This is the worst thing I have ever experienced. If I could have given 0 stars I would have. The conoes were teaming with spiders and everyone was freaking out. Plus they looked like they had not been cleaned out in eons. If this was free it would still cost way too much. If you are thinking about doing this please go and do something sensible with your life. read more

Our group of four did the 4 hour 11:00 AM in 2 two-person kayak on a beautiful sunny day. We all have kayaked many times over the years, but never the Dowajiac River. Contrary to the first review, The guys working there were friendly and offered good advice (even when we asked about some other kayak venues around the state) The business site is rustic but loaded with fine river worthy kayaks (and canoes). We drove our truck out to the 4 hour destination and they happily drove us back (for a reasonable fee). We took a cooler full of drinks and granola bars. and I brought my phone to take photos. The river was moving a day after some heavy rain, but the sun was shining. The river is narrow and somewhat winding and offered plenty of overturned trees and obstacles made the ride fun to navigate, but no rapids or danger. I recommend kayaks, the guys we saw in canoes were struggling to maneuver at times, but it's totally fine either way. This would not be a fun river to go tubing as you'd be stuck in branches, muck, spiderwebs constantly. The trees overhang the river with sun bleeding through to provide a beautiful aesthetic. The ride was shady enough that I didn't require sunscreen. I didn't have any issues with mosquitoes either. The banks were very mucky and almost always too steep to get out and walk, plus I think most of the river was off privately owned farm land.. It made for some advanced impromptu riverbank bathroom breaks due to the beverages, but that's all part of the fun, right? There was a nice grassy spot on the final quarter of the ride near an overpass that we saw people having a picnic. We saw a muskrat, king fisher, large river frogs, and several species of turtles. We passed a few friendly people on our ride (it was Sunday of labor day weekend), but it was mostly desolate and quiet. Our moment of excitement came when we approached a nearly impassable part with a couple of fallen trees. Our kayak was temporarily hung up but our friends didn't have time to avoid us and they tipped/submerged their boat and ours tipped and sunk in the reaction. It was about 3 feet of water, the current was strong but not overpowering. I somehow miraculously kept my phone above water while the rest of my body was dumped in. We also somehow recovered the life jackets/paddles/boats/cooler/car keys. All we lost was a coozie, pair of sunglasses, a t-shirt, and our pride. After our refreshing dip, we tipped the water out of the boats and were back on the river in no time. Our exit location was easy to find by a well marked overpass. We had a great time, a very nice afternoon well spent. read more

Doe-Wah-Jack's Canoe Rental - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dowagiac, Michigan

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Great fun. Kind and knowledgeable staff, reliable equipment, and a beautiful river setting. We completed the 2 hour last week (2 adults, 2 kids who are 3 and 4.5) in a 2 man kayak. It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to complete the 2 hour trip. It costs $55 for the rental plus $12 to drop your car at the end. Today we did the four hour (only $5 more and it took us 3 hours (including a short swim on a side creek). Very easy trip overall with calm current and we could have done both trips more quickly but enjoyed bird and animal watching and being leisurely. We saw king fishers, cardinals, bull frogs, hundreds of beautiful dragon flies, many different butterflies and a raccoon high up on a branch sleeping. We heard pileated woodpeckers along with many song birds. Be forewarned you will have to maneuver fallen logs across the river. There are three logs on the 2 hour trip you will have to duck your head for when passing under. And another two for the 4 hour trip. No portages on either stretch but I can imagine if you weigh more than 200 pounds you might get hung up on submerged logs if you don't calculate your trajectory correctly. Im guessing that towards the end of summer if the river level falls you might have to portage some of the submerged logs that are closer to the waters surface since now in mid July some are about 4" from the river surface. read more

Water was low but navigating around branches and logs really adde to the fun . It was a fun crash course in kayaking. Scenery was beautiful. Great family fun. We did a 4hr trip we we're wore out and legs were a little rubbery when we got to the end. The 4 of us ranging from 69 to 13 and we had it all to ourselves. I plan to do it again what a treasure. We brought 3 kayaks and rented 1 the young man was very courteous and accommodating . Great fun read more

