Canoe, kayak, raft or tube down the crystal-clear Platte River, ending at a Lake Michigan sandy beach. This is a 2-4 hour trip that is quite easy for a beginner to do. The water is warm and the beaches of Lake Michigan beckon at the end of the trip. They also offer a trip on the Upper Platte River, which is considerably more challenging (many twists, turns and logs to avoid). Do the Upper Platte River tip if you want to catch some nice trout on the trip as well.

http://www.canoemichigan.com/