Adventure Collective
Explore Marquette’s Scenic Waterways with Half Day Kayak Rentals - Marquette

Explore Marquette’s Scenic Waterways with Half Day Kayak Rentals

Marquetteeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for individuals with basic fitness; ability to paddle for a few hours is recommended.

Overview

Discover Marquette’s rugged Lake Superior coast from the water with Half Day Kayak Rentals. Perfect for all skill levels, this adventure offers guided, accessible paddling through stunning sandstone cliffs and serene coves.

Marquette, Michigan

Half Day Kayak Rentals

Up to 5.5 Hours

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About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable kayak adventure with convenient delivery and pick-up at stunning locations like Teal Lake and the Chocolay River. Enjoy complimentary amenities, explore picturesque landscapes, picnic on islands, and fish in serene waters. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience promises relaxation and excitement in the great outdoors.

All kayak rentals include everything you need to enjoy your kayak adventure!


What's Included

  • Kayak delivery and pick-up at the water
  • Paddles and life jackets
  • Free amenities including sunscreen, dry bags, towels, and more .

What to expect

Pre-Paddle

  • Sign your waiver - we'll send it in an email
  • Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet!
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately

Delivery

  • Meet us at the launch location *we'll send you the exact location when you book
  • Brief safety instruction and life jacket fitment
  • Grab any extra amenities you want
  • Launch your kayaks and enjoy your adventure

During

  • Paddle around and explore
  • Have a picnic
  • Fish
  • Swim
  • Take pictures
  • Enjoy the U.P's great outdoors!

End of Rental

  • Meet us back where you started
  • We'll collect the gear and kayaks
  • Ask us for any travel or food recommendations

Lake & River Locations##

  • Teal Lake: Just blocks away from downtown Negaunee, Teal lake is a popular fishing lake for pike but is also great for swimming. Start your paddle from the newly built beach and paddle along the north side of the lake where there are many hiking trails, picnic spots, and a “cliffs” to jump into the water from.

  • Greenwood Reservoir: One of our favorites, the Greenwood Reservoir is located 30 minutes out of Marquette (15 from Ishpeming), but is definitely worth the drive. This lake has countless islands and peninsulas and is completely surrounded by woods with only a few camps (cabins for you non-yoopers). The Greenwood is great for swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking on the island of your choice. Like most U.P lakes, there are pike, perch, bass, walleye, and trout in this lake.

  • Chocolay River: One of our favorites, the Chocolay River features a slow current and many spots to stop and hang out. This river flows through the woods and ends at the beach on Lake Superior. This trip is perfect for groups both large and small and can be done in as quickly as 2 hours although we recommend taking a half day trip so you can take your time and enjoy the sights. This river is also great for fishing!

  • Tourist Park Basin: The Tourist Park Basin is a part of the Dead River and can be accessed via Marquette’s Tourist Park Campground. This lake features several great picnic spots, easy access to surrounding hiking trails, and close proximity to the City of Marquette. Paddle to the west end of the lake to reach the Dead River and explore it’s winding waters, islands, and a few rapids. The rapids are coming from above so there is no danger in entering them as you would have to paddle up the rapids (which would be very difficult).

Adventure Tips

Check Weather Forecast

Lake Superior’s weather can change quickly; always review the local forecast before heading out.

Wear Life Jackets

Life jackets are mandatory and provided; wear them at all times for safety.

Bring Waterproof Bags

Protect your essentials and electronics with waterproof bags to keep them dry on the water.

Start in Calm Conditions

If new to kayaking, begin your trip in sheltered harbor areas before heading into the open lake.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald Eagle
  • River Otter

History

Marquette’s waterfront was historically a 19th-century iron ore shipping hub, shaping the city’s industrial heritage.

Conservation

Local outfitters adhere to leave-no-trace principles and support Lake Superior shoreline clean-up efforts to protect this pristine ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Marquette

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Paddle Jacket

Essential

Wind- and water-resistant jacket useful for chilly spring paddles.

spring specific

Water Shoes

Essential

Protect feet and provide traction from rocky shores and in-water sections.

summer specific

Insulating Layer

Essential

A fleece or wool base layer helps stay warm during cooler autumn outings.

fall specific

Neoprene Gloves

Keep hands warm when paddling in cold temperatures on icy days.

winter specific