The Door County Paddling Guide

If the warmer weather and extra sunshine have you daydreaming about kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding across a quiet lake or through a peaceful wetland, Door County should be your next paddling destination.

With hundreds of miles of prime Lake Michigan shoreline as well as calmer bays, harbors, inland lakes, wetlands, nature preserves, estuaries, and more, there are plenty of options for curating an entire day trip dedicated to paddling the waters of Door County. 

So pick your paddling adventure, bring (or rent) a kayak, canoe, or SUP, and head to Door County to recharge and reconnect on the water. 

Where to Paddle

Use the interactive map below to find the best places to paddle or kayak in Door County. If the map is too zoomed out, try refreshing your browser window or using the +/- tool in the bottom-left corner of the map.

In addition to sampling inland lakes and waterways in the map above, paddling along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Door County is a unique and beautiful experience that offers extraordinary views of shoreline, bluffs, cliffs, caves, shallow-water shipwrecks, and the beautiful green-blue water — it’s also an experience to be taken seriously. 

Paddling on Lake Michigan is no small feat. The open water can be unpredictable, with changing weather, waves, and currents that even experienced paddlers must respect. If you're unfamiliar with kayaking or this type of environment, consider booking a guided tour with a local outfitter—many offer routes that highlight the most scenic and safe areas of the shoreline.

Where to Rent Equipment

If you don’t have your own boats, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, or other equipment, there’s no shortage of shops that sell or rent out paddling gear in Door County. 

Some will deliver boats to your rental property or meet you at specific boat launches, while others require you to transport the equipment yourself, requiring a car and a roof rack and/or foam blocks to get your boards from point A to point B and back again.

Always reserve equipment or tours in advance and make arrangements ahead of time whenever possible. Transportation options can change; work with your equipment lender directly for logistics 

Top Guided Kayak Tours

If you’re looking for a curated, safe, and scenic experience, several local outfitters offer guided tours that highlight Door County’s most iconic paddling spots.

Door County Kayak Tours features popular experiences like the Cave Point Whitefish Dunes Tour and the peaceful Eco Estuary Tour. Door County Adventure Center leads paddlers through caves and shoreline dunes on their signature Caves and Dunes Kayak Tour. Peninsula Kayak Company offers guided shoreline adventures that showcase the area’s limestone bluffs and crystal-clear waters. For those interested in underwater history, Lakeshore Adventures is well known for its Cave Point tours and opportunities to view shallow-water shipwrecks. And for a unique, multi-sport experience, Cave Point Paddle & Pedal combines kayaking with biking adventures to help you explore the best of both land and water.

Water Safety: How to Stay Safe

Make no mistake: Lake Michigan is big water. But if you’re an experienced kayaker who can read the weather and the water — or you’re paddling out with a tour guide company — there’s no experience quite like paddling on a Great Lake.

Even if you’re sticking to inland lakes and riverways, water safety information is crucial for paddlers. We’ve excerpted some of the basic principles below, and encourage all visitors to review these detailed water safety guidelines before embarking on a paddling adventure.

• Check the weather. It may look sunny and calm, but the wind can pick up and storms roll in with little visible warning. 

• Make a plan. Whenever you head out on the water, let someone know where and when you're going, and when you expect to return. Contact them when you’re back on shore. 

• Go with someone. This isn’t always possible, but if you have the option, go out with a friend. 

• Wear your safety vest. Don’t ditch it on shore; don’t just bring it with you. You won’t have a chance to put it on if disaster strikes. 

• Bring a signaling device. Pack emergency devices such as a whistle, flashlight, or cellphone. 

• Know your craft. Not all kayaks are designed for large bodies of water or adverse weather conditions. Learn the limitations of your kayak, canoe, or boat. 

• Stay near shore. Lake Michigan is BIG water. Keep the shore in sight at all times. 

If you’re looking to get onto the water while you’re up here this spring, summer, or fall, kayaking and paddling are some of the best and easiest ways to do it. 

If you’re a beginner, a little rusty after a few years off, or looking to introduce your kids to this rewarding lifelong sport, read more on Boating, Sailing, & Paddling to start planning your adventure—and be sure to do your research before venturing out.

Here’s how: