Paddle boarding, a once obscure sport, is popular in northern Michigan. One of the best places to paddleboard is Sleeping Bear Dunes, owing to the unique views that you can only see from the water. Within the park and nearby areas you’ll find various places to launch your board including gently flowing rivers, tranquil inland lakes and several beaches and bays along the Lake Michigan shore.
A 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Northeastern Michigan is designated by the U.S. government as a ‘National Lakeshore.’ This park, which is known as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1970 to preserve and protect the area’s interesting natural features such as sand dunes, unique glacier-created formations, beaches and forests. Located in a predominantly wilderness area near the small town of Empire, Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is most well known for its massive, scalable sand dunes that rise nearly 500 feet above the waters of Lake Michigan. In addition to this long stretch of mainland lakeshore, the park property also encompasses both North and South Manitou islands in Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes is notable for its numerous natural attractions but visitors will also find some interesting cultural sites such as three disused Coast Guard stations, the South Manitou Lighthouse which dates back to 1871 and several nice examples of historic farms.
The unique perspective one gains from atop the board is one of the many reasons that visitors choose to paddle board at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Paddle boarding is not only a good workout, it is a great way to see the lakeshore in a fresh way and the views of the park’s unique glacial features are top notch. Only from the water can you truly appreciate the steep drops of the shoreline in a way you cannot when you are standing on it. As a bonus, if you’ve never tried paddle boarding before, this is your chance to try it in freshwater, without worrying about sharks, sharp coral or large waves that might plague you in the ocean.
Offering a different vantage point than a kayak or a canoe, the view from a paddle board has less glare on the water surface. Therefore, from this standing position, you can more fully experience the rippled, sandy bottom of Lake Michigan which has been shaped by the waves over the course of centuries. You’ll also have the chance to see the various fish species that call the lakes and rivers home such as bass, trout and bluegill. You may even get a chance to spot ship wreck fragments laying on the lake bottom through the crystal clear water.
Another benefit of paddle boarding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is the chance to visit parts of the lakeshore that the average park visitor might have to miss out on such as the area near Sleeping Bear Point which one cannot easily reach on foot.
While the park is open year-round, paddle boarding is predominantly a 3-season sport. Occasionally you’ll see a brave soul suited up in a dry suit on a paddle board in winter time, but most visitors will choose to go paddle boarding in spring, summer and fall. Each of these three seasons offer a slightly different experience. Summer is easily the high season for visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The warm weather and long days give visitors ample time and daylight to paddle board, canoe and kayak the park’s waterways, swim and relax on the beaches, and explore everything there is to see in the surrounding areas. The towns and villages near Sleeping Bear Dunes are also at their busiest in summertime with many shops bustling with activity, various community events, and art and craft fair pop-ups.
While summer brings the tourists in droves, some visitors prefer to paddle board at Sleeping Bear Dunes in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall in order to avoid the crowds and enjoy the inherent peace and tranquility that attracted many paddle boarders to the sport in the first place.
This part of Northern Michigan sees four distinct seasons, each of which offer unique experiences at Sleeping Bear Dunes. In the spring, the park awakens from its winter slumber with gorgeous blossoms, grasses and flowers. However, the weather is still chilly and wet or dry suits will most certainly be required for paddle boarding Sleeping Bear Dunes. Once summer arrives, highs will reach the upper 70s-90s and lows will fall in the 50-70 degree range. These warm temperatures make spending time on the beaches and the dunes the most comfortable and the long summer days give you maximal time to enjoy the park. Fall brings vibrant shades of color to the lakeshore as the leaves begin to change. Summer tourists have returned home and the waterways take on a calm, tranquil vibe that makes the perfect backdrop for communing with nature.
