The best place to paddle board in Traverse City is Clinch Park, right downtown on West Grand Traverse Bay: rent a board on the beach, paddle along the shore, then turn into the calm Boardman River behind the shops and restaurants. For a quieter, sandy-bottomed paddle, head to the East Bay beach at Traverse City State Park, 2 miles east of downtown.
Traverse City works for paddling because it sits at the foot of Grand Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan split in two by the Old Mission Peninsula. The bays have clear water and sandy beaches, the Boardman River runs right through downtown, and Boardman Lake gives you a small, sheltered option when the bay is rough.
Quick answer
- First time on a board: Clinch Park, renting from Paddle TC on the beach, and staying close to shore on a calm morning.
- Calmest water: the Boardman River through downtown, or Boardman Lake from Hull Park.
- Sandy, shallow beach: East Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City State Park, with a second Paddle TC rental spot.
- Famous day trip: the Torch Lake sandbar, about 30 miles north-east (see the FAQ).
- When the bay is rough: paddle the river or Boardman Lake instead.
The best places to paddle board in Traverse City
West Grand Traverse Bay at Clinch Park
Directions
Best for: beginners, rentals, downtown views. Open bay water, calm on still days.
Clinch Park is Traverse City’s downtown waterfront park, on West Grand Traverse Bay east of Union Street. It has a beach, a marina with a watercraft launch and a kayak and paddle board rental right on the sand. A pedestrian tunnel at Cass Street and Grandview Parkway connects it to downtown.
Where to launch: From the beach, or the watercraft launch by Clinch Park Marina. Paddle along the edge of the swim area, not through it.
Rentals and lessons: Paddle TC rents paddle boards and kayaks on the beach at Clinch Park (199 East Grandview Parkway), from around $25 an hour at the time of writing. It also runs lessons, a Boardman River tour of downtown and kayak trips around Power Island.
Good to know: West Bay is open to the north, and a north wind can build waves along the beach quickly. If it’s choppy, head for the river.
Boardman River through downtown
Directions
Best for: calm water when the bay is rough, a short urban paddle. Slow river current.
The Boardman River flows into West Bay just east of Clinch Park, under the Murchie Bridge on Grandview Parkway. The lower stretch winds behind the shops and restaurants of Front Street, and it’s sheltered from the wind.
Where to launch: From Clinch Park. Paddle east along the bay’s edge for a short distance, then turn right into the mouth of the river. Paddle upstream as far as you like and float back down.
Rentals and lessons: Paddle TC at Clinch Park rents boards for the river too, and runs a guided river tour of downtown.
Good to know: The river is narrow and shared with kayaks. Keep right and watch for other paddlers coming downstream.
Boardman Lake (Hull Park)
DirectionsBest for: a small, sheltered lake close to downtown. Flat water.
Boardman Lake sits just south of downtown, where the Boardman River widens before it reaches the bay. A 5-mile trail loops around it, and it’s popular with paddlers, anglers and birds.
Where to launch: Hull Park, at the north end of the lake, has a boat launch for small boats, kayaks and sailboats. The city also has a kayak launch on the west side of the lake near Lake Ridge Drive.
Good to know: There’s no rental shop at the lake, but Paddle TC delivers boards anywhere within about 30 minutes of downtown if you book ahead.
East Grand Traverse Bay (Traverse City State Park)
Directions
Best for: families, a shallow sandy beach. Open bay water, calm on still days.
Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is about 2 miles east of downtown, with a quarter-mile sandy beach on East Grand Traverse Bay. The state describes the beach as sheltered and shallow, which makes it easy for kids and first-timers.
Where to launch: From the beach in the day-use area, across US 31 from the campground. There’s a beach house with restrooms and a changing area. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles.
Rentals and lessons: Paddle TC runs a second rental spot, East Bay Paddle TC, at the state park.
Good to know: The TART Trail runs alongside the park, so you can also bike in from downtown.
When to go
The paddling season runs from late spring to early fall, and the bay is coldest at the start. NOAA’s Grand Traverse Bay buoy (station 45020) reports live water temperatures in season; in 2016 it read about 70°F in late July and again in September. Further south on Lake Michigan, NOAA’s long-term averages at Holland are about 64°F in June, 70°F in August and 66°F in September.
- July and August: warmest water and the busiest beaches. Paddle early to avoid crowds and afternoon wind.
- June: cold water. Wear a wetsuit and stay near shore. Our wetsuit check uses water and air temperature to tell you what to wear.
- September: often the best month, with warm water and quieter beaches.
- Wind: check the forecast. Both arms of the bay open to the north, so a north wind can push waves onto Traverse City’s beaches.
Planning a river or bay paddle? Our Trip time calculator estimates how long it will take at your pace.
Rules and safety in Traverse City
Michigan’s life jacket rules, set by the Department of Natural Resources, apply to paddle boards:
- Life jacket: carry a US Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person. Children under 6 must wear one while underway. See our pick of the best PFDs for SUP.
- Sound device: carry a whistle.
- After dark: carry a white light, such as a flashlight or headlamp.
Local rules and habits:
- Stay out of swim areas at Clinch Park and the state park beach.
- Recreation Passport: needed to park at Traverse City State Park and at state boat launches.
- Clean, drain, dry: remove plants and mud from your board and drain any water before you move to another lake, to stop the spread of invasive species.
- Lake Michigan is big water. Wind can build waves fast, and the water is cold even in summer. Wear a leash and stay close to shore.
FAQ
Where can beginners paddle board in Traverse City?
Clinch Park downtown, renting from Paddle TC on the beach, or the East Bay beach at Traverse City State Park. If the bay is choppy, paddle the Boardman River or Boardman Lake instead.
Can you paddle board on the Boardman River in Traverse City?
Yes. Launch at Clinch Park, paddle a short way east along the bay and turn into the river mouth. The lower river through downtown is calm and sheltered from the wind.
Can you paddle board to the Torch Lake sandbar?
Yes. The sandbar is at the south end of Torch Lake near the Torch River bridge, about 30 miles north-east of Traverse City, and it’s reached by boat, paddle board or kayak. It’s very busy on summer weekends, with hundreds of boats over the Fourth of July. Go on a weekday morning, and watch for boat traffic.
Do I need a permit to paddle board in Traverse City?
No permit to paddle. You’ll need a Michigan Recreation Passport to park at the state park and state boat launches.
Is Grand Traverse Bay warm enough to paddle board?
From July to early September, usually yes. NOAA’s bay buoy has read around 70°F in late July. In June and late fall the water is much colder, so wear a wetsuit.
More paddling near Traverse City
Not sure which board to rent or buy? Our Board Fitter suggests a size for your weight and the water you’ll paddle. For the best weather to head out, see the best conditions for paddle boarding. Heading south along the lake? See our guide to where to paddle board in Holland and Saugatuck.
