At a Glance
- Henning Park: 500 Croton Road, Newaygo, MI 49337
- This section of the Muskegon River is easily accessible from Newaygo. Visitors will float through the city and past forested slopes along the river.
- River miles to Anderson Flats access – 4.3 miles
- Float time to Anderson Flats is approximately 2 hours
- Learn more about Muskegon River access points and Henning Park.
Visitor Information
Henning Park has many amenities and is a popular park with full hook-up camping facilities available. A vehicle permit (fee) is required for Henning Park.
Anderson Flats is a DNR access with a parking area and restrooms. An alternate start point for this trip is the Newaygo DNR access site at approximately 105 River St, Newaygo, MI 49337. Henning Park is just north of town, and the Newaygo access is just west of town – restaurants, gas stations, canoe/kayak/tube rentals and many other amenities are available in Newaygo.
What to See
This section of the Muskegon River takes you under the M-37 bridge and past the city of Newaygo in the first leg of the trip. Paddle on and you will see more natural, forested slopes overlooking the river. Along the way, watch for turtles, bald eagles and whitetail deer.
Conservation Value
The Muskegon River is the second longest river in Michigan and is known for its good fishery which includes the threatened Lake Sturgeon. Much of this area is southern hardwood floodplain containing sycamore and maples. There are also northern-associated habitats including hemlock and cedar trees.
History
Through partnerships with seven families, the Land Conservancy has protected more than 700 acres of land and nearly six miles of river frontage in the Muskegon River watershed. Along this particular stretch, the Land Conservancy worked with the Scripps Family to protect their 47 acres.
