Hanmer's Resort also offers camping, kayaking and canoe rentals with special rates for our guests.

We are sure your canoe trip will be remembered long after your vacation is over. The Betsie is a good canoeing river for novice and experienced canoers.

With our knowledge of the river, we can match your skills with the right trip.  We take great pride in the Betsie river and work hard to ensure that it is a clean and natural river. We hope you find the river clean and leave it as you find it or better.

The Betsie River begins in Grand Traverse County at Green Lake, and flows in a southwest direction into Benzie County.  The average water depth down to Grass Lake Dam is 14"- 20".  Betsie river covers 50-55 river miles and takes about 22 hours to canoe. River start at Grass Lake Dam.

There are no rapids on the Betsie but it has a steady, swift current to keep you moving. It is a very crooked river with many overhanging trees and submerged logs to maneuver around to test your skills. There will be some unexpected fallen trees to portage over or around, dropped by beavers or high winds. There is one designated portage on the river which is Homestead Falls. The portage is made on the right and is about 200 feet long.

There are some private cabins along the river, but the Betsie is a state designated wild and scenic natural river which ensures against new construction close to the river. There are two state campgrounds on the river, at Grass Lake and Fred's landing, along with some state land bordering the river. From Thompsonville down to Fred's Landing the water depth averages 2-3 feet. This same stretch of river is bordered by hardwood-covered hills which drop off to the river bottom of conifers, aspen and willows.

The river drops down into Manistee county for a few miles, then enters Benzie county again at the County Line Road #602. Many small streams run into the river where the trout like to feed, and trout hide in the many log jams along the river which are distant  memories of the old logging days. Trout are easily fished by canoe or from shore.

From Fred's Landing to the Homestead Dam (now known as Homestead Falls) the river has been altered from floodwaters of the past hydro elastic dam and some sand bars may occur. The river from Homestead Falls to the second bridge on River Road becomes deeper and wider. This section is the easiest to canoe. From second bridge on River Road to Frankfort the river passes through a wildlife sanctuary and some open marsh to the mouth of the river .  Canoe trips end at the second bridge on river road.

Let's kayak the Betsie

                          Canoe or Kayak & Camping or Cabin Packages 2010

                                  * All discounts are based on cash payments.  

                                  * Credit cards are welcomed (see rate page)

                                                (only one discount per stay)

Rates are based on two people per canoe. Small additional charge for a third person.
Paddles, cushions, canoes or kayaks, and car spotting included.
Children 4 and under not allowed. 
All children 10 and under and all non-swimmers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip. Group and Family packages on request. No refunds on unused portion of package.

Reservation Information 

For reservation information call: 1-800-252-4286 or 231-882-7783

The office is open from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M.

Canoe & Kayak trips start at 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.  ( all trips need to be done by 6:30 P.M.)

You may also e-mail us at gostay@hanmers.com

Visa, Master Card, and Discover are accepted.

All discounts are based on cash payment. (offered to all customers)

Sorry No Pets are Allowed over night stays at resort. ( are allowed on daily canoe trips)