Half-Day Fun Pass: Kayak, Bike and SUP Rental in Traverse City

Boardman Lake gives you three good ways to spend an afternoon: pedal its shoreline, paddle across the water, or stand up and test your balance on a SUP. The Half-Day Fun Pass lets you mix those choices instead of locking you into one activity, which makes it a strong pick for families and groups with different interests.

I like the easy format and the friendly, practical help from The River Outfitters team. I also like the location, with options such as a bike ride toward the Filling Station and Right Brain Brewery, followed by a paddle along the shore where you might spot loons, turtles, mink, geese, and swans. The main catch is that Boardman Lake can get windy, and construction has sometimes closed bridge routes on the river.

Key points to know before you go

• One pass, three outdoor activities: Use the four-hour rental period for bikes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or a combination.
• Boardman Lake is the center of the outing: You can stay close to the base or paddle toward places such as Delamar and Hull Park.
• Self-guided freedom: There is no fixed group route, so you set the pace and decide when to change equipment.
• Good equipment and helpful staff: Staff provide the gear and suggest routes suited to your group.
• Plan around wind and construction: Open water can become choppy, and bridge work may affect river access.
• Price is $70 per person: The value is strongest when you use most of the four hours and try more than one activity.

A flexible afternoon beside Boardman Lake

The appeal here is simple: you get an active way to see Traverse City without committing to a full-day excursion or a guided group schedule. Start at The River Outfitters base at 1910 W South Airport Road, choose your equipment, and shape the outing around your energy level.

A four-hour window is long enough for a proper bike ride and a paddle, though you will want to avoid wasting time if you hope to use all three options. The pass is not a race. It works best when you decide in advance which activity matters most, then use the remaining time for a second choice.

A family might begin with bikes, take a break near the lake, then finish on kayaks. A group of friends could split between kayaks and SUPs while staying in the same general area. You are not required to follow one fixed itinerary, and that freedom is one of the pass’s best features.

Starting with bikes around the lake

The bike portion gives you a useful change of pace before or after getting on the water. One possible ride circles or follows the area around Boardman Lake, with chances to stop at places such as the Filling Station and Right Brain Brewery for a beer or snack.

Those stops make the bike rental feel like more than exercise. You can connect the lake with Traverse City’s food and drink scene rather than treating the water as a separate attraction. If you stop, keep an eye on the clock. Four hours sounds generous, but a leisurely food break can reduce the time available for paddling.

The cycling route is self-guided, so you should expect to make your own decisions about distance and stops. That suits independent visitors who like to wander. It is less ideal if you want a staff member leading the way or explaining every point along the route.

The bike is also a smart first activity for mixed groups. Not everyone enjoys a SUP, and some people may prefer a dry start. Once everyone has had time to get comfortable, the group can switch to kayaks or paddleboards.

Kayaking on Boardman Lake and the river

Kayaking is the most straightforward way to cover water without needing much balance. Open kayaks are available, and staff can suggest a route based on your group’s ability and the time left in your pass.

A longer outing may take you toward Delamar and then back up the river toward Hull Park. One especially useful detail is the pickup arrangement described for the Hull Park area. If a route involves a return from the river, staff can collect the kayak and bring you back to the base. Confirm the current route and pickup details when you arrive, since water access can change.

The lake shore offers more than open water and sky. You might see turtles, loons, mink, geese, and swans. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but paddling quietly gives you a better chance than riding past on a bike.

Expect to get wet in the kayaks. That may come from paddle splash, getting in and out, or the general business of handling a boat. Wear clothing that can handle water, and avoid bringing anything that cannot be dampened. The information provided does not list a specific dry-storage arrangement, so ask staff before launching if you have phones, cameras, or other items with you.

Bridge construction has affected some river routes. At times, the closures have prevented paddlers from reaching the bay, which can make the route feel less varied. Ask about current construction before choosing a river plan. If access is limited, the lake still offers a pleasant outing, but you should adjust your expectations.

Trying a SUP when the water is calm

Stand-up paddleboarding gives the pass a little more challenge. The lake can look quiet from shore, but wind quickly changes the experience. A calm morning or sheltered stretch may be ideal for a first attempt, while a windy afternoon can make balance work tiring.

I would choose a SUP if you want an active, slightly playful session and are comfortable with the chance of falling in. If you are new to paddleboarding, ask staff where the most protected water is and how much time you should allow for learning the equipment.

Kayakers and SUP users can still enjoy the outing together. That is useful for groups where one person wants to try something new and another prefers a more stable seat. Everyone can be on the same water without having to choose a single activity for the whole group.

