Carefree Travel Guide 2026

Featured Destinations

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink on one of Star of Saugatuck’s scenic cruises. Great for private parties and corporate events. Plus Handicap accessible & bathrooms onboard too. Saugatuck SaugatuckBoatCruises.com 269.857.4261 Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau Start your West Michigan water adventure here. Discover kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and scenic river experiences. Visit our website or contact the visitors bureau to plan your perfect day outdoors. Big Rapids BigRapids.org 231.796.4470 Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours Experience towering freighters, the historic engineering marvel of the Soo Locks, and breathtaking Great Lakes scenery on a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour. It’s an unforgettable, fully narrated adventure for all ages. Sault Ste. Marie FamousSooLocks.com 906.207.8147 docking, easy Lake Michigan access, fuel services, and a walkable village setting with shops, dining, and scenic views for boaters and visitors alike. Bay Harbor BayHarborLakeMarina.com 231.439.2544 Bay Harbor Lake Marina Bay Harbor Lake Marina features protected

Inland Seas Education Association Inland Seas Education Association provides unique education programs aboard tall ships and on shore. Our mission is to inspire a lifetime of Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion. Suttons Bay SchoolShip.org 231.271.3077 Beaver Island Boat Company Welcome aboard! “Ride the Boat” from the bridge of Charlevoix to the beaches of Beaver Island. Enjoy island time this summer. Tour Package available Memorial Day to Labor Day. Charlevoix Bibco.com 231.547.2311

Riverside Canoe Trips Experience the beautiful Platte River with family-friendly canoeing, kayaking, tubing, SUPing, and rafting in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Honor CanoeMichigan.com 231.325.5622

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Experience the magic of Mackinac Island starting at our Gateway! For 80+ years, Shepler’s has offered smooth, safe, frequent trips, and epic bridge views from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Mackinaw City/St. Ignace SheplersFerry.com 231.436.5023

Water adventures in West Michigan are among the region’s most unforgettable experiences, offering visitors countless ways to explore its stunning freshwater landscapes. With Lake Michigan’s expansive shoreline, scenic inland lakes, winding rivers, and peaceful bays, the area is a paradise for outdoor recreation and waterfront fun. From relaxing paddles

to high-energy boating excursions, every traveler can find a way to connect with the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are favorite ways to immerse yourself in West Michigan’s natural beauty. Paddle along quiet stretches of the Grand River, weave through serene wetlands, or explore

make it easy to rent equipment, book charters, or launch your own vessel for a day on the lake. Fishing adventures are another must, with salmon and trout charters drawing anglers from around the Midwest for unforgettable days on Lake Michigan. Families often gravitate toward calmer experiences such as beach swimming, river tubing, or pontoon rides across inland lakes. These activities pair perfectly with beach picnics, waterfront dining, and sunset strolls, turning a simple outing into a full day of lakeside memories. For couples and groups, sunset cruises and sailing excursions provide a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the shoreline from a different perspective. What makes water adventures in West Michigan truly special is the variety. One day can begin with a sunrise paddle, continue with an afternoon swim, and end with a golden-hour sail beneath colorful skies. Whether you are seeking peaceful exploration, family-friendly fun, or adrenaline-filled action, West Michigan’s waters deliver endless opportunities for discovery, relaxation, and adventure that keep visitors returning year after year.

iconic destinations like Ludington State Park, where calm waters and dune-lined shorelines create breathtaking views. The Lake Michigan Water Trail also provides unique opportunities to journey along the coast, discovering hidden coves, lighthouses, and sandy beaches only accessible by water. For thrill seekers, boating, sailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing add excitement to any getaway. Popular harbor towns like Grand Haven, Holland, South Haven, and Muskegon

Lake Express High-Speed Ferry Muskegon

#WestMichigan | 2026 Carefree Travel Guide

33