See miles of untouched Michigan beauty by kayaking through the popular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Launch your kayak at Hurricane River, Miners Beach, Sand Point Beach, or Twelvemile Beach. Veteran visitors often suggest Sand Point Beach.
Follow the cliffs eastward. Highlights here include Chapel Rock, Lovers Leap, Painted Coves, and Spray Falls. It’s important to know that conditions change quickly and Lake Superior has actually overwhelmed even experienced kayakers.
For this trek, you will need a sea kayak, a spray skirt, a whistle or air horn, and a life vest. In fact, a life vest is actually required by law and must be worn at all times. If conditions are too rough for you, go north to Grand Island, which is generally not impacted by rough seas. You can spend the day kayaking through Pictured Rocks or camp out and make it a longer trip. Camping will require a reservation and camping costs $25.00 per night.
Voyageurs National Park is a remote, unique spot to canoe. It partially borders Canada and includes 655 miles of untouched shoreline, 84,000 acres of water, and more than 500 islands. Travelers usually fly into International Falls and then rent a canoe.
From there you canoe across Rainy Lake to one of several remote isles. Those in the know suggest camping at any of the 270 campsites in the park. Sites are only accessible via boat or canoe and must be reserved ahead of time. You can fish during the day and do some stargazing at night.