With so many lakes and rivers in Michigan, it’s no wonder kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding are popular summer pastimes for families. If you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard, don’t fret! In Macomb County, there are plenty of spots to rent one – and several locations to launch into the water.
Not sure where to go to get started? Browse our list of rental locations, along with the best water trails and spots to kayak, canoe and paddleboard in Macomb County.
Where to rent
Clinton River Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Address: 37328 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Phone: 248-421-3445
Stop by the Sterling Heights location to fill out paper work and drop off your car before being shuttled to your launch destination for some kayak and canoeing fun. Choose a one-, two- or three-hour trip at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Kayak rentals run $30/one hour, $35/two hours and $40/three hours. Canoe rentals are $40/one hour, $45/two hours and $50/three hours. A guided trip for those who are kayak and canoe novices is offered for $80.
Great Lakes Surf Shop
- Address: 23517 9 Mack Drive, St. Clair Shores
- Phone: 586-359-6951
Rent a stand-up paddleboard for $20 per hour or $65 for an entire day. They’ll supply the straps and pads to put the paddleboard on your car. Need lessons? They can help with that, too. A two-hour lesson is $65.
Simple Adventures Kayak Rental
Clinton River
- Address: Budd Park to Downtown Mount Clemens
- Phone: 844-935-2925
Lake St. Clair
- Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
- Phone: 844-935-2925
New Baltimore
- Address: 36300 Front St, New Baltimore
- Phone: 844-935-2925
Rent stand-up paddleboards, single kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes at one of three locations in Macomb County. Times and prices vary by location, so reach out to each spot directly for more details.
Where to explore
SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan Trail Explorer, known as Terrain 360, is a virtual 360-degree tour of Southeast Michigan’s natural and recreational assets, which includes 550 miles of water trails. Explore the map to find the perfect trail in your area.
Blueways of St. Clair
Seventeen different paddling routes along the St. Clair River corridor – from Anchor Bay to the northern border of St. Clair County along Lake Huron – give paddlers endless opportunities for fun out on the water. Visit the Blueways of St. Clair website to download maps for each water trail.
Clinton River Water Trail
With 81.5 miles of river, the Clinton River Water Trail, which runs from Lake Huron to Waterford Township, is a prime location for paddling. For beginners, the lower river – from Budd Park in Clinton Township downstream to Mt. Clemens – along with the upper river in Oakland County, are great for spots to paddle. Some areas, such as the stretch between Dequindre Road in Rochester Hills and Van Dyke in Utica, are best for advanced paddlers.
Lake St. Clair Water Trail
The Lake St. Clair Water Trail offers 41.7 miles of paddling opportunities for families. There are several launch sites for this water trail. Looking for the one closest to you? Take a peek at this water trail map to plan your visit.
Places to launch
There are several launches and marinas in Macomb County. The most recent launch was unveiled in late June 2019 at MacArthur Park on North River Road. It is the first universal launch, which improves accessibility to the Clinton River for those with disabilities – and paddlers of all ages and skill levels.
Looking for more spots to launch your kayak, canoe or paddleboard? On the Make Macomb Your Home website, you will find an attractions map that shows you just where each launch and marina is located. Click here to visit the attractions map.
9 Mile Road
Address: 23001 Nine Mile Road, St. Clair Shores
Brandenburg Park
Address: 50050 Jefferson Ave., New Baltimore
Budd Park
Address: 19000 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township
Downtown Utica — at Auburn Road
Address: 7530 Auburn Road, Utica
Harley Ensign Memorial
Address: 32995 S. River Road, Harrison Township
Heritage Park
Address: 44505 Van Dyke Ave., Utica
Lake St. Clair Metropark – Black Creek Launch
Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
Lake St. Clair Metropark – Point Rosa Launch
Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
MacArthur Park
Address: 96 N. River Road, Mount Clemens
North Clinton River Park
Address: 8600 Riverland Drive, Sterling Heights
Riverbends Park — Landing
Address: 5700 22 Mile and Ryan Road, Shelby Township
Rotary Park
Address: 37328 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
Selfridge
Address: 44200 N. Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township
Shady Side Park
Address: 155 Shadyside Drive, Mount Clemens
Stony Creek Metropark
Address: 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township
Webber Paddling Park
Address: 49239 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
Yates Park
Address: Dequindre and 23 Mile, Shelby Township
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
