Benton Harbor/Graham Ave Water Access
Updated for 2021! This developed boat launch facility in Benton Harbor is the final access site on the Paw Paw River Water Trail which begins approximately 68 miles upstream in the Village of Paw Paw. New in 2021, the City of Benton Harbor is charging a parking fee: $5 for 3 hours or $10 for all day. From this access site, it is easy to paddle upstream against a very slight current. You paddle past the Harbor Shores development and golf course for part of the way. Two miles upstream is the Benton Harbor/N. Stevens Ave access site which is a good place to stretch your legs before turning around and floating back to Graham Ave. This section of river is never blocked by fallen trees and is considered beginner friendly. You can continue further upstream but will encounter more of a current and/or more difficult paddling within a mile or so.
Graham Ave is also another potential take-out spot for all day wilderness trips starting 11 miles upstream at Riverside Kayak Park. The section of river upstream of N. Stevens Ave in Benton Harbor was most recently worked on in June 2021 but may have some downed trees requiring a portage and numerous slide-overs/work-arounds, especially at lower river levels. It is considered Advanced/Expert level and requires good stamina. Be aware that there is absolutely nowhere to take-out along the 9 mile stretch from Riverside Kayak Park to N. Stevens.
In past years, another option was to head downstream from Graham Ave and, after about one half mile, reach the confluence of the Paw Paw River with the much larger St. Joseph River. However, the high Lake Michigan water level may make it difficult to get past the railroad trestle bridge downstream from Graham Ave. You may be able to squeeze around the bridge abutment on River Left, and if you do, be aware that there is a lot of motorized boat traffic on the St Joseph River and the current is strong, so be careful.
To find this access site, drive through Benton Harbor on Main Street (BL I-94). Near the Whirlpool Headquarters is a traffic circle. Take the first exit going north off the traffic circle on to Riverview Drive keep straight on Graham Avenue. The access site and large paved parking lot will be on your left. Be aware that if you take 3rd exit off of the traffic circle you will end up at a boat ramp on Riverview Drive but on the St. Joseph River, not the Paw Paw River.
Parking Lot parking is available.
Public restrooms are available (Portable Toilet).
Developed boat access.
Length of access is less than 50 yards.
A nearby local outfitter provides just rentals.
