2024 Moonlight Paddles
Please note that while Central Park in Milford is open for pedestrian traffic, river access remains restricted by the village due to erosion concerns with the newly seeded grass. As a result, our 2024 Moonlight Paddle events will all be “bring your own picnic” style, with a self-return trip to the Proud Lake Dam. Contact the Village with any questions or concerns.
As Milford’s Central Park is closed for renovations until mid-summer, we are unable to offer our typical moonlight experience until after July. Our May and June Moonlight paddles will be offered as a “Bring your own Picnic” event – paddle upstream towards the Proud Lake Weir – picnic at the dam, then paddle back under the moonlight. Any questions, give us a call!
July’s Moonlight paddle is being replaced by the Paddle to the Symphony in Kensington Metropark. Check out paddletothesymphony.com for more details!
Our moonlight paddles are one of our most popular special events, great for date nights, family outings, or an adventure with friends. Several local meet-up groups coordinate and paddle together. One of these, the Farmington Kayaking group, was started by us and has taken on a life of its own. Check it out if you’d like to make some new friends!
Recreation Pass Requirement:
As we are located inside a Michigan State Park, a valid recreation pass will be required. During peak hours, they are available for purchase as you enter our facility at the ranger booth. Off peak hours, there is a self-registration station available, where only cash or check is accepted. If you plan to visit many state parks, or just support the Department of Natural Resources, you can add the annual park pass to your license plate sticker when renewing your tabs. Visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp for more details.
What to Expect:
At the scheduled launch time, you will paddle 45-60 minutes with the current into the setting sun and land at Milford’s Central Park. You’re allowed up to 2 hours to walk into town and visit the local dining of your choice. There are lots of options including Ice Cream, Drinks, Burgers, or Fine Dining. Be back on the water by the scheduled return time, and enjoy an approximate 1 hour paddle back upstream under the moonlight. Once you’re back at our launch, we’ll have a bonfire going in our new shelter where you can warm up, talk with friends, or have a S’more. The whole experience is usually about 4 hours, but it depends on how fast you paddle and eat. Check out our 2019 promo video for a personal recommendation.
What to bring:
As it gets cooler and the sun goes down, the bugs come out. Don’t forget to bring some bugspray! As it’ll be dark on the way back, we recommend some sort of light. Beware that headlamps might attract the bugs right to your face – but glow sticks are a good way to stay visible.
Other than that, just bring a good attitude and a smile!
Where to meet:
The moonlight paddle launches from our main location.
A warning about directions: When you come from the west on I-96, it may tell you to exit at Milford Rd and you’ll end up on some very rough dirt roads. We highly recommend exiting at Wixom Rd, #159 and let GPS catch up. Also, if you use Apple Maps to get to our address, 2775 Garden Rd, Milford MI 48381, it will likely take you to a private residence instead of the business. On Garden Road, MAKE SURE you turn right at the yellow gate when you see the canoe. If you don’t, you’ll end up in a driveway and will have to turn around.
How much is it:
During normal business hours we are a free public launch. As this is an after-hours private event with additional staffing requirements, we do charge a fee for all personal boats. Online registration recommended, walk-ins subject to availability. Plus, Book online 24 hours in advance with promo code “PlanningAhead” for $5 off! Dinner is not included in the cost unless otherwise specified.
| Boat Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kayak (for one person) | $40 |
| Canoe (for two people) | $65 |
| Tandem Kayak (for two people) | $65 |
| Personal Boat | $25 |
Additional $5 discount available for groups of 10 boats or more under one payment & booking. Contact us for details.
When is it:
We have dates planned for after Central park is scheduled to re-open. Early season plans are still pending – come back for details!
Please note that we know that some of these dates are a little different than the actual full moon – the problem is that when the moon is fullest, it doesn’t even rise until midnight or later – which makes it useless for our moonlight paddle customers. We’ve tried to balance the best moonlight coverage with the time you’ll be on the river.
| Date | Launch @ | Sunset @ | Moonrise @ | Return @ | Moonlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2024 (Bring your own Picnic) | 7:00 pm | 8:50 pm | 4:00 pm | 10:00 pm | 80% @ 10:00 pm |
| June 15, 2024 (Bring your own Picnic) | 7:30 pm | 9:10 pm | 2:56 pm | 10:30 pm | 67% @ 10:30 pm |
| July 13, 2024 (Paddle to the Symphony) | 7:30 pm | 9:07 pm | 1:46 pm | 10:30 pm | 50% @ 10:30 pm |
| August 17, 2024 (Bring your own Picnic) | 7:30 pm | 8:29 pm | 7:42 pm | 10:30 pm | 95% @ 10:30 pm |
| September 14, 2024 (Bring your own Picnic) | 7:00 pm | 7:42 pm | 6:12 pm | 10:00 pm | 87% @ 10:00 pm |
| October 12, 2024 (Bring your own Picnic) | 6:00 pm | 6:54 pm | 4:42 pm | 9:00 pm | 74% @ 9:00 pm |
Weather / Cancellation concerns:
In the case of severe weather (i.e. high winds, thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning, sustained periods of heavy rain), we will cancel the event. You will receive an email and/or phone call and/or text to inform you of the cancellation at least two hours before the scheduled event. You may choose to receive a full refund, transfer your reservation to any future event, or receive a credit in the full amount of your payment for future use on any rental. These funds never expire.