While paddleboarding Sleeping Bear Dunes, keep your eyes peeled for interesting examples of plant and animal life that are native to the park. A range of habitats exist within Sleeping Bear Dunes including both pine and northern hardwood forests, farmland meadows, wetlands, lakes, streams and bogs. While the park’s name may lead you to believe that bear sightings are on the itinerary, the chances you’ll actually spot one of the area’s black bears are actually quite slim. While bears do inhabit the area, they are low in number and generally keep away from areas frequented by visitors. Cougar sightings have also been reported but they are much more rare than black bear. You are much more likely to encounter various species of small mammals such as squirrel and rabbit, interesting birds and waterfowl. Duck and blue heron sightings are common. An occasional deer may also be seen sneaking down to the water for a drink.
Standing on top of a paddleboard allows you to see below the surface of the water in a way that a kayak, canoe or small boat does not allow you to do. During your time paddle boarding, you are likely to see some of the many species of fish that call the lakes and rivers of Sleeping Bear Dunes home. Trout, bass and bluegill are among the varieties of fish that visitors most frequently see.
Plant life is no less interesting, especially in spring when many beautiful varieties of wildflowers begin popping up around Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you are interested in spotting different varieties of wildflowers during your visit, you can find a long list of the kinds of wildflowers in the park organized by color at the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes website.
For a more in-depth overview of the flora and fauna you may see while paddle boarding Sleeping Bear Dunes, stop by the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center which has several nicely-done exhibitions about nature in the park. The visitor center bookstore also has books for adults and kids about the park’s plant and animal life.
Of all the places you can go paddleboarding in Sleeping Bear Dunes, the rivers offer some of the most exciting places to paddle. Offering a range of different challenges and opportunities, you could encounter sections of totally flat water as well as gently flowing sections and even some fast-moving rapids. Paddling on the rivers also gives you the chance to see ever-changing scenery during your paddle boarding trip, which lends itself to a more exciting experience for some. One of the only downsides of stand-up paddle boarding on rivers as opposed to lakes is the fact that you’ll end up quite down river from where you started. Therefore, you’ll need to arrange transportation, not only to the drop-in location, but also to the place where you plan to finish your trip. Generally, two vehicles will be required. However, numerous outfitters in the area can help with transporting you and your gear to and from the river start and end.
The Platte River
The Platte River is a great place for those who are just starting out with the sport of paddle boarding. This beginner-friendly river is the area’s most popular and easiest places to try out paddle boarding. However, the scenery along the riverbanks makes it popular with even seasoned paddlers. Here, you can enjoy a gentle paddle on the clear water of the Platte River where you can see all the way to the sandy bottom. The river offers a laid-back paddling experience that is perfect for families and those groups with mixed ability levels. The river is quite shallow with the water depth in most sections measuring only 2-3 feet and rarely exceeding chest depth on an adult. Additionally, the summer water temperatures hover right around 80 degrees so if you end up taking a dip (intentionally or not!) then the water won’t be unpleasant. In fact, it’s a great way to beat the summer’s heat!
The lower section of the Platte River is the section open to paddle boarders and tubers. The upper section is rougher and best traversed by canoe or kayak. Many paddle boarding trips on the Platte River begin at or near Riverside Canoes in the town of Honor. You’ll find it right where MI-22 (N. Scenic Highway) crosses the Platte River. There are also put-in/take-out points at the El Dorado Boat Launch along Lake Michigan Road and at the fish Weir. The trip takes about two hours and is a gentle ride along the river’s slow moving curves. You’ll float through a section of Loon Lake and past the fish weir where a short, mandatory portage is required for part of the year. The trip finishes at a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan where you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy a lakeside picnic to finish off the day. You can park at Platte River Beach if you’d like to have a vehicle at the end of the river.
You’re likely to see many paddling along with man’s best friend as pets are permitted on paddle boards in the Platte River, however, visitors with four-legged family members should familiarize themselves with all rules about pets on beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore so as to not end up violating park policies.
