Tip-A-Thumb
Canoe Rental

ESTABLISHED 1975

Thousands of paddlers served for over 50 years.

Paddle. Beach. Relax. Paddle Back.

CASH ONLYNO RESERVATIONS
CLOSED FOR THE SEASONReopening May 2027

Rental Prices

Canoe

$30

Flat rate per boat

Tip-A-Thumb canoe fleet beside the Pinnebog River

Single Kayak

$30

Flat rate per kayak

Single kayak beside the Tip-A-Thumb canoe fleet and Pinnebog River

Tandem Kayak

$35

Flat rate per kayak

Tandem kayaks in the Tip-A-Thumb kayak fleet
NO TIME LIMITS
Take your time and let nature be your guide. Return when you’re ready — just be back by 6 PM.
Life jackets and paddles are included with every rental.

Hours

Open every day at 9 AM
Rentals available until 3 PM
All boats must be back by 6 PM

Phone

Main Phone

989.738.7656

Alternate Phone

517.551.4115

If you can’t reach us at our main number, please try our alternate number.

Wind & Rain

Windy at the lake? We may still be open!

Our rentals take place on the sheltered Pinnebog River, where wind is usually much less of a concern than on open Lake Huron. Light rain doesn’t always stop us either! Check this webpage for daily operating updates.

Your Day on the River

Start Here. Paddle the Pinnebog. Paddle Back.

SEE HOW IT’S DONE

Follow along with one of our customers from arrival to the beach and back.

▶ Watch the Trip
SEE TIP-A-THUMB FROM ABOVE

Take an aerial look at Tip-A-Thumb and the Pinnebog River.

▶ Watch the Aerial View

⚠ This video shows our former operating hours. Please use the current rental hours listed on this website.

Want to make a day of it? Bring a cooler, beach towel, or fishing pole!

Family Owned &Operated Since 1975

For more than 50 years, Tip-A-Thumb Canoe Rental has welcomed generations of paddlers to the Pinnebog River. Founded in 1975 and still operated by the original family, we're proud to be one of Port Austin's longest-running businesses under original family ownership.

From family traditions to unforgettable summer days with friends, we've brought people together for decades. With a fleet of 133 canoes and 81 kayaks, we're ready to welcome everyone from first-time paddlers to large groups of friends. It's this tradition of bringing people together that has made Tip-A-Thumb a Port Austin staple.

No Experience? No Problem.

Everyone is welcome, from infants to adults. Our team will help you get into your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re ready to go. With calm water and little to no current, the small but mighty Pinnebog River is a great place to paddle.

Find Us

Tip-A-Thumb Canoe Rental
2475 Port Austin Rd
Port Austin, MI 48467
Main Phone: 989.738.7656
Alternate Phone: 517.551.4115
Located on M-25 • 7 miles west of Port Austin • 11 miles east of Caseville

GET DIRECTIONS

Quick FAQ

Answers to your most common questions.

We typically open one week before Memorial Day weekend and operate daily through Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day, we try to stay open on weekends through September and into October, weather and river conditions permitting. Check the OPEN/CLOSED status at the top of our website before heading out.

No reservations are needed! We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Just show up during our rental hours.

Bringing a large group of 20, 30, or even 50 people? Please call ahead so we know you’re coming and can help make your visit go smoothly. No reservation is required.

There is no hourly time limit. Your rental is yours from the time you leave until you return. Take your time, enjoy the water, and just have the boat back by 6 PM.

Yes. There is an ATM at Walt’s Meat Market and another at Port Crescent Market, both very close to our location.

Please bring a form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

Absolutely. Our standard canoes can comfortably hold 2 adults and 2 kids. For larger families with 2 adults and 3 kids, ask us for one of our larger canoes. Kids can kayak too — we have kayaks suitable for kids. We can also provide a rope in case you need to tow them back.

Yes! Many people spend 3–4 hours enjoying the beach. Bring a cooler because there is nothing to purchase down there. Bathrooms are available, although they are a short hike from the beach. The beach is part of the Port Crescent day-use area, so please respect all state park rules.

Windy at the lake? We may still be open! Our rentals take place on the sheltered Pinnebog River, where wind is usually less of a concern than on open Lake Huron. Light rain doesn’t always stop us either. Check this page for daily operating updates before heading out.

Yes. Dogs are welcome. If you stop at the beach, your dog will need to be on a leash.

No. This website is our official page. Any other Facebook pages for Tip-A-Thumb were fan-made pages from the past.

No. Turnip Rock is not accessible from our location. For trips to Turnip Rock, please see Port Austin Kayak in Port Austin.

No, we’re cash only! We’ve proudly operated as a cash-only business since 1975, and we’re continuing that tradition today. Please plan to bring cash for your rental.

Yes. You can launch your own kayak from our location for a $5 drop-in fee.

Today's Conditions

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Reopening May 2027

We look forward to seeing you on the river next season!

🌤️ VIEW PORT AUSTIN WEATHER

TAP CARD TO VIEW BEACH

Reviews From the River

★★★★★
Tip-A-Thumb Canoe Rental pine tree and river logo
OFFICIALLY ONLINE

Online since 2026.

BACK TO TOPEST. 1975 · PORT AUSTIN, MI

COMING SOON!

Tip-A-Thumb is heading to social media. Stay tuned!

EST. 1975