If your plans change and you are unable to come, please contact us 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule. Same day cancellations can receive a 50% refund, reschedule for any future date, or receive credit in the full amount of your payment for future use on any rental. These funds never expire.
Recreation Pass Requirement:
As we are located inside a Michigan State Park, a valid recreation pass will be required. During peak hours, they are available for purchase as you enter our facility at the ranger booth. Off peak hours, there is a self-registration station available, where only cash or check is accepted. If you plan to visit many state parks, or just support the Department of Natural Resources, you can add the annual park pass to your license plate sticker when renewing your tabs. Visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp for more details.
What to Expect:
At the scheduled launch time, you will paddle 45-60 minutes with the current into the setting sun and land at Milford’s Central Park. You’re allowed up to 2 hours to walk into town and visit the local dining of your choice. There are lots of options including Ice Cream, Drinks, Burgers, or Fine Dining. Be back on the water by the scheduled return time, and enjoy an approximate 1 hour paddle back upstream under the moonlight. Once you’re back at our launch, we’ll have a bonfire going where you can warm up, talk with friends, or have a S’more. The whole experience is usually about 4 hours, but it depends on how fast you paddle and eat. Check out our 2019 promo video for a personal recommendation.
What to bring:
As it gets cooler and the sun goes down, the bugs come out. Don’t forget to bring some bugspray! As it’ll be dark on the way back, we recommend some sort of light. Beware that headlamps might attract the bugs right to your face – but glow sticks are a good way to stay visible.
Other than that, just bring a good attitude and a smile!
Where to meet:
The moonlight paddle launches from our main location.
A warning about directions: When you come from the west on I-96, it may tell you to exit at Milford Rd and you’ll end up on some very rough dirt roads. We highly recommend exiting at Wixom Rd, #159 and let GPS catch up. Also, if you use Apple Maps to get to our address, 2775 Garden Rd, Milford MI 48381, it will likely take you to a private residence instead of the business. On Garden Road, MAKE SURE you turn right at the yellow gate when you see the canoe. If you don’t, you’ll end up in a driveway and will have to turn around.
How much is it:
During normal business hours we are a free public launch. As this is an after-hours private event with additional staffing requirements, we do charge a fee for all personal boats. Online registration recommended, walk-ins subject to availability. Plus, Book online 24 hours in advance with promo code “PlanningAhead” for $5 off! Dinner is not included in the cost unless otherwise specified.
| Boat Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kayak (for one person) | $40 |
| Canoe (for two people) | $65 |
| Tandem Kayak (for two people) | $65 |
| Personal Boat | $25 |
Additional $5 discount available for groups of 10 boats or more under one payment & booking. Contact us for details.
When is it:
We have dates planned for after Central park is scheduled to re-open. Early season plans are still pending – come back for details!
| Date | ||
|---|---|---|
| Times | ||
| May 18, 2024 (Pending) | ||
| Launch @ | 7:00 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 8:50 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 4:00 pm | |
| Return @ | 10:00 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 80% | |
| June 15, 2024 (Pending) | ||
| Launch @ | 7:30 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 9:10 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 2:56 pm | |
| Return @ | 10:30 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 67% | |
| July 13, 2024 (Pending) | ||
| Launch @ | 7:30 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 9:07 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 1:46 pm | |
| Return @ | 10:30 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 50% | |
| August 17, 2024 | ||
| Launch @ | 7:30 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 8:29 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 7:42 pm | |
| Return @ | 10:30 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 95% | |
| September 14, 2024 | ||
| Launch @ | 7:00 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 7:42 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 6:12 pm | |
| Return @ | 10:00 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 87% | |
| October 12, 2024 | ||
| Launch @ | 6:00 pm | |
| Sunset @ | 6:54 pm | |
| Moonrise @ | 4:42 pm | |
| Return @ | 9:00 pm | |
| Moonlight % | 74% | |
Weather / Cancellation concerns:
In the case of severe weather (i.e. high winds, thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning, sustained periods of heavy rain), we will cancel the event. You will receive an email and/or phone call and/or text to inform you of the cancellation at least two hours before the scheduled event. You may choose to receive a full refund, transfer your reservation to any future event, or receive a credit in the full amount of your payment for future use on any rental. These funds never expire.
If your plans change and you are unable to come, please contact us 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule. Same day cancellations can receive a 50% refund, reschedule for any future date, or receive credit in the full amount of your payment for future use on any rental. These funds never expire.