13 Best Places to Paddle Board in Michigan (MI)

Michigan: a true haven for water lovers.

Ever imagined paddling through crystal-clear lakes or along scenic rivers?

The best places to paddle board in Michigan are calling your name.

Embrace the adventure, and let’s discover Michigan’s pristine waters together. Ready to launch?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Michigan
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in 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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Glen Haven Beach (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Water birds, beavers, fish
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Dune cliffs, shoreline, Manitou Islands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be aware of rip currents

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore hugs the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering stunning dune cliffs and pristine waters for paddlers. Glide along the shoreline, taking in the views of the sand dunes and Manitou Islands in the distance.

With its calm, clear waters and scenic surroundings, this spot is ideal for a serene paddleboarding experience.

#2 The Grand River

????️ Location Type: River
Access Point: Grand River Park, Grand Rapids (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, steelhead, herons, eagles
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Downtown Grand Rapids, riverside parks, and forests
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during high water, respect private properties

The Grand River, Michigan’s longest river, flows through downtown Grand Rapids and offers paddlers a mix of urban and natural scenery. Enjoy a leisurely paddle, taking in riverfront parks, city buildings, and passing forests.

Its gentle currents provide a calm and scenic paddleboarding experience for all skill levels.

#3 Lake Charlevoix

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Ferry Beach, Charlevoix (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, variable winds
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Charlevoix shoreline, marina, nearby islands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be aware of changing weather conditions

Lake Charlevoix’s crystal-clear waters and picturesque shoreline make it an ideal spot for paddleboarding. Exploring its inlets and marinas, paddlers can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while admiring the upscale boat docks.

Its calm waters are suitable for all skill levels and offer a refreshing escape on a warm summer day.

#4 The Detroit River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: Belle Isle Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, protected from strong winds
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, migratory birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Detroit skyline, Ambassador Bridge
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect international border rules

Bordering both Michigan and Ontario, the Detroit River offers paddlers panoramic views of two nations. Glide along its bustling waterways, taking in the downtown Detroit skyline and the landmark Ambassador Bridge.

With plenty of sights to see, this urban paddleboarding spot provides excitement for any adventure-seeker.

#5 Portage River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: Woodbine Park, Kalamazoo (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, herons, waterfowl
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, parks, and forests
Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during low water, watch for submerged obstacles

With its meandering turns and lush marshlands, the Portage River offers paddlers the chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant, natural setting. The river’s calm waters and quiet atmosphere provide the perfect escape from the daily grind.

Paddle on and explore the serene landscape as you wind your way through Kalamazoo’s hidden gems.

#6 Torch Lake

????️ Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Torch River Marine (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm clear water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, loons
????️ Landmarks & Views: Caribbean-like water, wooded shores
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be mindful of environmental protection

Torch Lake, known for its stunning turquoise waters, is a true gem of Michigan. Paddlers can explore the lake’s expansive, Caribbean-like waters and take in the picturesque wooded shores.

With its beautiful setting and calm conditions, it’s an unforgettable paddleboarding destination for any water enthusiast.

#7 Silver Lake Sand Dunes

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, moderate wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, Lake Michigan in the distance
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for shifting sand dunes, respect park boundaries

Located along Lake Michigan, Silver Lake Sand Dunes offer a unique paddleboarding experience surrounded by towering sand dunes. Explore Silver Lake’s calm waters, while enjoying the dunes and glimpses of Lake Michigan.

With its spectacular landscape, paddling here is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

#8 St. Joseph River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: Fisherman’s Park, Berrien Springs (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, partial wind protection
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, steelhead, herons, eagles
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Wooded shores, waterfront parks
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during high water, follow local fishing regulations

Flowing through the southwest of Michigan, the St. Joseph River’s scenic banks and gentle currents make for an enjoyable paddleboarding journey. Discover wooded shores, various waterfront parks, and abundant fishing opportunities.

Experience a peaceful river adventure, and connect with the nature and beauty of southwestern Michigan.

#9 Crystal Lake

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Beulah Beach (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm clear water, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Scenic shoreline, rolling hills
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, follow local rules and regulations

Nestled in the rolling hills of northwest Michigan, Crystal Lake’s clear waters and scenic shoreline offer a serene paddleboarding experience. Explore the lake’s calm waters, pausing at Beulah Beach for a relaxing break or a refreshing swim.

With its natural beauty, Crystal Lake is a perfect destination for an idyllic paddleboarding adventure.

#10 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Sand Point Beach (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Lake Superior can be unpredictable, wind and waves vary
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, and occasional deer
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and caves
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of changing weather conditions, use proper safety gear

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior offers a majestic paddleboarding experience along the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. Explore the pristine waters with awe-inspiring views around every bend.

Note that paddling in this area might be challenging for beginners due to the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior. Remember to take proper safety measures and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

#11 Huron River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: Delhi Metropark, Ann Arbor (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents
Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, herons, turtles
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Riverside parks, adjacent woodlands
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay within park boundaries, follow local rules and regulations

The Huron River, a major southeast Michigan waterway, flows near Ann Arbor, offering a picturesque paddleboarding experience as it meanders through the town’s parks and woodlands.

This scenic river is an ideal spot for urban paddleboarding, with nature and wildlife easily accessible within the city limits.

#12 Duck Lake

????️ Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Duck Lake State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light wind
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, various birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: White sand beach, wooded surroundings
Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park regulations, be mindful of swimmers

Duck Lake, connected to Lake Michigan through a small channel, offers a unique paddleboarding experience in a peaceful, wooded setting. Enjoy the pristine waters and vibrant scenery as you paddle near the white sand beach.

With its serene atmosphere, Duck Lake is perfect for getting away from it all and connecting with nature.

#13 Action Wake Park

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
Access Point: Caledonia (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Controlled cable park lake, calm waters
Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Limited wildlife in the cable park
????️ Landmarks & Views: Custom-built obstacles for wakeboarders
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, wear required safety gear

Action Wake Park, located in Caledonia, provides a unique paddleboarding experience for those looking to try something different. This controlled cable park offers calm waters and custom-built obstacles for wakeboarders, making it an ideal spot for paddleboarders seeking some action.

With its controlled environment and thrilling atmosphere, Action Wake Park promises an adrenaline-filled paddleboarding session.