9 Best Places to Paddle Board in Lake Michigan

Discover the beauty of the Midwest as you glide along the tranquil waters of the Great Lakes.

Venture into the best places to paddle board in Lake Michigan, surrounded by gorgeous shorelines and serene landscapes.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and explore the freshwater haven by paddle board. Ready to dive in?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Lake Michigan
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Lake Michigan

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Chicago

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: North Avenue Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, can be windy
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Chicago skyline, Navy Pier
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, follow local regulations

Chicago, the Windy City, offers paddleboarders a unique experience on the shores of Lake Michigan. North Avenue Beach provides stunning views of the skyline as you glide along the calm waters.

Always be aware of changing weather conditions and respect local rules for a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding session.

#2 Grand Haven Beach

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Grand Haven City Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Local fish species, seagulls
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Grand Haven Lighthouse, sand dunes
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in moderate waves, respect restricted areas

Grand Haven Beach, located in western Michigan, is a popular destination for paddleboarders.

The wide-open Lake Michigan shoreline is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Enjoy the iconic lighthouse and expansive sand dunes as a stunning backdrop for your adventure.

#3 Muskegon Lake

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Harbour Towne Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected from wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Muskegon South Pierhead Light, marinas
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid boating areas, follow local regulations

Muskegon Lake, connected to Lake Michigan by a channel, offers a more serene paddling experience.

The protected waters make for an ideal location for beginners and those looking for calmer conditions. Soak up the peaceful views and admire the historic Muskegon South Pierhead Light.

#4 Silver Beach

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Silver Beach County Park (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Local fish species, seagulls
????️️ Landmarks & Views: St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, sand dunes
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in moderate waves, respect local regulations

Silver Beach, in St. Joseph, Michigan, is a scenic shoreline that attracts paddleboarding enthusiasts. The expanse of soft sand and gentle Lake Michigan waves provide an ideal spot for a leisurely paddle.

The beautiful St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, visible from the beach, adds to the charm of this location.

#5 Petoskey State Park

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Petoskey State Park Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Birds, various fish species
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Little Traverse Bay, sand dunes
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, watch for swimmers

Petoskey State Park, located near Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, offers a lush, picturesque setting for paddleboarding.

The sandy beach and calm to moderate waves make it a perfect spot for all skill levels. As you glide across the water, take in the beautiful shoreline and rolling sand dunes.

#6 Holland State Park

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Holland State Park Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, seagulls
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Big Red Lighthouse, sand dunes
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, use caution in moderate waves

Holland State Park, on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, offers paddleboarders a great spot to explore the water.

The park’s wide sandy beach, tall dunes, and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse provide scenic views as you enjoy the lake’s refreshing waters. While the waves can be moderate, Holland State Park is a beautiful spot for all skill levels to paddleboard.

#7 Door County

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Ephraim Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Birds, various fish species
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Peninsula State Park, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, use caution in moderate waves

Door County, located in Wisconsin along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, offers numerous charming spots for paddleboarding. One such location is Ephraim Beach, where the serene waters and picturesque shoreline provide a delightful backdrop.

Enjoy the stunning views of Peninsula State Park and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse as you paddle along the coast.

#8 Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, wooded hiking trails
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, use caution in moderate waves

Saugatuck Dunes State Park, in western Michigan, offers a secluded spot for paddleboarding aficionados. The park’s remote sandy beach, surrounded by magnificent dunes and wooded areas, creates a serene atmosphere.

While the waves can be moderate, the peaceful setting and picturesque landscape make this a fantastic place for paddleboarding.

#9 Traverse City

Location Type: Lake
Access Point: West End Beach (Google Maps)
Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate waves, occasional wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, use caution in moderate waves

Traverse City, situated along the shores of Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan, is a popular destination for paddleboarding.

West End Beach is a preferred spot to access the waters of Grand Traverse Bay, offering stunning views of Old Mission Peninsula. Enjoy the beautiful landscape as you paddle along the calm to moderate waves of Lake Michigan.