Want to get out on the water for a relaxing day of paddling a canoe or kayak? Lucky for you, Jackson, MI has plenty of opportunities to paddle through our gorgeous lakes and rivers. Rent a kayak from Quiet World Sports at Vandercook Lake or try Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga. Join the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) on a monthly paddle adventure down one of our river water trails. Before you know it, you’ll fall in love with the fun, gentle, relaxing exercise of kayaking or canoeing!
Fun Facts About Paddling in Jackson, MI:
There are 188 Lakes in Jackson County
12 County Parks have Lake Access
The Grand River starts in Jackson County
At 260 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in the State of Michigan and the second largest watershed.
The two branches of the Grand River begin at Grand Lake and Center Lake Chain (natural beginnings) in Jackson County and join east of Jackson dropping 467 feet to Grand Haven on Lake Michigan.
Headwaters of the Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Raisin Rivers are also close, they all flow west to Lake Michigan, except the Raisin which flows east to Lake Erie.
Rent a paddle board for an hour, the weekend, or an entire vacation at Beach Bar Gear Garage. Once you are ready for a break, paddle over to the Beach Bar for a tasty selection of homemade soups, sandwiches and more.
Jackson County sits on one of the largest aquifers in North America.
There are over 200 miles of river waterways to paddle and hundreds of small lakes throughout the county.
Some of the largest remaining wetlands in lower Michigan are located in this watershed.
The flora & fauna of our waterways make for great bird watching or photography.
The potential in this area for river and lake recreation is enormous!
Plan your trip to Jackson, MI and adventure through our outdoors, enjoy our lakes and rivers and stay at one of our hospitable hotels!
Published 4/1/20