It is recommended that you start your paddle boarding trip on the Platte River as early in the day as is possible as tubers come out in hoards around late morning time and you may have to fight for space on the river. 11am – 3pm tends to be the busiest time of day on the Platte which can attract rowdy groups looking to get drunk with their friends as they float the river. Families or those who want to avoid the nonsense should make sure to get an early start.
The Crystal River
The lazy, winding Crystal River offers another nice river paddle boarding trip for both beginning and experienced paddle boarders looking to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes. Starting from the Glen Lake Dam, the river winds through sandy ridges that mark the former locations of Lake Michigan’s shoreline until it reaches the trip’s end at the town of Glen Arbor. The shallow water is quite clear. You can easily see the bottom and are likely to spot fish during your trip. In fact, the river can get so shallow in spots that you may be required to walk your board through some sections, especially if the weather has been dry. Additionally, there are two required portages along the 2.5 hour trip, but both are quite easy.
You can launch your paddle board at the Crystal River public access spot found where County Road 675 (West Crystal View Road) intersects S. Fisher Road. This river public river access point has amenities including a parking lot and an outhouse. You can find other carry-in launch sites and take-outs designated along West Crystal View Road where the road crosses the river. After you’ve finished your trip, reward yourself with a delicious meal at one of Glen Arbor’s local restaurants such as the Cherry Public House, Blu or Art’s Tavern.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor said the following about his experience paddle boarding the Crystal River in 2016:
“Paddled the Crystal amongst many kayakers. River has many shallow areas but not difficult to navigate, though may require exit at times (note: very dry summer). Short trip with several easy portages and duration 2.5 hrs. Crystal River Outfitters provided return transport saving me a long walk!”
While Lake Michigan may be the star of the show, there are also several inland lakes in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area that make for nice stand up paddle boarding destinations. The inland lakes are all a bit calmer than Lake Michigan and offer a safer and more predictable experience for those who do not have a lot of paddle boarding experience.
Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a large, freshwater lake that is located along M-22 in the southern section of Sleeping Bear Dunes Park. While many cross through Loon Lake as a part of their Platte River paddle boarding trip, you can certainly choose to go paddle boarding in Loon Lake as a standalone option. Parking is available on site in a large, paved parking lot. Modern restrooms with handicap access are also available, as is drinking water. There is no beach access here but you’ll find newly renovated kayak and boat launches where you can set out on your paddleboard. This sandy-bottomed lake is the only inland lake inside the park where motorized boat traffic is allowed, so your quiet paddle may be interrupted by some engine noise from time to time. However, Loon Lake is still a nice place to explore by paddle board in Sleeping Bear Dunes and a good, easy beginner paddling destination.
School Lake
School Lake is a large, peaceful lake with a nice secluded feel to it. There are virtually no houses in sight which gives you the impression that you’ve really taken off into the wild. The lake has a nice boat ramp even though motorized boat traffic is not allowed on the lake.So, it is a great place to paddleboard if you are looking for some peace and quiet. School Lake doesn’t have a beach to speak of, but the lake bed is sandy and pleasant enough for swimming and wading if you’d like to take a dip to cool off after your paddle. You can access the lake from Bohemian Road, just off of M-22. From School Lake you can easily paddle into Bass Lake if you’d like to see another one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ inland lakes during your trip.
Bass Lake
Just off of Michigan Route 22 near the town of Glen Arbor is another easy-to-reach lake. Bass Lake has several access points and a small area where you can park. Boats with motors are not allowed on the lake which preserves its nice, peaceful feel. The lake is largely surrounded by wilderness. The lakeshore isn’t developed and you won’t find any restrooms here or other amenities, but there are facilities at nearby School Lake. Bass Lake and School Lake are connected by a short, shallow channel, so it’s possible to paddle board from one lake to the other.