This place is awesome. We launch our own kayaks here and they have a car spotting service so when you are done with your float you get out, load your kayaks and you leave. Simple. Reasonable. Fun. The river is cold and has a good flow. There are a few obstacles to keep you on your toes but mostly it is very easy floating. The river has almost no houses built in the stretch from the launch site to m62 also it feels very remote. Andy the car spotting guy is super friendly and helpful and you should remember to tip him. This is one of the simplest most pain free kayak float trip we have done. We love it! read more

I have been many places, kayaking and white water rafting. This river was not clear. I believe I ended up pulling the kayak over logs in at least 4 spots. We were told the river was not deep and you could stand up in any spot. Well our kayak was sucked under a log jam and stuck. My husband is 6 ft and could not touch in this spot. It was extremely hard to get the kayak out from underwater and extremely dangerous. No part of it was a leisurely trip. When we got out they said the river had dropped at least a foot since the last time they cleared it. I told them it was dangerous, but don't think they really cared. I would never go kayaking here unless I was with other experienced people. read more

My wife were on a 3 day Michigan getaway and have kayaked and canoed several times. This was recommended by our bed and breakfast. 50.00 for 2 hours plus a 12.00 charge for stowing the car near the exit. No problem with the price. We told by the operator it was a nice leisurely downstream scenic route and he had traversed the river early in the morning and it was totally passable. LOLOL. The river flowed beautifully and the scenery was beautiful. The river was very narrow and about 20 minutes in we began to encounter fallen trees which made it even more narrow. There was a fallen tree completely blocking our path making it IMPOSSIBLE to cross which was totally unexpected. I had to get out and push the kayak over the tree which was no easy feat. About 30 minutes later the same thing happened again and once more I had to get out and push the kayak loose and over the tree. There were MANY more very narrow openings making this much more difficult than we expected. Not our first rodeo but we weren't expecting to have to navigate like Lewis and Clark. It was an experience we will never forget but next time we will try a different site. We tried to call the operator 4 times to warn him of the unexpected obstacles but the phone was never answered. I know we had the right number as it was written on the paddles. read more

Rude rude rude! I called here over the weekend to ask about canoe rental, as we were staying in South Haven at Van Buren State Park. When I found out they were located an hour away, I asked for a recommendation on a closer canoe rental facility. The person I was speaking with was very rude and indignant. He couldn't understand why I was asking about another business. I guess it never occurred to him that I would be happy to patronize his business if it were more convenient. But you can be absolutely sure I won't when we are in the Dowagiac area in the future. read more

The guys were so nice and it was very peaceful trip down the river. There were some downed trees but my dad and I had fun navigating through them and had a great time. read more

As longtime Chicago-area residents , with family & friends in Indiana--we discovered Doe-Wah-Jack's many years ago and patronize their services several time a year during "the season". The owner Randy & his employees are solid citizens, most are carpenters or artisans who work a variety of jobs to bang out a living in SW Michigan. They have always been courteous & helpful to us city folks and kayaking down their pure, spring-fed creek is a guilty pleasure. I tip these cats as I am able. read more

Excellent service. Friendly people. If you are looking for a rustic get away you can't go wrong. Had a great time on this beautiful twisty narrow river. read more

Pretty expensive for this type of business. Two hour kayak ride they charge $50 and additional to this they will charge $12 to park your car along the busy road. Same price as to park in Chicago downtown! The river itself is nice and good workout. read more

They sent me out on the loveliest two hour kayak ride! The route along the Dowagiac River was extraordinarily beautiful, with a lush canopy overhead and clear, gentle water, and the trip offered a perfect combination of exercise and relaxation. I saw no other people during my ride, but the owner of the rental company was really nice and helpful. He accompanied me to the pick up point, where I left my car, and then drove me back to the start, so at the end I only had to drag the canoe out, leave it on the shore, and drive home. I hope I'll have the chance to return! read more