OTSEGO CANOE LIVERY

Open

Memorial Day through Labor Day

Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays

By pre-paid reservation-only

2 trips per day/ 11:00 a.m. and noon
 

RESERVATIONS FOR UPCOMING WEEKEND

MUST BE RESERVED ONLINE BY 12 NOON THURSDAY

The Canoe Livery offers:

• Self-guided downriver canoe trips (1 1/2 - 3 hour duration)

• Self-guided downriver one-person kayak rentals (Weight limit: 250 lbs.)

We provide you with:

• Life jackets

• Transportation to the drop off site in Grand Rapids

• Canoes and paddles

Canoes can hold two adults and two small children. With a middle seat or cushion, a canoe can hold three adults. Middle seats are available on a limited first-come first-served basis.

Have a question? Before you call, see if we've answered it further down the page.

Once inhabited by Indians, riverbank settlers and frontiersmen, the area literally oozes history. Opportunities also abound for fishing, picnicking, and the tranquil viewing of mink, muskrat, majestic bald eagles, kingfishers, blue heron and more.

Click on map to enlarge

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much does it cost to rent a canoe?

2. What do I do if it's raining or the water levels are low?

3. Do we get a guide?

4. Do you have hourly rentals?

5. I have my own kayak. Will you drop me off in Grand Rapids?

6. Can I just drop by and rent a canoe?

7. I tried to reserve a canoe online but the system didn't let me.

8. I'm a scout master and want to take a group of scouts. Do we receive a discount?

9. Is there an age-limit?

10. If I cancel on the day of my canoe outing, do I get a refund?

Group packages follow FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How much does it cost to rent a canoe?

$26.50/per canoe

$12.00/per kayak

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What do I do if it's raining or the water levels are low?

If you have questions about the weather, water levels, or are unsure trips will be going out on the day of your rental, call (419) 575-7340 by 10:00 a.m. the day of your rental. This number is for pre-paid canoe and kayak renters only. Sometimes, if water levels are low, you can still take a trip. You will just have to portage or carry your canoe short distances through the low water areas. Wear sneakers or water shoes for safety. Flipflops are not good shoes for canoeing.

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Do we get a guide?

All downriver canoe and kayak rentals are self-guided. If you're interested in hearing a naturalist discuss the area or are looking for canoe instruction, watch for specially designed programs in the Oak Leaf newsletter. You can also request a special program for your group (six or more canoes).

All special request programs should be directed to Program Coordinator Debbie Nofzinger dnofzinger@wcparks.org (419) 661-1697 ext. 200.

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Do you have hourly rentals?

No. We no longer offer hourly rentals.

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I have my own kayak. Will you drop me off in Grand Rapids?

No. We're sorry, but we are not insured to drop off anyone else's equipment, whether it is a kayak or a canoe.

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Can I just drop by and rent a canoe?

No. You're welcome to visit Otsego Park any time, but you have to pre-pay and rent canoes and kayaks in advance in order to take any downriver trips. For the upcoming weekend, you must rent online or call Park District Headquarters by 12 noon on Thursday. The system will close all reservations for the upcoming weekend after that time.

Canoe Livery staff handle no money, checks, or credit cards on site and cannot take drop-in canoe or kayak rentals.

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I tried to reserve a canoe online but the system didn't let me.

The time slot may be full for the day and time you selected. Try the other time or another day. Is it after noon on Thursday? The system will close all reservations for the upcoming weekend after that time.

If you still have problems, please call Park District Headquarters to complete the transaction for you at (800) 321-1897 toll free in Wood County or (419) 353-1897 otherwise. The office is open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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I'm a scout master and want to take a group of scouts. Do we receive a discount?

If you rent 6 or more canoes, you will receive a discount. Please contact Park District Headquarters to reserve your rental. Permission forms will need to be obtained for all youth under 18 who will be participating without a parent or guardian present. One adult supervisor per canoe.

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Is there an age-limit?

Children must be able to sit up on their own. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older). Youth not accompanied by their parent or guardian must have a signed permission slip to go with an adult who is not their parent or guardian.

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If I cancel on the day of my canoe outing, do I get a refund?

The Park District has instituted the policy below.

• All canoe and kayak renters have until 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to their rental to cancel and receive a full refund (minus $5.00/per canoe processing fee).

• If you cancel on the day of your outing, you may call Park District Headquarters the following week to reschedule your trip.

Park staff will not put you or your party at risk in cases of extreme weather (thunderstorms and lightning, hail, high winds and so forth).

IF PARK DISTRICT STAFF CLOSE THE CANOE LIVERY due to extreme weather or extremely low water levels,

• Please call Park District Headquarters during the week following your rental to reschedule your trip.

• If it is near the end of the Canoe Livery operating season, you will be issued a receipt to take your trip the following summer.  Please use every opportunity to reschedule.

• If some unforeseen circumstance does not allow you to reschedule, you may request a refund. All refunds (minus $5.00/per canoe processing fee that are always charged in relation to credit card transactions) take 2-4 weeks to be issued. You will receive your refund in the mail from the Wood County Auditors office. Your credit card will not be credited.

If you have questions about the weather, water levels, or are unsure trips will be going out on the day of your rental, call (419) 575-7340 by 10:00 a.m. the day of your rental. This number is for pre-paid canoe and kayak renters only. Remember that it may be bad weather where you are but clear conditions elsewhere.

Park District Headquarters is not open on weekends. If you call there on a weekend, your message will go to voicemail to be addressed on Monday.

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