moderate
2 hours
Suitable for anyone with moderate fitness; some paddling experience helps but beginners can participate
Discover the rugged beauty of Lake Superior’s Marquette shoreline with a two-hour kayak rental. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers, this trip offers scenic views and close-up encounters with local wildlife.
All Ages! · Single, Tandem & More!
Embark on an unforgettable kayak adventure with all the essentials provided! Enjoy scenic locations like Teal Lake and the Chocolay River, perfect for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. With kayak delivery, safety instructions, and free amenities, you’ll have everything you need to explore the stunning outdoors at your own pace.
Pre-Paddle
Delivery
During
End of Rental
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).
McLure Basin: One of our favorite locations, the McClure Basin is a small lake surrounded by woods and sparsely placed camps (cottages for you non-yoopers). Just downstream from the Dead River Basin and 20 minutes from the city of Marquette, the McClure is a great, quiet alternative to the larger lake and features great fishing, a river to paddle, an old suspension bridge, and wonderful fall color views.
Staying hydrated on the water is essential, especially on sunny days.
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to avoid sunburn while on the lake.
Water shoes or sandals with good traction help protect your feet when launching or landing.
Wind can pick up quickly on Lake Superior; consult local forecasts before heading out.
Marquette’s shoreline geology reveals over a billion years of iron-rich rock formations, key to the region's mining heritage.
Marquette Outdoors promotes low-impact paddling practices to protect Lake Superior’s delicate ecosystem and encourages guests to leave no trace.
Safety first: PFDs are mandatory for all paddlers on Lake Superior.
Keep your belongings dry while you’re on the water.
Protect yourself from intense sun and wind while paddling.
summer specific
Provide grip and foot protection when launching and landing on rocky beaches.
summer specific