50th Anniversary of the Float Down this August 2026 on the St. Clair River; Port Huron to Marysville!

BEST PLACE TO WATCH the FLOAT DOWN LIVE?

Along the St. Clair River, there is a very long public boardwalk - THOMAS EDISON RIVERWALK- in Port Huron with parking.  Bring your own chair!  Enjoy a great view of the Blue Water Bridge and all the floater's coming down.

Contribution & Photos Janis Bowman, Port Huron

A Time-Honored Tradition each year, anticipation builds as floaters from St. Clair County and neighboring regions await the Float Down, held annually on the third Sunday in August.

Participants launch from Port Huron’s Lighthouse Beach, just north of the Blue Water Bridge connecting the U.S. to Canada.  Floaters drift “on anything that floats” and finish at various points, however all must be out of the water by the time they hit Chrysler Beach in Marysville just a bit over 7 miles.

**Boaters Important to Note: NO motorized traffic is allowed on the St. Clair River from Port Huron to Marysville from Noon – 7pm.

All freighter traffic is also stopped during this event which is held the 3rd Sunday in August each year.

Planning and Preparation

For many, preparations begin well in advance inventing elaborate costumes and floating contraptions —evident again last season. Because of some recent year’s unfavorable winds, the number of kayaks among floaters continues to grow, which helps participants avoid illegally landing on the Canadian shore of the St. Clair River. And yes… the Canadian’s do participate as well, launching at Sarnia Beach. Last year, the Canadian authorities reported the smallest numbers they’ve seen, about 250, due to the heavy winds.

It has been quite a spectacle for us and our friends over the years to all meet up to see the floats of all kinds making their way down the river.  House parties, public Port Huron boardwalks, and the local Moose Lodge are filled with crowds to watch and take photos.

Last season’s (2025) morning started with a Weather Channel alert on my phone showing an all-day St. Clair County Beach Hazard. A cool northern 15-20+ mile wind was coming down Lake Huron, with riptide and wave warnings issued.

Last season’s formidable beach launch filled with high surf was witnessed by one of the original floaters, Janis Bowman who lives in a condominium overlooking Lighthouse Beach. Janis, who also grew up summers on Harsens Island has been onsite to watch and photo the event each year.

How did the Float Down begin on the St. Clair River - Where did this all start?

According to Janis Bowman “My 1st husband was Frank Hoffman Jr. He and his brothers started this event in 1977 on a much smaller scale. My first time participating was in 1980. Except for the last three years, I have been a participant, floating and kayaking the event. It is a thrill but needs to be respected. As disheartening as it is, the weather can’t be ignored.

Last season, Mother Nature had her way. I watched many arrive full of excitement and preparing, witnessing the whitecap waves tossing floaters back to shore. Fruitless efforts were made to enter Lake Huron and with slumped shoulders, returning to their vehicles with their floats and kayaks.

The Coast Guards’ presence was needed to assist many that braved the gusting winds and white cap waves. Kayaks were filled with water and sometimes impossible to empty. Floaters made shorter trips, finding locations to safely escape the wrath of nature!”

For those who did make it over the initial high beach waves at launch and under the bridge, the sun popped in and out and turned out to be a fun-filled day for many.

The Float Down continues to be a cherished annual event. Despite annual discouragement and numerous public safety announcements, most participants choose to take part, many thankfully wearing life preservers as they enter the average 68-72 degree Lake Huron water.

The lure of a boat-free St. Clair River—closed to shipping and power boats for seven hours—is hard to resist.

Thanks to contributor!
Janis Bowman, Port Huron