Big and Little Glen Lakes
Big & Little Glen Lakes (sometimes collectively referred to as Glen Lake) are two lakes in the Good Harbor Bay watershed which are connected to one another by a narrow channel that crosses MI-22. From there, the Crystal River connects the two lakes to Lake Michigan. Glen lake is set amidst the beautiful rolling sand hills and is surrounded by trees. The scenery from Little Glen includes a fantastic view of the Dune Climb. Both bodies of water are remarkably clear and on sunny days, the lakes take on a gorgeous shade of blue. The water here is relatively calm, making it a good spot for paddle boarders who want to avoid the often rougher waters of Lake Michigan. Both lakes are also fairly warm in the summer time, perfect for paddlers who want to take a dip.
To access Little Glen Lake, there is a public boat ramp near the Narrows Bridge just off of M-22 on Day Forest Road. Big Glen Lake can be accessed from Little Glen Lake, or you can put your paddle board in at the public boat ramp at Old Settler’s Park in the lakeside town of Burdickville.
Neither lake has public beach facilities, but Old Settler’s Park on Big Glen has a nice gazebo, playground, public restaurants and a picnic area. There is a grassy area with parking and public restrooms on the shore of Little Glen just off of M-109 near the iconic Dune Climb. Launching paddle boards from this little grassy spot is also permitted but you should be prepared to carry your paddle board from your car to the water’s edge.
Fisher Lake
Fisher lake is a small, lesser known lake near Glen Arbor. The lake can be accessed by a boat dock where the Crystal River crosses Fisher Road, or by a small channel from Big Glen Lake. The lake is typically calm with an abundance of wildlife such as shorebirds, frogs and fish being frequently spotted. In this area you can also see some old cranberry bogs. Fisher Lake offers a very mild paddle and is a great place to get your feet wet (literally) and try out stand up paddle boarding for the first time. Some who are looking for a long day of paddling may choose to paddle from the Glen Lakes, through Fisher Lake, along the Crystal River and end up at Lake Michigan.
Lime Lake
Lime Lake is a small, freshwater lake set just north of the small town of Maple City. The lake sits among the wooded sand hills about three miles to the south of Sleeping Bear Dunes. At Lime Lake’s northern end, Shetland Creek flows out into Little Traverse Lake. From there, you can continue along Shalda Creek which eventually empties into Lake Michigan’s Good Harbor Bay. At times you can traverse this entire route by paddle board, but other times beaver dams and other natural obstructions may get in your way and you’d have to undertake a portage. Much of the lake’s shoreline is surrounded by woodlands and wilderness, however there is a stretch of private homes on one shore. A parcel of land on the lake’s northeast shore called the Teichner Preserve is a public land conservancy with a boardwalk that winds through the wetlands and ends up on the shore of Lime Lake. The short, 0.2 mile long walk is easy for most visitors but there are stairs which make most of the walk not handicap accessible. When you are ready to get out on Lime Lake on your paddle board, you can launch it at a public Michigan DNR boat dock located on the southwest shore of the lake. There are a few parking spots near the boat access but few other amenities.
Little Traverse Lake
Little Traverse Lake is a 640 acre lake just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Cleveland Township. The lake connects to Lime Lake and then to Lake Michigan’s Good Harbor Bay by way of the Shalda Creek. The lake is quiet and has a decent boat ramp where you can launch your paddle board but there’s not much boat traffic so it’s perfect for a relaxing and peaceful time exploring. One reviewer described Little Traverse Lake in their Google Review as “An amazing lake, quiet and clear water. Big enough to canoe and kayak around and small enough to not have too much boat traffic. Great location on the Leelanau as well with great proximity to Glen Arbor and Leland.”
Lake Michigan
Once you’ve tried your hand at paddle boarding some of the easier locations around Sleeping Bear Dunes’ inland lakes and rivers, it’s time to take your paddle board out on the big lake! You’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the dunes that you could never get from land and try your hand at paddle boarding in slightly more challenging conditions. Weather and water conditions on Lake Michigan can be quite a bit rougher and more unpredictable than those on the inland lakes and rivers in the area. Make sure you are prepared and that you dress properly. Be aware that a wet suit may be required in colder months.
