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A serene sunset over a calm Lake Superior, framed by tree leaves. A small boat rests on the shore, with its reflection mirrored in the still water.
Kayla Hooper

Your Guide to Boating

Where the water calls, adventure follows. With three Great Lakes, thousands of inland lakes, and miles of rivers, the Upper Peninsula is built for boating. Discover where to launch and explore.

   

Where to Create the Best Boating Memories

In the U.P, your next boating adventure is never far away. Our lakes and rivers come in all sizes and moods, from calm and still to fast-moving and unpredictable. Cruise, sail, row, ski, kitesurf or troll for trophy fish. Bring your boat, rent or charter one, but get on the water from late spring to mid-fall. Every day promises new memories.

Launch your boat or yacht in one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes: the U.P. has three to choose from! Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan entice you to cruise coastal town harbors, beach hop, search out historic lighthouses and shoreline waterfalls, fish, and dock at waterfront restaurants. Popular stops include Fayette Historic State Park, where you can anchor nearby and explore the preserved townsite, along with stretches of sandy shoreline like Grand Sable Dunes and Sand Point Beach that are ideal for dropping anchor to swim or relax. The sunrises and sunsets on the horizon will leave you speechless; the Northern Lights and boundless horizon will enthrall you.

A woman with sunglasses and a braid steers a boat on a sunny day. Another passenger sits beside her. The calm lake and forested shore are in the background.

Inland Lakes

Home to over 4,000 inland lakes, the area delivers a wide range of on-the-water experiences. From…

Home to over 4,000 inland lakes, the area delivers a wide range of on-the-water experiences. From small, secluded lakes to larger destinations like Lake Gogebic, you can spend time kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply enjoying a calm day on the water, with both popular and quiet settings to choose from.

A serene river scene on the Black River Scenic Byway with docked boats on the right under lush green trees and a wooden bridge in the distance, set against a clear blue sky.

Rivers & Streams

Most of the U.P.’s 12,000 miles of rivers and streams are ideal for paddling, and several are…

Most of the U.P.’s 12,000 miles of rivers and streams are ideal for paddling and several are especially well suited for launching your boat — the St. Marys River, Tahquamenon River, Two Hearted River, Au Train River and Manistique River. Each offers accessible launch points, scenic stretches and strong opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. While paddling the Manistique, you may also spot Benny the Beard Fisher, a wooden troll created by Thomas Dambo and commissioned by Northland Outfitters.

People on a sailboat raise sails, surrounded by ocean and clear skies. The scene conveys teamwork and adventure on a sunny day.

Boat Rentals, Charters & Guided Tours

You don’t need to bring a boat to experience the pure joy of being on U.P. waters. Outfitters and sports shops across the region make it easy to rent or charter a boat, kayak or canoe to explore our lakes and rivers. Boat tour guides give you opportunities to explore even more.

Aerial image of Les Cheneaux Islands, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Island Getaways

Experience island time, U.P. style. You’ll find everything from quiet, off-the-grid escapes to welcoming resort destinations, all set against unforgettable natural surroundings. Here, you’ll find yourself in a world far removed from routine and rich with the thrill of discovery.

You’ll find no shortage of places to launch or dock throughout the U.P. The Michigan DNR and local townships maintain public access sites, featuring hard-surface or gravel ramps along with amenities such as parking, restrooms and picnic areas. In larger communities like Marquette, Escanaba and Houghton, marinas offer overnight slips equipped with electricity, water, Wi-Fi and other amenities to accommodate both short-term and extended stays.