Kayaking and canoeing are some of the most enjoyable experiences you can have in Michigan when the weather is warm. Whether you’re a fan of the lake, river, or sleeping creeks, there are a ton of options for epic water recreation here in the Mitten State. We’ve profiled some of the best places to go kayaking in Michigan for your consideration.
- Lansing River, Lansing
Will Marlow/Flickr Rent a kayak and enjoy a tour of the city by water by heading to the Lansing River Trail.
- Onekama to Arcadia on Lake Michigan
Facebook This peaceful journey takes you through parts of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
- Detroit Canals
ellenm1/Flickr In French, Détroit means strait, as in river, so there are naturally canals in the city that connect to the Detroit River. An unexpected place for kayaking and canoeing in Michigan, for sure.
- Backwaters of Tippy Dam, Wellston
Tony Faiola/Flickr For the adventurous spirit in us, you can kayak or canoe fish in this far removed Northern Michigan spot.
- Turnip Rock on Lake Huron
Derek A Young/Flickr Admire the geological wonder of this thousands-of-years-old rock formation on Lake Huron by kayak or canoe.
- Platte River
Tom Page./Flickr This body of water is popular for its slow-rolling, shallow rapids which is great for beginners.
- Huron River
Carl Berger/Flickr The only state-designated Country Scenic Natural River in Southeast Michigan, Huron River is quite vast, covering five counties.
- Two Hearted River
Flickr This river takes you through beautiful Upper Peninsula scenery and empties out into Lake Superior, an ideal location for outdoor recreation in Michigan.
- Crystal Lake
Ken Bosma/Flickr Known as an Upper Peninsula water playground, this trip can be a tranquil journey on Crystal Lake.
- Elk Rapids
Kathleen Tyler Conklin/Flickr Just north of Traverse City, this place is home to a peaceful body of water, the Grand Traverse Bay.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising
David Marvin/Flickr They don’t call it Pictured Rocks for nothing. Just imagine the views of these magnificent formations form atop the water.
- Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground, Interlochen
Bailiwick Studios/Flickr Just looking at the water lilies floating on the surface of Lake Dubonnet - it’s a work of art.
This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding the best places to go kayaking in Michigan. Where do you love to kayak or canoe in the state? Tell us in the comments below!
Will Marlow/Flickr
Rent a kayak and enjoy a tour of the city by water by heading to the Lansing River Trail.
This peaceful journey takes you through parts of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
ellenm1/Flickr
In French, Détroit means strait, as in river, so there are naturally canals in the city that connect to the Detroit River. An unexpected place for kayaking and canoeing in Michigan, for sure.
Tony Faiola/Flickr
For the adventurous spirit in us, you can kayak or canoe fish in this far removed Northern Michigan spot.
Derek A Young/Flickr
Admire the geological wonder of this thousands-of-years-old rock formation on Lake Huron by kayak or canoe.
Tom Page./Flickr
This body of water is popular for its slow-rolling, shallow rapids which is great for beginners.
Carl Berger/Flickr
The only state-designated Country Scenic Natural River in Southeast Michigan, Huron River is quite vast, covering five counties.
Flickr
This river takes you through beautiful Upper Peninsula scenery and empties out into Lake Superior, an ideal location for outdoor recreation in Michigan.
Ken Bosma/Flickr
Known as an Upper Peninsula water playground, this trip can be a tranquil journey on Crystal Lake.
Kathleen Tyler Conklin/Flickr
Just north of Traverse City, this place is home to a peaceful body of water, the Grand Traverse Bay.
David Marvin/Flickr
They don’t call it Pictured Rocks for nothing. Just imagine the views of these magnificent formations form atop the water.
Bailiwick Studios/Flickr
Just looking at the water lilies floating on the surface of Lake Dubonnet - it’s a work of art.
