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Kayaking in Michigan

Kayaking Trips in Michigan

Referred to as the Great Lakes State, it is no secret that there is plenty of water in Michigan! With nearly half of the state's total area covered in water, kayaking destinations are plentiful! Find kayaking trips in Michigan for every level of kayaker. Whether you're looking for a guided trip, kayak rentals, self-guided, day trip, multi-day trip, or anything in between, there's a kayaking trip in Michigan for you. If you've paddled here before, be sure to share your trip with the rest of us!

Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these safe paddling tips and always wear your life jacket


- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -

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Kayaking in Michigan

Guide to Kayaking in Michigan

Home of the Great Lakes and a plethora of other lakes, rivers, and scenery, there are plenty of waters and destinations to seek out for a kayaking, canoeing, or paddling trip in Michigan. Some of the most popular kayaking destinations in Michigan include:

  • 4 out of 5 Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Huron)
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes (Lower Peninsula)
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Upper Peninsula)
  • Over 26,000 inland lakes
  • Various river trails, river camping, and kayak fishing spots

Read on for guides to planning your own kayaking trip to Michigan, seeking out an outfitted trip, connecting with other Michigan paddlers, and many other resources!

Kayaking Locations in Michigan

If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in Michigan! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!

Plan a Kayaking Trip in Michigan

Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled throughout Michigan and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Michigan community trip reports below:

Connect with Paddlers in Michigan

Looking to connect with other paddlers in Michigan? Below are a number of resources to help get you started:

Kayak Outfitters in Michigan

Looking to rent a kayak or go on a guided trip? Check out these outfitters in Michigan:

Articles About Michigan Paddling

The Great Lakes: A Little Slice of the Sea

Deep in the heart of North America, surrounded by forest and field, there is an ocean. A vast inland sea containing nearly a quarter of the world's fresh water — enough to flood the lower 48 states to a depth of almost ten feet — the Great Lakes contain upwards of 35,000 islands, and their 10,000 miles of shore rival that of the US ocean coastlines.