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! Click the yellow button if you’re ready to book, or get more information below! Please note we are adding some Friday dates as well – pick the date that works best for you!
Don’t forget to book online 24 hours in advance with promo code “PlanningAhead” for $5 off!
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.
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. Dinner is not included in the cost.
| Boat Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kayak (for one person) | $40 |
| Canoe (for two people) | $65 |
| Tandem Kayak (for two people) | $65 |
| Personal Boat | $25 |
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 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. Note – we are offering Friday AND Saturday for most (Not June).
Also note – August 8 and 9 is Milford Memories – there will be no shuttle service available – you MUST paddle back upstream to us.
Launch @ 7:00 pm
Sunset @ 8:40 pm
Moonrise @ 6:00 pm
Leave from park by 10:30 pm
Moonlight peak 94% @ 11:47 pm
Launch @ 7:00 pm
Sunset @ 8:41 pm
Moonrise @ 7:05 pm
Leave from park by 10:30 pm
Moonlight peak 94% @ 11:50 pm
Launch @ 7:30 pm
Sunset @ 9:06 pm
Moonrise @ 6:00 pm
Leave from park by 11:00 pm
Moonlight peak 90% @ 11:00 pm
Launch @ 7:30 pm
Sunset @ 9:11 pm
Moonrise @ 3:49 pm
Leave from park by 11:00 pm
Moonlight peak 70% @ 9:00 pm
Launch @ 7:30 pm
Sunset @ 9:11 pm
Moonrise @ 4:53 pm
Leave from park by 11:00 pm
Moonlight peak 79% @ 9:30 pm
* Milford Memories – there will be no shuttle service available – you MUST paddle back upstream to us. *
Launch @ 7:30 pm
Sunset @ 8:42 pm
Moonrise @ 8:43 pm
Leave from park by 11:00 pm
Moonlight peak 98% @ 12:00 am
* Milford Memories – there will be no shuttle service available – you MUST paddle back upstream to us. *
Launch @ 7:30 pm
Sunset @ 8:41 pm
Moonrise @ 9:10 pm
Leave from park by 11:00 pm
Moonlight peak 99% @ 1:00 am
Launch @ 7:00 pm
Sunset @ 7:58 pm
Moonrise @ 7:11 pm
Leave from park by 10:30 pm
Moonlight peak 91% @ 11:45 pm
Launch @ 7:00 pm
Sunset @ 7:56 pm
Moonrise @ 7:35 pm
Leave from park by 10:30 pm
Moonlight peak 96% @ 12:00 am
Launch @ 6:00 pm
Sunset @ 7:09 pm
Moonrise @ 5:35 pm
Leave from park by 9:30 pm
Moonlight peak 87% @ 11:15 pm
Launch @ 6:00 pm
Sunset @ 7:07 pm
Moonrise @ 5:59 pm
Leave from park by 9:30 pm
Moonlight peak 94% @ 11:45 pm
At the scheduled launch time, you will paddle 45-60 minutes downstream with the river’s 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 against the gentle curren 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.
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!
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, 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.
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.