One Day Canoe & Kayak Trips
Welcome to Au Sable River country.
Penrod’s is a family owned, operated, and oriented business that caters to family FUN! Our popular one-day trips are perfect for family getaway or a scouting, school, or religious group outing. A day with Penrod’s will be a day to be remembered. For the campers and experienced paddlers, Penrod’s two to seven day trips will create the perfect vacation.
Our popular 2 1/2 and 4 hour trips
Paddling times for these trips are usually 2 1/2 and 4 hours, but you may wish to take some leisure time for fishing, a picnic, or a swim at Canoe Camp. There is no charge for extra time, just let us know at your departure the amount of additional time you will need.
If you would like to avoid any other canoers and have a better chance of seeing some wildlife plan on leaving within the first hour after we open. Our latest departure for the 2 ½ hour Burtons Landing trip is 2:45. The latest departure for the 4 hour Stephan Landing trip is 12:00. Memorial to Labor Day our last pick-up is 5:30.
Please plan your trip accordingly.
Price Per Watercraft Regular Rates
Avoid Weekend Traffic!
Go Downriver Monday – Friday
| Penrod’s Recommends | Landing Hours, Miles | Canoe | Single Kayak | Double Kayak | Private Watercraft Shuttle (Includes 2 Watercraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Most Popular Trip | Burtons, 2 ½ Hours, 8 Miles | $32 | $26 | $34 | $30 |
| Day Trip for Experienced Padddlers | Stephans, 4 Hours, 13 Miles | $38 | $30 | $42 | $40 |
Weekends and Holidays
| Penrod’s Recommends | Landing Hours, Miles | Canoe | Single Kayak | Double Kayak | Private Watercraft Shuttle (Includes 2 Watercraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Most Popular Trip | Burtons, 2 ½ Hours, 8 Miles | $36 | $30 | $38 | $30 |
| Day Trip for Experienced Padddlers | Stephans, 4 Hours, 13 Miles | $44 | $36 | $46 | $40 |
Registration
When you arrive at Penrod’s you will register in the office. At this time you will determine how far you would like to go and how many canoes and or kayaks you will need.
We will then do what we call a “Map run through” with you and your group. This consists of about a two-minute slide show explaining where the public stopping areas are, restroom locations and a description of your landing. You will also be given a map to take with you.
Then we will determine an approximate pick-up time for you. The 2 1/2 hours is based on easy paddle on the water time. If you would like to stop to picnic or swim just let us know before you leave and we will add time on to your trip. Some people choose to take a cell phone so they can alter there pick-up time while on the water.
Departure
Penrod’s canoe livery has a private put-in channel for your convenience.
When you are ready to leave a member of our staff will assist you in your watercraft and insure you have all that is needed for a fun journey.
Enjoy your trip
The best time of day to go is within one hour after we open. Even on busy Saturdays if you leave in the first hour you can quite often have the river to yourself. Enjoy a leisurely picnic on the river or stop and take a swim on hot day. One hour downstream there is over a mile of state land. Two hours down is Canoe Camp which is a state forest campground.
Penrod’s Store
At Penrod’s Store, you can pick up necessaries like Au Sable River fishing maps and information, poncho, waterproof containers, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses.
Other items like caps, cap straps, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, floating key chains, sweat bands, eyeglass straps, mugs, post cards and brochures for local Grayling Michigan attractions can also be purchased.
