Paddle Antrim

Paddle Antrim Paddle Antrim is a non-profit organization protecting our water resources by connecting people to them.

06/04/2026

We officially cut the ribbon at Elk Rapids Rotary Park on June 3!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and the Village of Elk Rapids to celebrate this exciting milestone. It was wonderful to gather with supporters, donors, partners, and community members to mark the completion of this transformative project.

A special thank you to Golden Hill Farms, Short's Brewing Company, Northwoods Soda, and for their generous in-kind support. Thanks to them, guests enjoyed beautiful flowers, refreshing Thirst Mutilators, and delicious root beer floats—a perfect way to celebrate a memorable day! 🌿🥤🎉

A milestone for accessibility, stewardship, and paddling in Michigan.Yesterday, community partners gathered at Elk Rapid...
06/04/2026

A milestone for accessibility, stewardship, and paddling in Michigan.

Yesterday, community partners gathered at Elk Rapids Rotary Park to celebrate the completion of transformative improvements at this key trailhead along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, including Michigan's first permanent non-motorized boat wash and the trail's second universally accessible launch.

Together with the accessible launch in Kewadin, these additions create the first fully accessible point-to-point paddling route on the 100-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail.

"As we complete this project, we are not just adding infrastructure; we are removing barriers," said Paddle Antrim Executive Director Deana Jerdee.

From improved access and inclusive amenities (including an adult changing station) to envelope pushing tools that help prevent the spread of invasive species, these investments ensure more people can experience and enjoy our waterways while protecting them for generations to come.

Thank you to the many partners, funders, and supporters who made this vision a reality. Ready more about the Elk Rapids Rotary Park Ribbon Cutting here: https://www.paddleantrim.com/elk-rapids-rotary-park-ribbon-cutting/

Elk Rapids, MI - Village Government Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Elk Rapids Rotary Club Michigan Department of Natural Resources Rotary Charities of Traverse City

06/04/2026

Join Paddle Antrim on June 6 as we celebrate the start of summer at our 2026 Paddling Season Kickoff & Gathering!

🚣 10:00 AM – Enjoy a slow, scenic paddle along the beautiful Elk River, starting from Elk Rapids Rotary Park. All ages and paddle craft types are welcome.

🤝 11:30 AM – Gather with fellow paddlers at The Dam Shop to connect, share stories, and kick off another great season on the water.

What to bring:
✔ Your own paddle craft
✔ Paddle
✔ Life jacket

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.

📋 All participants must complete a waiver before paddling:
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/Z6NYPpw3SxAM6avAnyQnBf/

No registration required—just grab your gear and join us for a fun morning on the water. We hope to see you there!

Planning a paddle on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail?Our waterproof Paddler's Guide is the perfect companion for explorin...
06/03/2026

Planning a paddle on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail?

Our waterproof Paddler's Guide is the perfect companion for exploring the 100+ mile Northern Michigan water trail. The 30-page guide is packed with information to help you plan a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip, including:

🛶 Water trail maps and access sites
🛶 Suggested routes for different experience levels
🛶 Safety and stewardship information
🛶 Community highlights and local attractions
🛶 Dining and lodging resources
🛶 Outfitter and livery information

Whether you're planning a quick afternoon paddle or a multi-day adventure, the Paddler's Guide helps you make the most of your time on the water.

Pick up a copy online (link in profile) or at one of our local retail partners throughout the region, including locations in Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, Alden, Elk Rapids, East Jordan, Grayling, and Traverse City.

Where will your next paddle take you?

There’s nothing like the first paddle of the season.Celebrate the start of summer with Paddle Antrim at our 2026 Paddlin...
05/29/2026

There’s nothing like the first paddle of the season.

Celebrate the start of summer with Paddle Antrim
at our 2026 Paddling Season Kickoff & Gathering on June 6th.

We’ll enjoy a slow, scenic paddle at 10:00 am along the Elk River before gathering with fellow paddlers afterward at The Dam Shop at 11:30 am.

The paddle begins at 10:00 am from Elk Rapids Rotary Park and is open to all ages and paddle craft types.

Bring your own paddle craft, paddle, and life jacket. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.

All participants must complete a digital waiver before participating:
waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/Z6NYPpw3SxAM6avAnyQnBf/

No registration needed — just come ready to paddle and connect with the community.

05/27/2026

Choose Your Own Adventure 🚣‍♀️

Are you a "take it slow and snap photos" paddler, or a "give me the 42-mile challenge" paddling warrier? At Paddle Antrim, there’s a route for every pace:

Beginner (Recreational): 7–16 miles of calm, narrow waterways. Perfect for seeing the wildlife in the Grass River Natural Area!

Intermediate (Challenge): 15–24 miles for those looking to push their distance.

Advanced (Expedition): 42 Miles - complete the full course over two days to earn your spot in the 42 Mile Festival Hall of Fame! 🏆

Registration is flexible—join us for one day or the full weekend.

Celebrate your paddling success with top sponsor Short's Brewing Company after each day of paddling!

🔗 See the route maps: paddleantrim.com/festival

Every paddle, volunteer hour, donation, and shared story helped make a difference this year. Together, we protected wate...
05/23/2026

Every paddle, volunteer hour, donation, and shared story helped make a difference this year. Together, we protected waterways, connected people to the water, and inspired the next generation of stewards.

Take a look at the impact you made possible in our 2025 Annual Report: www.paddleantrim.com/plans-reports/

05/22/2026

We heard you! To make the 11th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival more accessible (no PTO required!), we’ve officially moved the primary paddling days to Saturday and Sunday (Sept 19–20).

Now you can enjoy the full beauty of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail without dipping into your vacation days.

Saturday: Paddle from Ellsworth to Bellaire.

Sunday: Journey from Bellaire to Elk Rapids.

Spend your weekend on the water and your evenings with top sponsor, Short’s Brewing Company. It’s the ultimate "work hard, play hard" Michigan getaway.

🔗 Grab your weekend spot: paddleantrim.com/festival

The 2026 paddling season ALMOST is here!Join Paddle Antrim for our Season Kickoff Community Paddle on the beautiful Elk ...
05/21/2026

The 2026 paddling season ALMOST is here!

Join Paddle Antrim for our Season Kickoff Community Paddle on the beautiful Elk River/Lake. Bring your kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or favorite paddle craft and help us celebrate the start of another amazing season on the water.

June 6, 2026~

📍 Elk Rapids Rotary Park - come check out the improved launch and park!
🗓️ 10:00 – 11:30 am

This relaxed, out-and-back paddle is free and open to all ages and experience levels. Please arrive a few minutes early to unload your paddle craft and park before launch.

After the paddle, join us for a Community Gathering at:
📍 The Dam Shop
🕦 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

No pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own paddle craft, paddle, and properly worn PFD.

All participants must complete a digital waiver prior to participation: www.paddleantrim.com/event/2026-season-kick-off-community-paddle/

Address

212 River Street
Elk Rapids, MI
49629

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+12314982080

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Paddle Antrim posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Paddle Antrim:

Shortcuts

Share

Category