FAQ

Are dogs allowed on the Crystal River?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Crystal River, but must remain on a leash at all times as required by the National Lakeshore. 

Are we allowed to bring food & beverages on the Crystal River? 

Yes, but glass is prohibited and we ask that you take trash with you to help keep the Crystal River beautiful. 

Do I need a National Park Pass? 

A National Park Pass is required when recreating in any parts of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. When riding the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail we recommend that you bring the park pass with you. You will need one pass per group/vehicle. 

Does the National Park offer a single day pass? 

Not at this time. We offer weekly and annual passes that can be purchased in the Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District. 

Are lifejackets required on the Crystal River? 

We are required to provide PFDs to all of our paddlers. Paddlers 12 and under must wear them at all times. Those over 12 years of age, just need to have them in their boat. Paddlers 6 and under are required to have a Type II PDF with the headrest.

What should I wear when kayaking on the Crystal River?

It is a mix of sun and shade throughout the paddle. In the shoulder seasons, we recommend a sweatshirt as air temps are still cool. Swimsuits are always welcome as there is always a chance you will get wet! In the summer months, the water feels great too. We would recommend footwear that you don’t mind getting wet as there are a few portages along the way where you have to get out and transport your boat around a small dam or over the road. Sunglasses and hats are recommended.

Do you sell any supplies for our trip?

We sell bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, beverages, dry bags, nets and lots of logo wear right at Crystal River Outfitters. 

What is “Shoot the Tube?”

One of the many highlights of the Crystal River! Midway through the trip, you’ll find 3 culverts running under the road. This is an optional portage where you can elect to carry your boat over the road or “shoot the tube”! The fast current pushes you through the culverts in your boat and gets you to the other side of the river. 

What is a portage?

There are three portages along the Crystal River. The first is around a small dam. The second is an optional portage where you can “Shoot the Tube” (travel through the culverts) or carry your boat across the road. The last is just up and over a road. Teamwork is always helpful for this! Our staff will explain the portages upon arrival and on the drive to the head of the river.

How old do I have to be to rent an Electric Assist Bike?

16 years of age with a valid ID

When do you start renting bikes & kayaks?

Weather permitting, we always shoot to have kayaks in the water by May 1 annually. We are typically able to start renting bikes by mid-April. 

Where does the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail go?

It starts in Empire and currently meanders all the way to Bohemian Road. There are plans for it to go as far north of Little Traverse Lake. For more information, please visit https://sleepingbeartrail.org/

Tell me about Palmer Woods….

This is 1075 acres of public land preserved for recreational use by the Leelanau Conservancy.  The land was owned for many years by the Palmer family and operated as a working forest. The family operated in a sustainable fashion, growing and harvesting the timber with keeping the forest healthy in mind. This reserve offers miles of hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through rolling hills and traditional northern hardwood forest. Mountain-biking trails were established in 2018, the first of their kind in Leelanau. Palmer Woods is a great place to spend a day during any season.

How long does it take to get the Dune Climb on the SBHT?

Our most popular trek on bikes for families is to the Dune Climb and back. That is about a 9 mile ride round trip. 

How long are your kayak trips?

2-3 hours for a full trip, 1-1.5 hours for the half trip.

Are dogs allowed in your stores?

Yes! All four of our businesses are dog friendly. We are all dog lovers and many of our employees own dogs of their own. We do ask that all dogs are on leashes while they are in our stores and are not disruptive to other customers. By having them on a leash is not only for our employees and customers’ safety, it’s for your dogs safety as well.

Are you related to the M22 Inn or Market 22?

We have no relationship with the M22 Inn or Market 22. 

Are you connected with M22, Coastal, Crystal River Outfitters, and The Cyclery?

YES! All four stores are owned by the same couple. During your visit, you may see some of our employees in a number of our stores since we work as a team throughout The District.

How long has this store been open?

| CRO- Founded in 1994, purchased by current owners in 2004

| Cyclery- 2010

| M22 Glen Arbor- 2011

| Coastal- 2017

What are the winter months like?

Busy! M22 and Coastal are open daily throughout the year. The Cyclery is open Monday through Friday during the winter months. We are busy working on projects and planning for the upcoming season. We stay busy with retail and winter rentals in Coastal and M22 is busy with retail and wine throughout the whole year.

Where is the M22 wine from?

All of M22 Wines are custom blended by Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay and Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. You will only be able to sample our wines at M22 Glen Arbor and they are available for purchase at M22 Glen Arbor or M22 Traverse City. 

Are you allowed to bring outside food to the M22 wine patio?

Yes! Since we are not a restaurant, we allow outside food to be consumed on our property. You may bring your own, or a carryout from a restaurant. In order to do so, you must purchase a beverage or wine flight from M22 Glen Arbor to use our facility.

If you have anymore questions, please feel free to call us at 231.334.4420 or email us at [email protected]

Red Hot Best Winner

2023 Business of the Year