As everyone knows the Upper Peninsula is well known for attractions and some of the well known cities. There is more to the Upper Peninsula than just that. There are a ton of attractions and things you can to do explore different parts of the Upper Peninsula. One thing you can do is going kayaking, weather you have experience or not. There are a ton of lakes, streams, and rivers to go on and see things you would not see from the land. If you have never been kayaking there are places that will teach you what you need to know. If you do not have you own kayak there are places that rent them from anywhere from an hour to a week. Try this sport out, see some new things, and capture pictures that you would not be able to from standing on the grass.

At the AuTrain River Canoe Rentals you are able to rent a kayak for $20 a trip. You will be able to drop your car off at Doucette’s Bridge (North Bridge) and then you are given a ride back to Cameron’s Crossing (South Bridge) where you will put the kayak in the water. The trip is between three and four hours long. You will be able to enjoy the wildlife coming down to the river to drink the birds soaring in the air or singing in the trees. There is a great chance you will be able to see an Eagle or even a Loon soaring overhead.  While you are on your way back to your vehicle you can stop at any time in the water to enjoy the scenery, eat a picnic lunch or even to go for a swim.  Make sure you do not forget your camera; there will be many picture perfect moments that you will want to capture and remember.

If you are a person who loves to go kayaking, be sure to go to Pictured Rock National Lakeshore. The Pictured Rock National Lakeshore is perhaps one of the most picturesque sea kayaking spots in Northern Michigan and the best way to see the beautiful multicolored sandstone formations up-close. If you go to Miners Beach, there is a nice launch you can use to put you and your kayak in the water. As you paddle north along the cliffs, you will be able to hear the sound of the waves echoing inside the caves.  If you are planning for an all day trip or a trip during the lunch hour, stop at Chapel Beach.

For the experienced kayaker going to Drummond Island will feature limestone-encrusted shores along northern Lake Huron. There are small islets near Drummond. For the less experienced kayaker, be sure to stay close to the Drummond’s tranquil coves.

A great way to experience the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Isle Royale National Park is through kayaking.  You will be able to paddle in and around the rugged shorelines, caves and various islands that are scattered throughout Lake Superior. You can even have you and your kayak transferred by the Isle Royale ferries to the island. At the island you can kayak around Rock Harbor and the Five Finger Bay, and more rugged shorelines.

If you are looking for a 1,000 miles to go kayaking on, go to the Ottawa  National Forest, which have seven rivers for you to kayak on. The Ottawa National Forest is located on the Western Upper Peninsula. The rivers descend through hills and gorges and are only for the experienced kayaker with extensive whitewater experience.

Go to the Woods and Water Ecotours to have a trip the last from two hours to a week long. Woods and Water Ecotours are located in Hessel Michigan. There is a two hour trip is known as the introduction trip. The cost for the two hour trip is $60 per person/$45 per person in a group. This trip is where safety tips and skills are highlighted and is really good for families with youngsters or for the individual who is just starting out. The paddling is easy for all. For the half day trip, three to four hours, is a great trip for beginners to advance. The cost is $85 per person/$70 per person in a group. Snacks are provided on this trip. For a full day trip, six to seven hours, is also for beginners to advance kayakers. The cost is $120 per person or $100 per person in a group; plus a wholesome lunch is provided.  There is an additional $10 charge for all trips outside of the 20 mile radius. The places that the trips are usually held in are Les Cheneaux and Drummond Island. Custom destinations are available. Also children under the age of 18 get a $15 discount and groups are considered to be four or more people in a family or a non-profit organization.  To rent a kayak through the company would be $55 per day/single kayak and $65 tandem. Paddles, PFD and the safety accessories will be provided for you.  If you would like to wear a wet suit, that would be an extra $15. Kayak delivery can be provided within Les Cheneaux and $5 per boat.

Northern Waters Sea Kayaking located in Munising Michigan has been renting kayaks for Lake Superior and inland lakes and streams for quite some time. You are able to have a guided trip if you have no previous experience to kayaking. There is a one-day guided trip that goes to Pictured Rocks or the Grand Island. This trip costs $125 for an adult and $95 for youth 16 years old and younger.  There is also a discount for a group of more than seven people. You will start off at Sand Point and go to either the Miners Castle Beach or the arch and cliffs of Grand Island’s Thumb; passing the East Channel Lighthouse. There is also a three-day trip. The cost for that trip is $409 for adults and includes tents, gear and food. The three-day trip involves more training, maybe hiking, and more exploring of the Lake Superior’s scenery.

If you are looking for a trip that goes from easy to difficult a couple of times be sure to kayak on the Sturgeon River Canoe Trail. The trail is 41 miles in length and has a total of six access points. The sturgeon River Canoe Trail is located within the National Forest Lands; 35 miles east of Rapid River and 44 miles west of Manistique. The river is relatively slow moving but it does have challenges for you. There are usually fallen trees and brush that block the river in parts and require portaging. There are also two areas for rapids and rock riffles to add excitement to the river. The best time to travel on the river is between April 30^th and the end of June, or after Mid-September. In early spring only the experienced should travel on the river. It can be deep, and will be cold. If you decided to go on the river in early spring, people suggest having a water proof bag with some extra essentials just in case something would happen.

The Presque Isle River is an exciting whitewater river. It is one of the best known whitewater rivers to kayak on in Michigan. The river corridor is beautiful, and carved out of some of the state’s wildest and most remote terrain. It is for the more experienced kayakers and will have several difficult portages. The best month the paddle on the river is in May because in summer the water can get pretty shallow depending on the amount of rainfall.