
If you are an experienced paddler, or if you have never paddled before, we’ve got a trip for you! Don’t miss your chance to paddle the Rouge!
SPRING PADDLE TRIP – SATURDAY, MAY 14
Dearborn Hills Golf Course, Dearborn 9am – 12pm
The trip from Dearborn Hills downstream to Ford Field Park delivers a spectacular perspective of the Rouge. Paddle through small patches of bubbling rapids and navigate the logjams and meanders under the dense tree canopy of this natural stretch of the river. Motor City Canoe Rental will provide livery services.
NATIONAL CANOE DAY – SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Ford Field Park, Dearborn 10am – 2pm
Celebrate National Canoe Day with Friends of the Rouge. If you’ve never paddled before this is your chance to learn a few paddling safety tips and take a spin around the Ford Field Park Pond for free! Motor City Canoe Rental will provide livery services, including kayak or canoe rental and PFD’s for the scheduled paddle trip.
INDUSTRIAL PADDLE – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Kessey Fieldhouse Boat Launch, Melvindale 9am – 1pm
Kayak the Industrial Channel of the Rouge River and see one of a kind draw bridges, the Ford Rouge Plant, Zug Island, and see the new Gordie Howe International Bridge as it rises from the shores of the Detroit River. Riverside Kayak Connection will provide livery services, including kayak and PFD rental for the Industrial Paddle.
HAUNTED FALL PADDLE TRIP – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Dearborn Hills Golf Course, Dearborn 10am – 1pm
Journey through this natural stretch of the Rouge, but be prepared for the scare!
Friends of the Rouge and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan have joined forces again to bring a river experience to an event near you! The Dry Dock Pop-ups will feature a real canoe, paddling essentials and safety tips, crafts for kids, a terrain model of the Rouge Watershed, and scheduled interactive activities throughout the day’s event. Come share your story about the Rouge River!
Friends of the Rouge and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan are on a mission to promote equitable access to the healthy fitness and recreation opportunities connected blueway and greenway trails can offer communities. Friends of the Rouge is working with Wayne County Parks and other community stakeholders to build and enhance blueway and greenway trails in communities along the Lower Rouge River. Come learn more at a Dry Dock Pop-up near you! Check for more dates and locations throughout the summer!
Upcoming Dry Dock Pop Up Events!
Westland Family Resource Fair May 11, 5 -7pm
Rouge Rescue – May 22
Belle Isle Conservancy – June 4
We’re Fixin’ To Fish – Bishop Park, Wyndotte May 28
Westland Farmers Market – Kids Day July 21, Health & Fitness Day August 18
Inkster Task Force Golf Outing – (TBD)
Congresswoman Rashida Talib enjoys the Dry Dock Pop Up Experience at the Inkster Farmer’s Market and a family hangs out in the canoe at the Inkster Taskforce Easter Egg Roll.
The water is generally safe for boating if there has been no heavy rain or snowmelt; swimming is not recommended.
The Lower Rouge River Water Trail is a consortium of interested groups and communities and is a project of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail Leadership Committee. Contact us through info@therouge.org.
COVID-19 NOTICE VIEW FULL POLICY HERE
We are now able to have the public into our space at PARC. Our regular business hours are M-Th 10-4. |