Meadows Boat Launch

There are no actual lanes here — it's a carry-down access point. You're sliding kayaks and canoes down to the water, not backing a trailer in. If you're running anything bigger than a small canoe, this isn't your spot.

This is primarily a put-in/take-out for the Sturgeon River paddle routes, not a traditional boat launch. A local outfitter runs shuttle service from here and the whole area is geared toward kayakers, canoers, and winter rafters. Expect company on summer weekends.

The Sturgeon moves quick with tight bends and low-hanging branches that'll grab you on the turns. Rocky shallows in spots will scrape you up if you're not paying attention. This isn't a lazy float river — it demands some paddle skill, especially on the longer routes.

Four trailer spots is all you get, and with the outfitter running shuttles and drop-offs, the small lot can fill fast on summer Saturdays. If you're bringing your own boats, get there early or you'll be improvising on the shoulder.

Unlike most Michigan river launches that go dormant after October, this spot sees steady winter traffic for guided raft trips through the snow-covered corridor. The access stays usable in cold months, which is unusual for a river put-in up in Dickinson County.