Lower Industrial Rouge Tour began in 2007. Riverside Kayak Connection has partnered yearly with Friends of the Rouge for a kayak tour that highlights the industry of the lower Rouge River. Paddlers are dwarfed by industry as they cruise past the Ford Rouge Complex, awed by history as they pass under historical suspension bridges, surprised by the great blue herons and kingfishers that frequent the area, and always on the watch for the occasional freighter that makes its way up the river.
Industrial Rouge Tour
Paddling Time: Average 2 hours and 4 to 4.5 hours of total event time.
Route Classification: Beginner/Intermediate Paddle – Due to water quality concerns and potential paddling conditions on the Detroit River, caused by wind and waves, we ask that you be comfortable in a kayak before paddling this tour.
Route: From the Melvindale boat launch paddle downstream on the Rouge River to the Detroit River. There is a short paddle on the Detroit River to the take out at Belanger Park in River Rouge. For the paddling route and highlights see Michigan Water Trails.
Requirements: All paddlers must have a life jacket on and zipped for the duration of the paddle. We do not allow alcoholic beverages and we will not allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to paddle. These requirements are for your safety and the safety of the group. All participants required to self-screen, wear a mask and social distance if not fully vaccinated. All participants required to wear a mask on the shuttle.
Minimum Age: 18 years old.
Location to Meet the Shuttle: Belanger Park, 1 Belanger Park Drive, River Rouge, Michigan 48218. Directions to Belanger Park
Parking: Ample parking is available at Belanger Park, please park in the north parking lot. Unless you have a trailer you may park in the south trailer lot.
Restrooms: We recommend stopping before you arrive. There are port-a-johns at Belanger Park and occasionally the restrooms at the Melvindale Ice Arena are open.
Industrial Rouge Tour Registration Information:
$45 Per Person With Own Kayak – We require personal kayaks to be at least 12′ long and have double bulk-heads or be a sit-on-top.
Registration: All of our tours require pre-registration. This tour sells out every year so register early.
Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you have to cancel your reservation or change the date of your booking, please call at least 48 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.
Date and time
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021
9:00 a.m. Meet the Shuttle at Belanger Park, River Rouge, Michigan
(Paddlers with their own kayaks will need to drop their kayak off at Melvindale at 8:30 a.m. and then meet the shuttle.)
9:30 a.m. Shuttle Arrives at Melvindale Boat Ramp – Kayak Fitting and Safety Talk
10:00 a.m. Launch at Melvindale Boat Ramp
12:00 p.m. Arrive at Belanger Park (Approximate time)
