Indiana Dunes National Park guide · 1 min read
Paddling Lake Michigan's Big Water Safely
Paddling on Lake Michigan is unlike paddling on most other waters. The lake never stays the same for long, and its weather can shift quickly.
When the water lies flat with hardly any breeze, a beginner may feel at ease keeping close to the shore. Conditions can turn fast, though, so check the forecast before you go and keep an eye on the sky while you are out.
Past the buoys, the picture changes. Beyond them, the current pulls harder, and the water runs deeper and colder than it does near the sand. Freight ships and ore barges bound for the Port of Indiana travel these waters, so stay well out of their way. Give those big vessels a wide berth.
The Lake Michigan Water Trail covers longer stretches of open water, and the park asks only experienced paddlers to tackle it. If you plan a trip, the park recommends a sea kayak for Lake Michigan's waters. Before you head out, review the forecast and make sure a certified personal flotation device is in the boat.
Hand-carried, non-motorized boats may be put in at any park beach except the lifeguarded swimming area at West Beach. Because the lake can slide from gentle to hazardous in a short time, map out your route with the weather in mind before you leave the sand.
If you want a different kind of outing that keeps you off the open lake, try the East Branch of the Little Calumet River Water Trail. Of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan logs more drownings and rescues in a typical year than any other, so respect the water wherever you paddle.
