Hellenburg Park

This is a popular Lake Erie access point via the River Raisin. Four lanes and 87 trailer spots handle volume well, and I've launched a 28-footer here without issue. It's free, which is hard to beat for Erie access out of Monroe.

The docks get coated in duck droppings and turn slick as ice, especially in the mornings before foot traffic wears it down. Wear shoes with grip — I've seen people nearly go in more than once.

If you're coming back from an evening run on Erie, the ramp area is poorly lit. The park closes at 10 PM and they clearly enforce it — no overnight parking — so plan your retrieval with enough daylight or bring a headlamp for the dock.

The Raisin runs shallow here, especially mid-to-late summer. Deeper-draft boats should stick to the main channel heading downstream toward the lake. If you're just putting in a kayak or canoe, the low water is a non-issue.

The park itself is showing some wear — limited trash cans, no picnic tables or benches near the water, and the surrounding neighborhood can feel a little sketchy after dark. But the ramp concrete is solid, the restrooms have running water and stay reasonably clean, and frankly the price (free) and capacity make it the best Monroe option for Erie-bound trailers.