NEW!!! E-BIKE RENTALS!!!!!!

Our rates are the best on the river beginning at $29 for a one-to-four-hour rental! We put in at Waterville, Grand Rapids, Perrysburg Rossford, or Toledo! We take Cash, Venmo, Cash App, Mastercard, or Visa! Your reservation includes the kayak, life jacket, and paddle. We typically wait to have you pay until you arrive and see all your equipment.

In partnership with Metroparks Toledo, our main location is at the Farnsworth Kayak Concession at Farnsworth Metro Park at 8801 South River Road in Waterville, Ohio at the Farnsworth Boat Launch entrance. When you arrive, simply follow the signs to the LEFT toward the Kayak Concession Stand where our team will have everything ready for you.

One of the reasons we LOVE to put in here is because there are CLEAN (Immaculate) INDOOR RESTROOMS!

There are also multiple picnic tables in the shade for you to sit at and enjoy the view!

Please note – Farnworth Metropark has three different entrances.  We are located at the Boat Launch Entrance (8801 South River Road) – Please do not use the Roche de Bout or Indianola entrances if you are coming to the kayak rental concession.

We can also put in at a personal place on the Maumee River that you request. We offer flexible scheduling, which means you put in when you want to put in so, please call or text and let us know the time and place you would like to put in.

Unlike other kayak rentals, we do not use a shuttle van. The Maumee River basically has no current, which means you can kayak any direction you want. You simply choose the location you want to put in at and park your car and we will meet you there with your kayaks! Since you are on a flexible schedule and not with other people or needing to be picked up in a van, when you are done you simply pull the kayaks out back at the same place you put in at. At that point, you simply text or call us and you are free to get in your vehicle and leave!

There is no waiting on a van, other people, or riding back to your car!!! This is simple and convenient, and most people are happy to be back to their personal car within minutes and able to leave and be on their way quickly!

Below are the specifics for some other locations where we can put in: These include Grand Rapids and Perrysburg.

Grand Rapids, Ohio is one of the places we put in. Grand Rapids has a beautiful State Park named the Mary Jane Thurston Park and there is a Marina there with boat launches for kayaks and other boats.

The Marina area also has restrooms for changing in and also has showers!

The Green arrow to the left on the map indicates the area where we put in at. The Marina is west of Grand Rapids, and also west of the Mary Jane Thurston campground. You can see pontoons and speedboats docked at the area where you will need to park. The address for the Mary Jane Thurston Marina is:  24698 State Rte 65, Grand Rapids, OH 43522

Please note: We offer flexible scheduling so that you can plan your trip around your schedule. Please call or text and let us know the time you would like to put in.

This is an early morning picture of our kayaks waiting for a group of five to go out. This is at our Perrysburg location. In Perrysburg, we put in at Orleans Park.

There is a large parking lot as you pull in, but if you go to the end of that parking lot, you will find a winding dirt road that actually leads you to another parking lot that is right on the river!

Orleans Park, 655 Maumee Western Reserve Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Please note: We offer flexible scheduling so that you can plan your trip around your schedule.

Please call or text and let us know the time you would like to put in.

We love the Maumee River!

The Maumee River is a tributary of Lake Erie and is approximately 137 miles long. The river has played an important role in the history of the region and continues to be an important resource for the communities along its banks.

The Maumee River begins in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the St. Joseph River and St. Marys River converge. From there, it flows eastward through Ohio before emptying into Lake Erie at Toledo. The river has a relatively slow flow rate, which makes it an ideal location for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. The Maumee River is located in the Midwestern United States, primarily in northwest Ohio. It begins in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers meet, and flows northeast through Ohio—passing through towns like Defiance, Napoleon, Grand Rapids, Waterville, Maumee, and Perrysburg—before emptying into Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio.

It’s the largest river to flow into the Great Lakes by volume and is a key natural and recreational feature of the region, especially popular for kayaking, fishing, and scenic biking along its banks.

The Maumee River has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, when Native American tribes such as the Miami and Shawnee used it as a transportation route. Later, the river became an important transportation route for European traders and settlers, and was a key factor in the development of Toledo as a major industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The river was also the site of a significant battle during the War of 1812, when American and British forces fought for control of the river and the surrounding region.

Today, the Maumee River remains an important resource for the communities along its banks. It is a popular location for recreational activities, and the river’s wildlife and ecosystems are protected by various conservation efforts. The river is also a vital source of drinking water for many communities, and supports a variety of industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Maumee River

Is the Maumee River good for kayaking and eBiking?

Absolutely! The Maumee River is one of Northwest Ohio’s most scenic waterways. It offers calm stretches perfect for kayaking and picturesque bike paths that follow the riverbank—ideal for our eBike rentals. Whether you’re paddling or pedaling, you’ll enjoy a peaceful connection with nature.

How deep is the Maumee River?

The river’s depth varies depending on location and rainfall. In most recreational areas near Waterville and Grand Rapids, it’s relatively shallow—often between 2 to 5 feet deep—making it a great option for safe, casual kayaking.

Is it safe to swim in the Maumee River?

Swimming is not the main attraction of the Maumee River, as visibility and water clarity vary with conditions. While it’s not officially prohibited, we recommend enjoying the river through kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities instead.

Do I need insurance to rent a kayak?

No, personal insurance is not required to rent a kayak from us. We provide a waiver and safety instructions before every rental. All of our kayaks are safe, stable, and beginner-friendly.

What lives in the Maumee River?

The Maumee River is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including turtles, frogs, herons, beavers, and even bald eagles. It’s a living ecosystem that offers a unique glimpse of Ohio’s natural beauty every time you head out on the water.

What fish live in the Maumee River?

You’ll find a wide range of fish here, including smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and freshwater drum. The river is especially famous for its spring walleye run, drawing anglers from across the Midwest.

Is it safe to eat fish from the Maumee River?

In general, yes—but as with most bodies of water, there are recommended consumption guidelines. The Ohio EPA provides up-to-date information on how often certain fish can be safely eaten. Occasional catches from the Maumee are typically fine, especially when prepared properly.

Why is the Maumee River so muddy?

The river’s brownish tint comes from natural sediment stirred up from its soft clay and soil bottom—especially after rainfall. This is normal for rivers in our region and doesn’t affect the safety or enjoyment of paddling or boating.

Does the Maumee River flow into Lake Erie?

Yes! The Maumee River flows northeast into Lake Erie at Toledo. In fact, it’s the largest river to empty into the Great Lakes by volume, playing a vital role in the region’s ecosystem.

Where does the word “Maumee” come from?

“Maumee” is derived from the Ottawa word for the Miami tribe, native to this region. It reflects the rich cultural history of the area and honors the people who first traveled these waters.

What is the Maumee River known for?

The Maumee is known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation—including kayaking, canoeing, eBiking, and fishing. It’s also famous for the annual walleye run and its role in Ohio’s early Native American and pioneer history.

Best Kayak the Maumee River Map