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Address: Onekama Township, MI, USAAddress: Canal St, Detroit, MI 48215, USAAddress: N Tippy Dam Rd, Michigan, USAAddress: Turnip St, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, USAAddress: Platte River, MI 49617, USAAddress: Huron River, Michigan, USAAddress: Two Hearted River, Michigan 49868, USAAddress: Beulah, MI, USAAddress: Elk Rapids, MI 49629, USAAddress: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, N8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USAAddress: Interlochen, MI 49643, USAAddress: Lansing River Trail, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To Go Kayaking In Michigan May 14, 2021 Melissa M What are the best Michigan lakes? Michigan is the only state that touches four of the Great Lakes - Huron, Superior, Eerie, and, of course, Lake Michigan. These stunning lakes all have pristine beaches, numerous options for outdoor activities, and rival the beauty of the world’s oceans. In all, Michigan has approximately 1,640 miles of Great Lakes shoreline which includes the islands. You can view some spectacular photos of the lakes in this post. What are the best places for outdoor recreation in Michigan? While lakes and rivers are abundant in Michigan, not all outdoor recreation has to involve a body of water. Ziplining is one incredibly fun option for some fun outside. At TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park, you can try out your skills at the aerial obstacles and ropes course, and zipline in both the daytime and after sundown. This unique park has a glow-in-the-dark zipline that takes your adventure to a whole other level! Bear River Valley Recreation Area has many options for some fun. Hike or bike along the river trail, view plenty of wildlife, and go white water rafting. This place has a little something for everyone. Where can I go tubing in Michigan? Michigan has several lazy rivers that are perfect for tubing on a summer’s day. Some of these rivers include Chippewa River, Muskegon River, and AuSable River among others and you can find an outfitter to rent a tube from in the area if you don’t have your own.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To Go Kayaking In Michigan
May 14, 2021
Melissa M
What are the best Michigan lakes? Michigan is the only state that touches four of the Great Lakes - Huron, Superior, Eerie, and, of course, Lake Michigan. These stunning lakes all have pristine beaches, numerous options for outdoor activities, and rival the beauty of the world’s oceans. In all, Michigan has approximately 1,640 miles of Great Lakes shoreline which includes the islands. You can view some spectacular photos of the lakes in this post. What are the best places for outdoor recreation in Michigan? While lakes and rivers are abundant in Michigan, not all outdoor recreation has to involve a body of water. Ziplining is one incredibly fun option for some fun outside. At TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park, you can try out your skills at the aerial obstacles and ropes course, and zipline in both the daytime and after sundown. This unique park has a glow-in-the-dark zipline that takes your adventure to a whole other level! Bear River Valley Recreation Area has many options for some fun. Hike or bike along the river trail, view plenty of wildlife, and go white water rafting. This place has a little something for everyone. Where can I go tubing in Michigan? Michigan has several lazy rivers that are perfect for tubing on a summer’s day. Some of these rivers include Chippewa River, Muskegon River, and AuSable River among others and you can find an outfitter to rent a tube from in the area if you don’t have your own.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Michigan is the only state that touches four of the Great Lakes - Huron, Superior, Eerie, and, of course, Lake Michigan. These stunning lakes all have pristine beaches, numerous options for outdoor activities, and rival the beauty of the world’s oceans. In all, Michigan has approximately 1,640 miles of Great Lakes shoreline which includes the islands. You can view some spectacular photos of the lakes in this post.
What are the best places for outdoor recreation in Michigan?
While lakes and rivers are abundant in Michigan, not all outdoor recreation has to involve a body of water. Ziplining is one incredibly fun option for some fun outside. At TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park, you can try out your skills at the aerial obstacles and ropes course, and zipline in both the daytime and after sundown. This unique park has a glow-in-the-dark zipline that takes your adventure to a whole other level! Bear River Valley Recreation Area has many options for some fun. Hike or bike along the river trail, view plenty of wildlife, and go white water rafting. This place has a little something for everyone.
Where can I go tubing in Michigan?
Michigan has several lazy rivers that are perfect for tubing on a summer’s day. Some of these rivers include Chippewa River, Muskegon River, and AuSable River among others and you can find an outfitter to rent a tube from in the area if you don’t have your own.
