CHESANING CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Float the Shiawassee: Parshallburg to Showboat’s Quiet Mid‑Michigan Drift
A 2–3 hour, beginner‑friendly canoe, kayak or tubing rental from Parshallburg to Showboat Park with shuttle service and basic gear included — a concise guide to planning the trip.
Float the Shiawassee: Parshallburg to Showboat’s Quiet Mid‑Michigan Drift.
This float down the Shiawassee River runs from Parshallburg Park to Showboat Park in Chesaning, offering calm water, winding bends, and sandbars for swimming or relaxing — a 2–3 hour stretch that’s built for unwinding and suited to first‑time paddlers and solo floats alike.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Parshallburg to Showboat — a low‑stress river float
The trip begins with a shuttle upriver and ends at the parking lot where you started, so you’re free to stop as often as you like along a calm, steady current that threads through farmland and shady riparian corridor.
Quiet riverbanks and local sightings
Expect peaceful stretches where riverbanks and sandbars invite short breaks — on any given float you may see deer at the water’s edge, herons standing in the shallows, or a bald eagle passing overhead.
Simple logistics, minimal fuss
Rentals include tubes or kayaks, life jackets and (for kayaks) paddles; Mountain Man Paddle Co. provides a shuttle from Showboat Park to the Parshallburg launch plus a safety briefing so you can focus on the float.
What the day feels like
What the float actually feels like
You check in at Showboat Park, get shuttled upriver to Parshallburg, receive a quick safety rundown, then set off on a 2–3 hour drift back to Showboat. The current is calm and forgiving; you’ll pass sandbars where people pull over to swim or snack, and the day closes where you parked — making logistics as relaxed as the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this float fits — and who should consider something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours on the river; actual time depends on river flow and how often you stop.
Meet at Showboat Park (arrive ~15 minutes early). The operator shuttles participants and gear to the Parshallburg launch and returns you to Showboat Park at trip end.
Water shoes or secure sandals, sunscreen (apply before check‑in), a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch, reusable water bottle, snacks (no glass or styrofoam), towel and change of clothes, hat/sunglasses, and bug spray. Optional items include a cooler float or small speaker.
Tube or kayak rental is provided along with life jackets and paddles (for kayaks), a shuttle from Showboat Park to Parshallburg, and a safety briefing with float tips.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the float?
The trip typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on river flow and how often you stop to relax.
Where do I meet and how does the shuttle work?
You meet at Showboat Park; the operator shuttles you and your gear upriver to the Parshallburg launch so you float back to your vehicle at Showboat Park.
What equipment is provided?
Rentals include a tube or kayak, life jackets, and paddles for kayaks; a safety briefing and shuttle are also provided.
Can we stop to swim or picnic?
Yes — the route features sandbars where paddlers commonly pull off to swim, snack, or relax.
What should I bring with me?
Bring water shoes or secure sandals, sunscreen, a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch, drinks/snacks (no glass or styrofoam), a towel and change of clothes, and insect repellent.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — the float is described as beginner‑friendly and is suitable for first‑time tubers and casual kayakers.