heavner canoe & kayak rental

Newburgh Lake location...Humiliated by a rude employee. Thin dark-haired aggressive woman. I really wanted to like this place. Took my wife for an outing-- she was excited. Got out of our car next to the canoe rack and an SUV was parked next to it (obviously associated with the outfit). No adults around so I ask two young girls sitting between the van and canoes "where could I find an adult to rent a canoe." They pointed down to waters edge. I still didn't see any canoes down there but started to walk that way. Got about 20 steps when this hostile woman approached gesturing at me. I asked where I could rent a canoe and she said "there!! by the water!! were you talking to them!!" very sarcastically. Then it was clear that she was alarmed that I talked to the children who must have been hers. I can understand, as I have 5 children. I was about to let the hostile, accusatory, derogatory comments go until I heard her yell at her children using the term "pervert" while I was clearly within earshot. I took my wife and drove away. Too bad...I really wanted to like this experience. Heavner... a sign, an adult posted near your canoe rack, or possibly, a reasonable employee...any one of those would have work for me.

We generally love this place and go here multiple times per year to canoe or kayak. Last time we brought our friend's vessels and they just picked us up. We generally go to the 2775 Garden Road location and end at the Shore fishing Parking. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into all Michigan state parks and recreation areas. At Central Park Milford stop and Kensington Group Camp stop there are outhouses. The time before last one of the employees was ridiculous about not bringing alcohol onto the river. Every other time we weren't hassled about if we had alcohol in our cooler. I figure if we want to bring alcohol on the river and get a ticket that is our problem not theirs. The river is generally calm. I prefer canoeing/kayaking in areas with more rocks in the water to avoid and more current. However, for the area it's a nice day trip for the summer. We will be going back next year.

The value for price was good. Staff friendly and helpful. Employees attitudes and personality really helped to put my youngsters at ease in fitting them with life jacket and getting them loaded into canoe. We opted for a self guided trip and headed towards proud lake. Plenty of sites to get out and play in the water. My sons had a blast taking turn helping to paddle.

I spent a beautiful afternoon in perfect canoeing weather (low 70's) exploring the river with my Daisy Dog, Piper. She was a little nervous at first, but gradually relaxed and enjoyed the ride and surroundings. I paddled to and back from the rental location to Proud Lake. Except for the area around the Canoe rental the river appeared clear and clean (not so clear and clean going downstream towards Kensington). The canoes are a little heavy and old, but keep the amateurs on the river from capsizing. And believe me they are mostly novices, but what do you expect just outside a large City. The rentals are also a little pricey.

My husband and I did a moonlight paddle. Although the moon barley made an appearance, it was fun paddling down the river in the dark. There was a bonfire afterwards and the people were very friendly and helpful

Great place to rent your canoes. They are very community oriented. The people involved are always willing to share with the community and helping out.

Worst place I have ever kayaked it is shallow with a lot of greens in the river some spots of viewing a sandy bottom. Furthermore, outhouse restrooms are filthy and pitiful the smell is sure to make one sick or gag, yes it is a State Park; however, I have used better port a johns at festivals. Thankfully, I purchased from living social easy on the wallet. Save your time go to Cass River!

This is a great place to rent canoes or kayaks. The prices are good and the employees are always really friendly and helpful. You can either do a self-guided tour or you can go one way into the town of Milford and they'll pick you up and bring you back to your car. We always opt for the self-guided because you can go longer. It's a really pretty place to canoe. There's spots along the way to get out and swim. Even when it's crowded they get people loaded into their canoes and kayaks so fast. We went on a Sunday and it was packed and I thought it would be horrible with so many people on the river but we actually only saw a few people on the river. And they got us our boat so fast. I would highly recommend Heavener's to anyone looking to get out and enjoy a beautiful day. They have outhouse style bathrooms and vending machines for food. There's picnic tables scattered around so you can even bring a picnic lunch and make it a day. Oh, and you need to have the Recreation Passport to get in because it's in a State Park. Or, you can buy one there for $11, which is not big deal because it's good all over Michigan.