The Maumee River is open for adventure, romance, thrills, and family activities of all kinds. Toledo-area residents have choices for exploring, relaxing, or satisfying their adventurous side.
If you’re looking for a day with the family and friends, date ideas, or a water-fueled adrenaline rush, these businesses have you covered:
River Lures Kayaking
419-832-0989. Riverlureskayaking.com
River Lures Kayaking has a storefront located in Grand Rapids offering fishing equipment, as well as kayak rentals and sales. On the weekend they also have a rental launch point at Farnsworth Metropark as well as a new launch point at the recently opened Middle Grounds Metropark. “Each of the locations has something different to offer,” says Paul Ferow, one of River Lures’ employees. “There are varying distances. We have a fairly easy six mile trip which should take between two to three hours to complete.” For those wanting to view the river from terra firma, they also offer bicycle rentals so riders can pedal their way along the scenic riverside Towpath Trail.
Suzie Q’s Canoe Livery & Campground
419-592-0519. suzieqscanoelivery.com
Suzie Q’s Livery, located in Napoleon, also offers kayaks, as well as canoes, and even jet-skis. For those seeking the ultimate chill river experience, you can rent a tube, step into the water, and let your mind drift with the current. For larger groups and parties they also have pontoon boats available. When you’re all done with your day in the water you can dry off with some laser tag, or their escape room. Rounding out the entire experience, Suzie Q’s Livery is also a campground with sites directly on the river, turning a single day adventure into an overnight experience.
The Sandpiper
419-537-1212. Sandpiperboat.com
If getting into the water isn’t your thing, or a gentle cruise sounds more to your liking, then the Sandpiper offers a number of packages for just about any occasion. Picnic lunch cruises, river sightseeing, and sunset voyages are just a few of the possibilities that allow its passengers the chance to casually glide along while enjoying music, conversation, and the city lights. The Sandpiper sets sail mid-May, with a brand new website listing ten different cruises from which to choose.
The Canal Experience
419-407-9741. Providence Metropark.,
metroparkstoledo.com
For those wanting to experience a bit of Toledo’s history, the Canal Experience at Providence Metropark promises to be a gateway to the past. The Volunteer, a mule-drawn canal boat, is navigated by knowledgeable staff wearing period clothing, sails past historic buildings, and includes a tour of a local grain mill, transporting its guests back to the canal era of the late 1800’s.
Maritime River Tours
419-439-6706. maritimerivertours.com
The new kid in town, Maritime River Tours offers group tours and cruises (including weekend night cruises) along the Port of Toledo and the Maumee River. Run by Capt. Tim and Rhonda Feasby, their boat is a restored 1970 military motor-whale boat. It’s 26’ long and can hold 19 passengers. The tours will provide maritime history knowledge about shipping on the Great Lakes as well as water-based sightseeing opportunities for the ships in port. Maritime River Tours are located at the Toledo Skyway Marina (1701 Front St.) near the National Great Lakes Museum.
The Sky’s the Limit
Flyboard and Jetpack Smiles
419-346-5803. 335 N. Superior St.,
Flyboardandjetpacksmiles.com
Still not exciting enough? Flyboard and Jetpack Smiles offers the next level. “I can teach anyone to fly within minutes,” says Paul Sagert, owner and operator. “Every kid wants to fly like a superhero, and I can help make that happen.” With water-powered jetpacks, flyboards (the equivalent of a water-powered skateboard), and even jet-ski rentals, the river becomes a launch pad for extreme adventure and excitement.
