• Bridge Michigan invited the public to nominate and vote on the the best rivers in the state 
• The seven categories ranged from the best river to float down to the most underrated
• One river won four categories while three different rivers won the remaining titles

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Four rivers were voted the best in Michigan. One won multiple times.

When Bridge Michigan decided to launch the River Awards as part of a summer-long series on rivers, we didn’t know which ones would rise to the top. 

Michigan has more than 300 named rivers, so the awards pool seemed large enough. We solicited nominations from readers for seven categories and then whittled those down to five river nominations per category. Then it was time to vote.

Now that the results are in, it’s clear Michiganders have a favorite. One single river was voted the best for paddling, floating, paddle-in camping and fishing.

But it wasn’t a complete shutout. The categories for most underrated river, most improved river and best riverwalk or riverside trail let some other rivers bask in the sunlight.

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Read on for the results.

Most underrated river

Winner: Jordan River (Northern Michigan)

The Jordan River is a scenic, narrow, coldwater stream known for its water clarity and wildlife. It runs from the Jordan River Valley, where hikers go to view fall colors, through marshy areas popular for birdwatching and into Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan. There are rafting trips offered on it in the winter.

“Hands down. The Jordan is incredible, and it does not get nearly enough credit or publicity,” said Petoskey resident John Lennon.

In 1972, it was the first Natural River designated by the state.

Runner-up: Sturgeon River (western Upper Peninsula)

The Sturgeon River, located in Baraga and Houghton counties, flows through state and national forests and a rocky gorge that may have Lower Peninsula visitors thinking they are in a different state. There are multiple waterfalls including Sturgeon Falls and Canyon Falls. This river is not to be confused with at least two other Sturgeon Rivers in the state, one also located in the western Upper Peninsula and another located in the Lower Peninsula.

Most improved river

Winner: Boardman River (northwest Lower Peninsula)

It’s estimated that 2 million visitors come to the Boardman each year for paddling, fishing, hiking and more. Yet for more than 100 years, dams fragmented the Traverse City-area river, increasing sediment and the water’s temperature. Then, starting in the early 2000s, the Boardman underwent a major project involving the removal of three dams and uncovering around seven miles of buried streams. Now, the river’s rocky bottom and cold water better support insects and trout.

“TC can take a bow for upgrading this river and returning it to its natural pristine condition,” said Tom Huggler, of Sunfield.

Yet one voter said maybe they restored the Boardman’s flow a little too well, noting damage to a bridge and culvert during spring flooding.

Runner-up: Rouge River (southeast Michigan)

This Detroit-area river has been an industrial thoroughfare for decades. In 1968, it caught on fire after a torch was dropped on an oil spill. While portions of it are still industrial, there have been many improvements, and the Lower Rouge is also a 27-mile-long water trail that includes forested stretches with wildlife.

Best river for paddling 

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

The Au Sable (sometimes spelled AuSable) flows from the Grayling area across the middle half of the mitt, winding past stretches of forest, houses, dams and campsites before emptying into Lake Huron at Oscoda. Voters said the relatively wide river is Michigan’s best for paddling because it offers several public access points, is challenging in places and yet is still approachable for beginners.

“Where else in Michigan can you paddle 120 miles camping and sightseeing along the way?” asked Grayling resident Wayne Koppa. “Oh, there are probably a couple other rivers but none more storied than the Au Sable.”

The river hosts the annual Au Sable River Canoe Marathon in which paddlers literally run into the water at Grayling in the evening and finish more than 100 miles away in Oscoda the next day.

Runner-up: Pine River (northwest Lower Peninsula)

There are multiple Pine Rivers in Michigan, but the runner-up here is the one that flows through the Huron-Manistee National Forests and includes a section designated as a National Scenic River. This fast-moving Pine has rapids, sand bluffs and is relatively uncrowded in places, though it does have at least one “party spot.”

Best river to float down 

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

This relatively clear river is gentle with a dependable flow and wide in many places. People said the scenery and multiple put-in points were a couple of the reasons it’s the best river in the state to float down.

“It’s beautiful, calming and easy,” said Laura Jodice, a South Carolina resident who weighed in.

There are also several outfitters who assist with tubing trips by offering rentals and/or transportation, like Parmalee Trading Post, Alcona Canoe Rental and Oscoda Canoe Rental.

Runner-up: Muskegon River (west Michigan)

This wide river — which flows from Higgins and Houghton Lakes and empties into Lake Michigan at Muskegon — is easy to navigate, has plenty of access points and contains some swimming holes. Plus, there are a handful of companies that help out with tube rental or transport.

Best river for fishing

Winner: Au Sable River (northern Michigan)

The coldwater river is one of America’s premier trout fisheries and also supports a strong steelhead run. There’s a stretch known as the “Holy Waters” where only fly fishing and catch-and-release are allowed. Voters praised the Au Sable for its easy wading, abundant fish habitat and healthy populations of aquatic insects that provide food for fish.

It’s “the bluest of the blue-ribbon streams,” said Ken Wallace, of Bloomfield Hills.

The Au Sable River is a National Scenic River, a state-designated Natural River and the birthplace of Trout Unlimited, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring rivers and coldwater fisheries.

Runner-up: Pere Marquette (northwest Lower Peninsula)

The Pere Marquette, which starts near Baldwin and empties into Lake Michigan at Ludington, is the longest uninterrupted river system (no dams or impoundments) in the Lower Peninsula. Ongoing restoration and habitat maintenance have helped keep up this popular waterway for catching trout, steelhead, salmon and pike.

Best river for paddle-in camping

Winner: Au Sable River

There are more than a hundred campsites along the Au Sable River, including 102 rustic, dispersed sites on a 55-mile portion, the AuSable River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp and Keystone Landing State Forest Campground.

Voters said paddle-in camping on the Au Sable feels wild and you can easily go for a week and create a lifetime of memories. Some felt it was such an obvious choice that it needed no explanation.

“Duh?” was all that Joseph Gentry, of Alpena, said about his vote.

Some outfitters like Carlisle Canoe Livery make paddle camping a little easier by offering shuttles trips back to a car.

Runner-up: Manistee River (northwest Lower Peninsula)

The Manistee River — which starts a little outside Gaylord and runs into Lake Michigan at Manistee — offers several rustic, secluded campsites on state and federal land. With a mostly undeveloped shoreline, it’s a peaceful trip with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

River with the best riverwalk or riverside trail

Winner: Detroit River

Perhaps it’s not a huge surprise that the river named Best Riverwalk in the United States three years in a row would win a statewide contest, but this race was actually a close one. The Detroit River was neck-and-neck with the Manistee River, but ultimately the Detroit River won by a percentage point.

The Detroit Riverwalk stretches around five miles, giving visitors an opportunity to walk or roll past parks, cafes and Detroit landmarks. Voters noted how it transformed under-utilized urban land into vibrant and natural spaces, with links to Belle Isle, an island park in the middle of the river.

“It’s not just that the riverwalk brought people to the river, it transformed people’s experience and perspective on Detroit as a whole,” remarked Conan Smith, of Ann Arbor.

Visitors can sip cocktails, jump in a splash pad, rent bikes, fish and more.

Runner-up: Manistee River (northwest Lower Peninsula)

The Manistee River Trail runs for more than 11 miles between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam, passing footbridges, scenic overlooks and campsites along the way. It can be combined with the North Country Trail to make a 23-mile hiking loop, which many say makes a great backpacking trip.

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