About WaterTrail Ventures
WaterTrail Ventures is a kayak and canoe outfitter on the lower Kalamazoo River in Fennville, a short drive upstream from Saugatuck. The company specializes in river trips through a stretch of protected wetlands and forested shoreline that most visitors to the beach towns never see — quiet water where eagles, deer, and river otters far outnumber other paddlers.
Trips run both guided and self-guided, with the outfitter handling launches, takeouts, and gear so paddlers can focus on the river. Kayaks and canoes are available for solo paddlers, tandems, and families, and routes range from easy floats of a couple hours to longer runs down the water trail toward Saugatuck. The current does most of the work on downstream trips, keeping things manageable for beginners.
For paddlers who want to slow down even further, the property also offers rustic paddle-in respite camping, turning a day trip into an overnight on the river. The operation is seasonal, running from spring through fall, and its location on 57th Street in Fennville puts it within fifteen minutes of Saugatuck, Douglas, and the Allegan State Game Area. Reservations are recommended for guided trips and camping.