The lake’s wind is the key practical concern. It may be wise to start with a bike ride and save the SUP for later only if conditions remain comfortable. You can also switch to a kayak if the board feels too demanding. The pass’s flexible format gives you that option, provided equipment is available and time remains.

What makes the self-guided format work

This is not a guided nature tour. You will not have a leader narrating the shoreline or managing a fixed group route. Instead, staff help you choose equipment, explain the available options, and point you toward a route that fits your skill level.

That arrangement has real advantages. You can stop when you want, change activities, and spend longer at a favorite section of the lake. A group with different fitness levels can spread out without holding everyone to the same pace.

The tradeoff is that you need to pay attention to time, weather, water conditions, and route changes. If you are looking for a carefully managed excursion, this may feel too independent. If you like making your own afternoon, it is much more appealing.

Staff service is a major strength. Amara is one of the team members associated with the Logan Landing base, and the staff have helped with route suggestions, equipment changes, and return arrangements. The equipment is described as clean, new or well maintained, and available in good quantity. That matters when a group needs both kayaks and SUPs rather than a single type of boat.

A closer look at the possible route

You can think of the outing in three sections, though you are free to rearrange them.

First comes the bike section, often used to get familiar with the area and reach nearby food or drink stops. The ride around the lake adds movement without requiring you to commit immediately to open water.

Second is the Boardman Lake paddle, where you can choose a kayak or SUP and stay along the shore. This is the simplest plan if construction has closed river crossings or if wind makes a longer route unattractive.

Third is the river extension, potentially reaching Delamar and Hull Park. The route can add variety, but it depends on current access. Bridge construction has previously blocked some passages, so treat this as a possibility rather than a promise.

The ability to mix these sections is more valuable than a rigid schedule. You can make the outing easy for young children, more active for adults, or balanced for a group with mixed experience. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the supplied information does not specify age limits, boat capacities, or special assistance. Contact the operator if your group needs those details.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time outdoors, but it can be a good value if you use the full four hours and combine equipment. Renting a bike, kayak, and SUP separately could cost more and would give you less flexibility.

The price makes the most sense for people who want variety. A single kayak outing may offer better value if you know you only want to paddle. The Fun Pass earns its keep when one person rides while another paddles, or when the whole group changes activities during the afternoon.

You also receive the convenience of supplied equipment and an established base with free parking described at one location. You do not need to arrange separate rentals or transport gear to the lake. Longer rentals and delivery to public launches, cottages, and vacation rentals within 10 miles are available for an added fee, but those costs are separate from this pass.

Use the pass at the time that suits you, subject to availability and local conditions. Since the activity is weather dependent, leave some room in your plans if possible. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this to families, couples, and friend groups who want exercise without signing up for a demanding expedition. It works especially well for people staying in Traverse City who want to spend most of the day in town but still reach the water.

It also suits local residents looking for a change from the usual park walk. You can make the afternoon as active or relaxed as you like, and the nearby food stops add an easy social element.

First-time paddlers can participate, but I would be cautious about choosing a SUP on a windy day. Kayaking is the steadier choice, and staff can suggest a route that matches your group’s ability.

This is less suited to anyone who wants a fully narrated tour, guaranteed access to the bay, or a fixed wildlife itinerary. Conditions and construction can change the available route, and the self-guided setup puts some responsibility on you.

Practical details that affect your day

Your confirmation arrives when you book, and mobile tickets make check-in simple. The outing begins and ends at 1910 W South Airport Road in Traverse City.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather matters, check the forecast and ask about conditions before setting out.

Bring a willingness to get wet if you kayak, and expect wind to affect the SUP experience. Ask about current bridge work, the best route for your skill level, and how much time you should reserve for equipment changes.

Should you book the Half-Day Fun Pass?

Book it if you want a flexible outdoor afternoon and like the idea of combining a bike ride with time on Boardman Lake. The strongest reasons are the choice of equipment, the helpful staff, the scenic setting, and the chance to fit the outing around your group instead of following a fixed tour.

Skip it if you only want a quiet, guided paddle or if a windy forecast would make the water activities unpleasant. For the best value, plan to use at least two forms of equipment and leave enough time to enjoy the lake rather than rushing between rentals.

FAQ

Where does the Half-Day Fun Pass begin?

It begins at 1910 W South Airport Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The pass lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the pass cost?

The listed price is $70 per person.

What equipment can I use?

You can use bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

Can I combine biking and water activities?

Yes. The pass is designed so you can mix and match biking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Is the outing guided?

The activity is self-guided. Staff provide equipment and help suggest routes, but there is no fixed guide-led itinerary.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The equipment needed for the rental activities is provided.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.