About Us...

The Sawmill Canoe Livery was established in 1979 on the Muskegon River at the site of one of the original sawmills in the Big Rapids area. The area is rich in logging history, as Big Rapids was one of the first locations for milling of the massive log drives coming from upriver. In fact, most of the timber used to rebuild Chicago after the famous Chicago fire was floated and milled on the Muskegon River.

In the first year of operation tubes were added for rental. It was an instant success! The river from the Livery to our pick up point was perfect for a little fast water excitement and yet not so rapid or challenging that any age would not enjoy the trip. We had just created tubing as a major summer recreational activity for the State of Michigan! That year we became the Sawmill Tube & Canoe Livery, Inc.

Since our success many other Liveries/Rentals have added tubing, but none to the degree in quantity or success that the Sawmill Tube & Canoe Livery, Inc. has achieved. In fact, in the first 10 years of operation National Geographic: World published and placed us in the top twelve best places in the Nation to tube!
Click on our tubing link for more information.

Canoeing or kayaking the Muskegon River will take you back in history. The river was a major interior waterway to the west coast of Michigan for the Indians, Fur Traders and finally loggers. Our canoe and kayak service provides a wide variety of combinations to accommodate day, overnight, weekend or even up to 7-day canoe/kayak trips. You may want to fish... This river was picked by Field and Stream in the top twenty rivers in the Nation to fish and there are several designated Trout areas to fish. Unlike many of the rivers in northwestern Michigan, the Muskegon River is uncrowded. You won’t have to wait in line at narrow turns with canoes stacked behind you on this river! The Muskegon River is perfect in width and current to truly enjoy your canoeing/kayaking experience without having to fight the river or crowds! Click our canoeing/kayaking link for more information.

After 30 years we are rapidly approaching having served ½ million customers. We pride ourselves in customer service! Visit us and experience yourself why so many keep returning. We hope to see you. Your fun, enjoyment and satisfaction are our job!!

The Muskegon River is ranked among the top 20 by Field and Stream for fishing!


... and also top 12 in National Geographic: World for recreation!

Fishing on the Muskegon includes trout, bass, walleye, and pike.