Which parts of the Thornapple are all-sports?

[danjayh]

This is *driving me nuts*. I'm trying to figure out if there are any affordable (less than $250k) houses with frontage on the Thornapple River near the airport (I work out there), but I can't find ANY maps detailing which parts of the river 1) are all-sports and 2) are deep enough to ski on. If I were to purchase such a house, it would either need to be on a skiable portion, or very near to it (I have this dream of water skiing over my lunch break ). Does anyone know the rough bounds of the areas that are skiable off hand?

[Rizzo]

This is *driving me nuts*. I'm trying to figure out if there are any affordable (less than $250k) houses with frontage on the Thornapple River near the airport (I work out there), but I can't find ANY maps detailing which parts of the river 1) are all-sports and 2) are deep enough to ski on. If I were to purchase such a house, it would either need to be on a skiable portion, or very near to it (I have this dream of water skiing over my lunch break ). Does anyone know the rough bounds of the areas that are skiable off hand?

[Raildudes dad]

There's a good stretch of Thornapple East of Caledonia (south of 84th St. and the hydro dam) that might be good. Also, I think there are some great waters for general access like Campau and Campbell which might have tributaries into the Thornapple. Not sure on house prices, but saw some houses on Campbell under the 200s a few years ago.

[vandertown]

I grew up on the Thornapple, just above the Cascade dam. We could boat and water ski all the way to the 48th St. bridge and actually a little ways beyond that. This stretch is a bit more affordable, than between the Ada & Cascade dams, but it's still rather pricey (great for boating & sking though).

[danjayh]

So there's actually a place for sale by 52nd street ... I think they've replaced that 48th st. bridge recently ... does anyone know if it's possible to drive a ski boat (with no tower) from that area all the way up to the dam? (I think a big hurdle might be getting under the bridge)...

[Raildudes dad]

So there's actually a place for sale by 52nd street ... I think they've replaced that 48th st. bridge recently ... does anyone know if it's possible to drive a ski boat (with no tower) from that area all the way up to the dam? (I think a big hurdle might be getting under the bridge)...

[vandertown]

The 48th St. bridge was replaced a few years back and it is possible to drive a speed boat under it, as well as the railroad tressle along side it (at a slow speed of course). The water is quite deep under both bridges (in my crazy youth, much time was spent jumping off both bridges)

[Par75]

So there's actually a place for sale by 52nd street ... I think they've replaced that 48th st. bridge recently ... does anyone know if it's possible to drive a ski boat (with no tower) from that area all the way up to the dam? (I think a big hurdle might be getting under the bridge)...

[Rizzo]

The 48th St. bridge was replaced a few years back and it is possible to drive a speed boat under it, as well as the railroad tressle along side it (at a slow speed of course). The water is quite deep under both bridges (in my crazy youth, much time was spent jumping off both bridges)

[Raildudes dad]

It's about 9 feet from the established impoundment water level to the bottom of the 48th Street bridge.

[GRDadof3]

The 48th St. bridge was replaced a few years back and it is possible to drive a speed boat under it, as well as the railroad tressle along side it (at a slow speed of course). The water is quite deep under both bridges (in my crazy youth, much time was spent jumping off both bridges)

[danjayh]

Yes, it's possible. I've taken a speed boat from about where 60th St would cross the river all the way to the Cascade dam. You can get under the railroad bridge as long as you duck your head.

[Raildudes dad]

Have you done this recently? I've really got my heart set on finding a house on the river, and right now, there are a couple on Kilmer that I'm interested in (between 48th and 60th), but one of the folks I've talked to who lives further downstream said that there are a lot of rocks in that area, and that it might not be so ski-boat friendly. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a way to get out on the water and check for myself (darned private access, which I like, but sure has been making this hard). I think I might be stuck taking a canoe up there, but it'll be a long trip upstream to paddle all the way from 28th :/

[Par75]

Have you done this recently? I've really got my heart set on finding a house on the river, and right now, there are a couple on Kilmer that I'm interested in (between 48th and 60th), but one of the folks I've talked to who lives further downstream said that there are a lot of rocks in that area, and that it might not be so ski-boat friendly. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a way to get out on the water and check for myself (darned private access, which I like, but sure has been making this hard). I think I might be stuck taking a canoe up there, but it'll be a long trip upstream to paddle all the way from 28th :/

[danjayh]

There are plenty of speed boats docked at homes on Kilmer and I've seen people skiing in that area. The river is pretty rock free until you get to around 60th St. Also, the area from the 48th St to I-196 has some stumps in the water.