Platte Bay
Platte Bay is the section of Lake Michigan’s shoreline where the Platte River empties out into the big lake. During the popular summer months, this spot where the river meets the lake is bustling with activity as it is the endpoint of many canoeing, kayaking, tubing and stand-up paddle boarding trips on the Platte River. These trips are incredibly popular. However, it’s just as possible to launch out into Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay for those who are looking to go paddle boarding in the big lake. Near the Platte River Beach is a public park called Lake Township Park which is a nice place to relax after a day of paddling. There are also plenty of public restrooms, a parking lot and a boat launch here where you can put in your paddle board. Even though the parking lot is large, this is a very popular spot in summer. The parking area fills up quickly and people often have to park up to a mile away on the side of the road to walk to the launch spot. Get an early start or be prepared to carry your paddle board to the water!
Empire Beach
Empire Beach, right by the town of the Empire has easy beach access for launching your stand up paddleboard into Lake Michigan. The incredibly popular beach is open to the public and has restrooms, a playground for children, basketball courts and parking for a small fee. If you rent your equipment from the nearby Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak shop, you can simply walk your paddle board down to the lake with the help of the simple carts provided by the outfitters. The beach is conveniently located near restaurants and shops so you can find everything you need to have a great day out paddle boarding on the lake or to refresh after a long day out on the lake.
During your trip, you’ll be able to see Sleeping Bear Dune and Empire Bluff along the shoreline as well as many interesting features under the surface of the typically clear water. You can also rent an all-around board and try out surfing on the waves. South Bar Lake lies directly across the village park from Empire Beach and is also open for recreational use including paddle boarding with conditions that are a bit calmer than Lake Michigan can sometimes be.
Sleeping Bear Bay
Sleeping Bear Bay is a laid-back section of Lake Michigan’s shoreline near Glen Arbor. Stand-up paddle boarding at Sleeping Bear Bay affords visitors amazing views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes as well as the Manitou Islands. If you are looking for a spot to put-in, there is carry-in boat access in Glen Arbor at the end of Bay Lane as well as a lake access point at the end of the street next to LeBear Resort. There are a few parallel parking spaces available here and a permit from Glen Arbor Township must be obtained prior to launching here.
Good Harbor Bay
Good Harbor Bay is a section of Lake Michigan’s shoreline flanked by the stunning Good Harbor Bay Beach. From the shore you can clearly see out to the Manitou Islands, which you can get an even better view of from your paddle board. There is beach access into Good Harbor Bay at Bohemian Road’s west end. Here, you’ll find bathrooms, drinking water and a spot for picnics. Parking is available with a $10 fee. There is carry-in boat access where you can launch your paddle board but you’ll need to carry it more than 120 feet from the parking lot to the water.
Paddle boards are typically equipped with small bungee straps for attaching belongings to the board, but there isn’t otherwise storage space on the board. When preparing for your trip, you should plan to pack lightly and only bring those things that you really need. Bringing a small, well-rated, waterproof pack is highly recommended to keep these essentials dry.
You’ll need your wallet and ID for renting a paddle board. You’ll also probably want to bring your cell phone along. However, wireless service is not consistently available within the park. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely on your cell phone for emergencies and, as always when exploring the outdoors, should make sure someone knows about your float plan and is prepared to check in on you if you don’t return in a timely fashion. You’ll also want to bring sunscreen for sunny days, bug spray, drinking water and a towel. Finally, a waterproof camera is a nice way to capture memories of your time paddle boarding Sleeping Bear Dunes.
While paddle boarding on Lake Michigan, the various inland lakes, and the rivers is a beautiful and memorable experience, the weather can be quite unpredictable. Be prepared for cold and rapidly changing temperatures, high winds, fogs and rough water that can occasionally occur, especially on Lake Michigan.
