Witz Marina and Campground

Huron Bay offers some of the most protected paddling you'll find on Lake Superior's Michigan shore, making it an ideal spot for beginners or anyone looking to escape the big lake's notorious mood swings. This sheltered bay extends several miles inland from the main body of Superior, creating a much more manageable environment than the open water just outside. The bay's relatively shallow depths and numerous small islands provide plenty of exploration opportunities, while the surrounding forested shoreline gives you that classic Northwoods feel. What really sets Huron Bay apart is how it offers a taste of Superior's grandeur without the intimidation factor that keeps many paddlers off the big lake.

Conditions in Huron Bay are generally calm and forgiving, especially compared to the main lake. The bay's orientation and the protection from surrounding headlands mean you'll rarely deal with the large swells that can make Superior challenging. Wind is still a factor, as it is anywhere on Superior, but the fetch is limited enough that waves rarely build to uncomfortable levels. Mornings tend to be your best bet for glassy conditions, with afternoon winds typically picking up but remaining manageable. The bay does experience some tidal-like effects from Superior's seiching, but these are minor and won't significantly impact your paddling experience.

This spot works well for all types of paddling, though kayakers will find the most to explore among the bay's various coves and islands. The protected waters make it excellent for new sea kayakers who want to practice their skills before venturing onto the open lake. SUP paddlers will appreciate the generally calm surface, especially in the morning hours, though you'll want to stay closer to shore as afternoon winds can make the return trip more challenging on a paddleboard. The numerous rocky points and shallow areas around the islands create good habitat for lake trout and coaster brook trout, so bringing along some fishing gear isn't a bad idea.

Summer is really the only viable season for most paddlers here, with water temperatures remaining brutally cold even in July and August. June can still be quite chilly, but the longer days make it worthwhile if you have appropriate gear. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures and most reliable weather patterns, though Superior can throw curveballs any time of year. By September, conditions become much more unpredictable, and the risk of hypothermia increases significantly. Even in peak summer, always be prepared for sudden weather changes and dress for immersion in very cold water.

Getting to Witz Marina is straightforward, located just under two miles from the small town of Skanee on the bay's eastern shore. The marina provides a decent boat ramp with adequate parking, though facilities are pretty basic. This is a working marina rather than a fancy launch facility, so expect a no-frills experience. The ramp is suitable for launching kayaks and SUPs, and there's enough parking for several vehicles with trailers. From the launch, you can head west toward the larger portions of the bay or explore the more intimate areas to the north and south. Keep in mind that this is a relatively remote area, so come prepared with everything you need and let someone know your paddling plans.