Ferguson Park

There's no ramp here — zero lanes, zero trailer parking. This is strictly a carry-in spot for kayaks and canoes. Stone steps lead down to the water, but the banks are steep, muddy, and slippery, so plan your footing carefully when loading or unloading.

I call it Flood Park and I'm not alone. The Red Cedar jumps its banks multiple times a year, especially in spring. The whole launch area and surrounding grass can be underwater for days. Best window is a couple days after rain clears — water levels settle and the banks firm up a bit.

Between the river, the standing water from floods, and the wooded preserve to the east, the mosquitoes here are absolutely vicious in summer. If you're rigging a kayak at dawn or dusk, you'll be donating blood. Bring serious repellent or you'll rush through your put-in.

Wonch Park is right across the street on the other side of the river, and it's muddier, stinkier, and harder to get a boat to the water. Ferguson is the better of the two for paddling access — the steps and bank approach are at least somewhat manageable, and parking is easy with plenty of grass lot spaces.

The grassy areas near the water are absolutely covered in goose droppings. You'll be carrying your kayak through it, so wear shoes you don't care about. The geese are bold too — they'll walk right up to you looking for food while you're trying to get on the water.