Residents looking for a nearby outdoor adventure have a couple more weeks to consider canoeing on the Red Cedar River.

During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, MSU Concessions offers a canoeing service for the MSU community.

“We offer this service because we feel that some things are just good for the community,” said Bill Kost, operations manager at MSU Concessions. “It’s a nice thing to provide to showcase the campus.”

MSU Canoe Livery Service, on the Red Cedar River near Bessey Hall, is open every Friday to Sunday from noon-7 p.m.

The business attracts people looking for a new experience or to relax.

“Canoeing on the Red Cedar is good exercise,” Kost said. “It is a calm river, we usually get families or couples.”

While some may enjoy an experience on the river, there are others who would rather go canoeing somewhere else.

“I would consider canoeing in the Red Cedar if I felt it was clean enough,” communication and business senior Shane Collins said.

“I like to compare it to the Detroit River. I just don’t think it is a safe place to canoe.”

Collins said he goes canoeing at least once a year, but prefers doing so in Traverse City.

Dave Silak, manager of Moosejaw Mountaineering, 555 E. Grand River Ave., said most people don’t go canoeing in the Red Cedar River because it is perceived to be dirty.

“I have friends who participated in the Red Cedar River cleanup this year,” he said. “And they pulled out all kinds of trash, such as bikes and other debris, out of the water.”

Silak, who has been canoeing since he was 4 years old, offered a few tips for those who do decide to go canoeing in the Red Cedar River.

“Be sure to wear a life jacket,” he said. “Don’t canoe near dams and white water. Also, don’t tip over the canoe - especially in the Red Cedar.”

Despite past problems with E. coli bacteria that plague the river’s reputation, international studies senior Kristen Woloszyn said canoeing on the Red Cedar River could be fun.

“My friends and I have actually considered doing it, but we just haven’t gotten around to it yet,” she said. “We still might do it this summer.”

Kost said even though business at the Canoe Livery has been steady this summer, it is always looking for ways to attract more business.

“We did some advertisement during Memorial Day weekend,” he said. “But we didn’t see a dramatic number increase.”

Yet, making money is not the Canoe Livery’s No. 1 goal.

“Even though we don’t make much money, we still want to provide the service for the community,” he said.

“It’s an enjoyable experience for most.”