The Lake Michigan Water Trail: Wisconsin's Surprising Hidden Gem

Wisconsin is home to several famous American pathways. One of Wisconsin's most impressive treks, however, is the Lake Michigan Water Trail – a breathtaking 523-mile paddling route along Wisconsin’s eastern coast. Read on to learn more about this Great Lake adventure and how to experience it for yourself.

What is the Lake Michigan Water Trail?

Started in 2011, the Lake Michigan Water Trail includes 1,600 miles around the Great Lake's entire shoreline, portions of which touch Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The "trail" consists of a series of amenities to assist paddlers and those using other nonmotorized watercraft (e.g., small sailboats) in their journey: think public boat ramps and carry-in sites, parking and picnic areas, restrooms, campsites, a mapping application and more.

When the 1,600-mile trail is fully completed in all four states, there will be restrooms roughly every five miles and campsites every 10. It will also become the world's longest continuous-loop water trail. Some even predict that the path will become the water-based equivalent of America's beloved Appalachian Trail!

What is the Wisconsin portion of the Lake Michigan Trail like?

Wisconsin is home to 525 miles of the Lake Michigan Water Trail, running from the state's southeastern border with Illinois, around the Door County peninsula and up to the state's northeastern border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. All 525 miles here are completed, featuring the requisite campsites, restrooms and access points. Even better, the route showcases a wide variety of treasures.

Paddlers can spy innumerable natural riches from their watercraft, such as sand dunes, marshes, rocky outcroppings and wetland meadows. Also visible: manmade gems, such as historic lighthouses and several ancient shipwrecks (conditions permitting). Two highlights along the route are glimpses of the Niagara Escarpment, an ancient, rocky foundation that runs from New York to Wisconsin, and Two Creeks Buried Forest, a 10,000-year-old pine forest preserved by glacial activity.

Since Lake Michigan is immense – it's the fifth-largest lake in the world – plus cold and unpredictable, paddlers and sailors should use appropriate watercraft for their voyages (e.g., sturdy sea kayaks) and dress for potential immersion in the water. But with proper precautions, great adventures can be had. Here are some suggested excursions guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Rock Island

Rock Island sits off the tip of the Door peninsula, past Washington Island. The entire 900-acre island is a state park and no vehicles are allowed, making for a truly peaceful escape. For a memorable daylong excursion with loved ones, paddle east from Washington Island's Jackson Harbor, then around the charming coast. 

You and your crew can break up this roughly eight-mile trip by exploring the state park, which features hiking trails and free guided tours of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse. You can also check out several massive stone buildings, including a boathouse and Viking Hall, built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1964.

Downtown Milwaukee

To glimpse a breathtaking cityscape from the water, paddle or sail from Milwaukee's South Shore Marina to Bradford Beach. This five-mile trip offers prime views of the downtown Milwaukee lakefront, including the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse and the striking Milwaukee Art Museum. Possible stops along the way include Lakeshore State Park, which features a pebble beach and the lagoons near Discovery World. When you reach Bradford Beach, take a dip in the lake and treat yourselves to ice cream from Moosa’s.

Embark on a Two-Day Escape

Experienced paddlers looking for a more challenging adventure can travel from Port Washington to Kohler-Andrae State Park, a 21-mile trip. On Day one, head north nine miles from Port Washington's South Beach to your stopping point: Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County. The kayak campsite, just south of the point, is marked by a blue post. During your downtime, explore the park's seven miles of hiking trails and one mile of shoreline before enjoying a campfire together on the beach. Day two entails a 12-mile paddle to Sheboygan's Kohler-Andrae State Park, where you'll find impressive sand dunes, a pine forest, nature center and several miles of spectacular hiking trails.

Discover more paddling adventures in Wisconsin with these five weekend canoe trips!