When my parents used to live on Lake LeAnn over in the Jerome area which made me a pretty avid "yakker."

I did not get to go out much last year due to my packed work schedule but thankfully, this summer, I have a much more manageable work schedule and more free time to get out and enjoy one of my favorite activities!

To me, there's nothing quite like a Lake LeAnn sunset kayak / Maitlynn Mossolle
To me, there's nothing quite like a Lake LeAnn sunset kayak / Maitlynn Mossolle
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Kayaking is not only fun but it is a great workout (hello, arms and abs, it's been a while), it is (for the most part) free if you have your own supplies and a great way to enjoy the water and the sunshine.

While Lake LeAnn and some other lakes in the area may be private, meaning you can't just drop in at your leisure, there are still plenty of public areas you can drop and explore.

In the Lansing area, a Reddit user asked on the r/lansing subreddit and got lots of responses from other users on their favorite spots, where is best to drop and then leave a car at wherever you would be ready to be done.

The Power of Water also shared five places they like to kayak and/or paddleboard in the Lansing area:

  • Island Park in Grand Ledge: On the Grand River, The Power of Water says it's a pretty calm ride for all skill levels with scenic views of the ledges and can be done in about 1-3 hours. They suggest putting in and taking out at the JC Park boat launch.
  • Riverfront Park in Downtown Lansing: Also following the Grand River, if you like to be surrounded by views of what downtown Lansing has to offer this is a great one. They do note there is sometimes a current so make sure your paddling skills are up for the challenge.
  • Sleepy Hollow State Park: The Power of Water calls this "the best kept paddling secret in the region." It is on a no-wake lake with lots of wildlife, only 15 minutes out of town and is for all skill levels.
  • Old Town fish ladder to Delta Mills Park: They say this one has "a little taste of everything" with different settings, some current for a fun challenge and wile life. The Power of Water suggests putting in below the dam at Clark Hill offices (in Old Town) and is a 2-3 hour paddle to Delta Mills Park or if you want to make a day of it, 5-6 hours to Grand Ladge at JC park. This one is not for brand new paddlers!
  • Williamston Whitewater Run: Located on the Red Cedar River, The Power of Water suggests this is a good place to go "when the levels are right." They suggest keeping your group smaller as is is a bit of a short, tight run. This spot, however, is not for stad-up paddleboards.

As far as the Jackson area goes Experience Jackson has a lot of information on their "Paddle Your Way Through Jackson" page.

"Rent a kayak from Quiet World Sports at Vandercook Lake or try Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga," says Experience Jackson where they also give information on monthly paddles with the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT).

Where are some of your favorite places to 'yak it up?

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