Explore Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula by Kayak
LEELANAU BY KAYAK is a comprehensive guidebook documenting the 100-mile Great Lakes shoreline and inland waterways of Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula. This hardcover edition provides detailed information for kayakers seeking to explore one of Michigan's most scenic coastal regions.
Coverage of Leelanau's Waterways
The guide covers the peninsula's diverse paddling destinations, including massive dunes south of Empire, the dunes at Sleeping Bear, and Pyramid Point to the north. The shoreline features sandy shores, wooded bluffs, and impressive inland hills throughout areas both within and outside the National Lakeshore.
Approximately 40 named inland lakes in Leelanau County are documented with public accessibility information suitable for kayak launching. The guide also includes three lakes on the Manitou Islands: Lake Manitou and Tamarack Lake on North Manitou Island, plus Florence Lake on South Manitou Island.
Three rivers suitable for kayaking are featured: the Leland River, Cedar River, and Crystal River. These waterways provide alternatives when wind conditions make open water paddling challenging.
What's Included in This Edition
This updated edition contains practical resources for planning kayaking trips throughout Leelanau County:
- Detailed directions to launch sites and access points
- Maps of paddling routes and waterways
- Strategic information for navigating different water conditions
- Historical context about the Leelanau region
- Information on area kayak rentals
- Nature photography showcasing the peninsula's landscapes
Updated Edition Features
The current edition includes significant additions:
- 16 additional pages of content
- 4 additional Leelanau inland lakes
- 30 new photographs
- Expanded historical and geographic information about Leelanau County
This guidebook serves paddlers exploring Lake Michigan's eastern shore, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the inland waterways of Northern Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula. The combination of maps, directions, and visual documentation makes it a practical resource for planning day trips and extended kayaking adventures in this Great Lakes region.