Regardless of the time of year, weather near Lake Michigan can change quickly and with little notice. As such, visitors are advised to dress in layers and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. On rainy days you’ll want a waterproof layer and you may need thermals and a wetsuit or even a dry suit for colder weather. Don’t forget to paddle board safely and either bring or rent a personal flotation device for everyone in your group.
There are numerous local outfitter companies that offer paddle board rentals among their services. Many will deliver the boards to your cottage and most can help with shuttling you to and from your paddle boarding spot. We’ve chosen some of the area’s most popular outfitters to highlight below.
Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak
Self acclaimed ‘first full service surf shop’ in Northern Michigan, Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak has offered Stand-Up Paddle Board, surf board, kayak, bike and beach chair rentals since 2005. As the sport’s popularity has grown along the lakeshore in recent years, Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak has grown along with it. Starting with only a few boards, nowadays, they offer a large inventory of NSP and C4 paddle boards with boards that are appropriate for riding the gentle currents of one of the area’s rivers, and others well-suited for taking on the waves of the big lake. All paddle board rentals at Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak start with a 10-15 minute mini-lesson where you’ll learn how to use and take care of the paddle board and will gain a few tips for paddling and/or surfing on the board.
The shop is located just a short block away from Empire Beach and they have convenient carts that you can use to walk the board down to the beach if you are planning to paddle board nearby. However, you are also permitted to strap the board on your car and take it wherever you’d like. They also offer delivery in the area near Sleeping Bear Dunes with advance reservation.
The current rates as of April 2020 are $35 for a half day (4 hours), $49 for a full day (any period between open and close) and $200 for a 5-day rental.
Crystal River Outfitters
For those who wish to go paddle boarding on the Crystal River, the Glen Lakes or other lakes within Leelanau county, Crystal River Outfitters has long been a favorite outfitter serving these areas. They offer NSP Stand Up Paddleboards and deliver them within the area they serve: Fisher Lake, Big and Little Glen Lake, Lime Lake and Little Traverse Lake. Delivery to your nearby cottage or other accommodations is available for free with your rental. Delivery to further locations may incur a fee depending on travel time. However, it should be noted that equipment is only permitted for use on the Crystal River and the inland lakes listed above and should never be taken into Lake Michigan or to other areas. The rental fee is $60 for a full day (24-hour) rental and $240 for a weekly (7 day) rental. The rental fee includes a paddle, life jacket and delivery to nearby locations.
Crystal River Outfitters offers a range of other services including kayak and bike rentals, beach chairs and umbrellas, and guided trips on the Crystal River. Private group trips are also available with advance arrangements.
All About Water
All About Water provides stand up paddle board rentals with free delivery within Leelanau County. They offer a variety of helpful services such as shuttle service to put-ins and take outs, and guided tours along the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Among the different kayaks and paddle boards available, they also offer Nalu 12.5 kayak/paddle boards which are kayak rentals that can be used as a stand up paddle board. These are a great option for visitors who’d like to experience both kayaking and paddle boarding at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Riverside Canoes
Riverside Canoes is situated right alongside the Platte River for incredibly easy access to lower Platte River paddle boarding trips. Riverside offers one paddle boarding trip, a 2-hour paddle down the gentle Lower Platte River that is good for the whole family. The outfitter rents 12 ½ foot Nalu composite standup paddle boards with backrests with rental prices starting at $41. These paddle boards are relatively stable and generally work well for beginners. If you’d like to sit down and paddle your board like a kayak, the option of adding an extra blade instead of the paddle handle is available so you can do so. Riverside canoes are not permitted to go into Lake Michigan and all customers paddling on the Platte River must finish their trip at Lake Township Park on the lakeshore.
Disclaimer
We try to offer accurate and up-to-date information in this post; however, please contact the National Park Service for their most recent information regarding entrance fees, parking information, annual passes, any restrictions, and hours of operation. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park headquarters can be reached at (231) 326-4700 or click here to visit their website. Additionally, if you plan to rent equipment, please visit each rental outfitter for the most up to date information.