Canoeing in Caseville

It's hard to believe that the city in Michigan famous for its annual 10-day cheeseburger festival is also among the best spots to go canoeing in the state. Caseville is located in a region of Michigan known as the Thumb, named for the shape of the broad peninsula that extends into the waters of Lake Huron. The region is home to the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, a scenic canoeing and kayaking route that follows the coastline. Caseville is an ideal starting point and one of the dozens of stops along the trail.

  1. Explore the Coastline

    • The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water trail follows 122 miles of the Lake Huron Shoreline. Stretching from Lexington to the mouth of the Quanicassee River, the trail takes canoeists past parks, beaches, harbors and historic lighthouses. You can paddle along the entire trail, stopping overnight at campgrounds and motels along the shore, or simply spend an afternoon exploring a few miles. The trail is managed by the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail Association, and a variety of resources, including trail maps, are available on their official website.

    Choose Your Starting Point

    • Dozens of parks and marinas provide a place to launch a canoe along the Tip of the Thumb Trail, including several in and around Caseville. One of the most frequently visited sites in the area is Caseville County Park, which features a long stretch of beach with gradually sloping shores and relatively calm waters, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. No developed boat launch facilities are available in the park, but you can easily launch a canoe or kayak from the shore. Caseville Municipal Harbor also provides canoe access, as does Sleeper State Park, just a few miles up the coast.

    Take Advantage of Local Resources

    • If you don't have a canoe, you can rent one at Tip-A-Thumb Canoe Rental, about 12 miles northeast of Caseville in the village of Port Austin. Camping for tents and RVs is available at Caseville County Park and Sleeper State Park, both of which have restrooms, showers and electric hookups. The state park also includes primitive tent campsites, which are available to canoeists, kayakers, hikers and bicyclists without reservations. Signs are posted along the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail to mark access points and other features.

    Know Before You Go

    • Caseville overlooks Saginaw Bay, while the opposite shore of the Thumb faces Lake Huron itself. Both bodies of water can become extremely rough and dangerous during severe weather. Keep an eye on the sky as you explore the water trail, and don't stray so far from the shore that you can't get back on dry land quickly if the weather turns. Canoeing is also available at Rush Lake, a smaller inland lake less than 10 miles from Caseville. Access to Rush Lake is available off Old Sand Road.