Though our Pure Michigan summer is coming to a close, there is still time to enjoy the great outdoors on one of Michigan’s many lakes or rivers. Whether it be solo, or with friends or family, take an end of the summer kayaking or canoeing trip to enjoy the beauty of Pure Michigan. With over 250 locations to choose from, paddlesport locations can be found throughout the upper and lower peninsulas.
Below are just a few suggestions on where to start. Pick a location and paddle your way to Pure Michigan! For a more complete list of Michigan locations to kayak or canoe, visit michigan.org.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula off of Lake Superior. Whether you Kayak or canoe on the lakeshore or on one of Pictured Lake’s many inland lakes or streams, a variety of sceneries can be viewed. Multicolored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, sand dunes and forests make up Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, providing an unforgettable view while partaking in a paddlesport of choice.
Located on Black Lake, Onaway State Park features a variety of rugged and picturesque landscapes. Sand cobblestone beaches and large, unique rock out-croppings in addition to a diverse variety of trees and wildlife provide paddlesporters a diverse view from the water. Located ten miles east of the park is Ocqueoc Falls, which is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. A variety of rivers and lakes are also located nearby.
Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail
This water trail connecting Bangor and South Haven encompasses 21 miles of river to kayak or canoe in. The water trail, which is made up of the Black River, has multiple access points. Whether you are a beginner paddler or experienced paddler, the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water trail has stretches that can be enjoyed by skill level.
This state park contains about 230 acres of water with several miles of shoreline. The results of a dam, the state park which once contained seven small lakes is now made up of one large lake, providing canoers and kayakers plenty of open water to paddle in. Seven Lakes State Park offers its visitors a diverse assortment of topography and ecosystems.
Great Lakes Eco-Adventure Center
Located in the town of Indian River, Great Lakes Eco-Adventure Center is an epicenter of Northern Michigan outdoor activity. This homebase of Indian River is situated on the famous Inland Waterway, which includes a 38 mile chain of rivers and lakes cutting across Northern Lower Michigan from Petoskey to Lake Huron. Perfect for kayaking, this location offers kayak rentals as well as guided tours. The center also provides skills classes, if looking for improving your kayaking abilities.
Did you go on a canoeing or kayaking trip in Michigan this summer? Where did you go?
