- Bridge Michigan launched the River Awards as part of a summerlong series
- Vote for your favorite rivers in seven categories before July 15
- Bridge will crown the winners in late July
Voting has begun for the Bridge Michigan River Awards.
Last month, we asked you to nominate your favorite rivers in the state in seven categories. You told us which rivers you think are the best to float down, the most underrated, the best for paddle camping, and more.
It’s all part of a Bridge Michigan project about our rivers — from the issues they face to the best ways to enjoy them.
- Tell us what you think of Michigan’s rivers
- Sign up for the Environment Watch and Bridge Michigan Outdoors newsletters
You offered hundreds of suggestions. But, like any elite awards contest, there was one particular nominee that showed up over and over — the “Sinners” of the competition, if you will.
Will that river sweep the awards? Or will the list of winners be all over the place like rain?
It’s up to you.
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Cast your vote here. Read about the nominees below.
What is the best Michigan river for paddling?
- Au Sable River — This northern Michigan river has a mixture of tranquil and more challenging sections and is the host of the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon.
- Huron River — This southeast Michigan river has conditions for multiple skill levels, a mix of natural and urban scenery and convenient access points.
- Ontonagon River — This scenic Upper Peninsula river offers whitewater paddling opportunities.
- Pine River — This fast-moving, Lower Peninsula river (not to be confused with the river of the same name in the UP) has sand bluffs, rapids and relatively uncrowded waters.
- Rouge River — Paddlers on this Detroit-area river pass both natural and industrial sections.
What is the best Michigan river to float down?
- Au Sable River — Floaters appreciate the gentle but fast-flowing current, deep, cool water and frequent shoreside locations to get in and out on this northern Michigan river.
- Huron River — Lots of outfitters and access points make this a popular floating spot in southeast Michigan.
- Manistique River — For those looking for a quieter, more remote option, a local outfitter allows you to rent tubes and float on this Upper Peninsula river through Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
- Muskegon River — This west Michigan river has some swimming holes and is deep enough that it’s rare to get stuck.
- St. Clair River — Freighter and speed boats stop every year as thousands of people float down this wide river and under the Blue Water Bridge.
What’s the best Michigan river for fishing?
- Au Sable River — There are trout galore and several access points on this nationally recognized, scenic fishery that some consider “holy.”
- Detroit River — Anglers say the Detroit River is an easy place to catch your walleye limit when the fish make their run in the spring.
- Dowagiac River — You can fish for brown trout, steelhead and salmon on this Niles-area river, the largest coldwater system in southern Michigan.
- Pere Marquette River — Ongoing restoration and habitat maintenance have helped keep up this popular waterway for catching trout, salmon and pike in the northwest Lower Peninsula.
- Two Hearted River — Steelhead, brook trout and salmon swim in this storied, remote, coldwater river located in the UP.
A pair of kayakers pedal their way down the Au Sable River toward Five Channels Dam in Glennie. (Ella Miller/Bridge Michigan) 
Fans cheer on canoe racers during the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. (Josh Boland/Bridge Michigan) 
Kenneth Kornheiser and his four-legged first mate, MissLucyHoneycutt, paddle on the Kalamazoo River near Saylor’s Landing. (Dale G. Young for Bridge Michigan) 
Houses along the Muskegon River. (Laura Herberg/Bridge Michigan) 
Paddlers celebrate the last day of winter by going out on the Rouge River in metro Detroit. (Courtesy of Matthew Conzett) 
Runners compete in a 5K along the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie. (Courtesy of the Yooper Running Co.) 
The Presque Isle River flows into Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. (Laura Herberg/Bridge Michigan) 
Beachgoers on Belle Isle watch the sun break through the clouds over the Detroit River. (Laura Herberg/Bridge Michigan)
What’s the best Michigan river for paddle-in camping?
- Au Sable River — There are more than 100 campsites along this easily navigable northern Michigan river.
- Pine River — This northern Michigan river — not to be confused with one by the same name in the UP — has campsites, rapids and calm water, and isn’t very crowded.
- Manistee River — This river offers rustic, secluded campgrounds on state and federal land in the northwest Lower Peninsula.
- Rifle River — There are multiple campgrounds and liveries on this family-friendly river located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula.
- Two Hearted River — You can paddle up to the Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, pack the IPA named after the river and read Ernest Hemingway’s “Big Two-Hearted River.”
Which Michigan river has the best riverwalk or riverside trail?
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- Detroit River — With lots of natural landscaping, benches and places to play and get a drink, the Detroit Riverwalk has been voted America’s best. But how will it fair when it faces off against other Michigan riverwalks?
- Grand River — A 5.4-mile trail in Grand Rapids includes multiple parks, attractions and spots to fish.
- Manistee River — The Manistee River Trail in the northwest Lower Peninsula can be combined with the North Country Trail to make a 23-mile hiking loop.
- Presque Isle River — The Presque Isle River Waterfalls Loop Trail in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a 2.3-mile loop trail that features multiple waterfalls.
- St. Clair River — The St. Clair Riverwalk in St. Clair claims to be the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk.
Which Michigan river is the most improved?
- Boardman River — Multiple dams have been removed from this Traverse City-area river and trails have been built up along the free-flowing coldwater.
- Grand River — This Grand Rapids-area river has seen trail upgrades and an effort to keep sewage and wastewater from combining during flooding events.
- Kalamazoo River — This southwest Michigan river has faced a lot, including an oil spill in 2010, but those who nominated it say it deserves recognition.
- Lower Menominee River — This river, which runs along the border of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was removed from the Great Lakes Areas of Concern list in 2020 after restoration efforts addressed high levels of arsenic, petroleum and more.
- Rouge River — This Detroit-area river famously caught on fire. While portions of it are still industrial, these days, it’s also a 27-mile long water trail that includes forested stretches with wildlife.
Which Michigan river is the most underrated?
- Cut River — A bridge over this Upper Peninsula river provides views of the Cut River Gorge.
- Jordan River — Advocates for this northern Michigan river say it’s a hidden gem tucked away in East Jordan.
- Sturgeon River — This UP river, not to be confused with a different river of the same name in the Lower Peninsula, includes waterfalls in a rocky gorge.
- Thunder Bay River — Some think this northeastern Michigan river’s coldwater and beauty are overlooked by many residents
- White River — This west Michigan river winds through forests, is fed by coldwater creeks and flows through towns, but some fear it’s overshadowed by neighboring rivers.
Cast your vote by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. We’ll announce the winners by late July.
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