Chain of Lakes Water Trail Named First Pure Michigan Water Trail in the State

Paddle Antrim is thrilled to announce that the Chain of Lakes Water Trail has officially been designated the first Pure Michigan Water Trail in the state of Michigan. The announcement was made on April 16 at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, celebrates exemplary outdoor experiences that positively impact communities and promote Michigan’s… Read More »


Meet Our New Board Member: Haley Breniser

We’re excited to introduce our newest board member, Haley Breniser, who brings a wealth of passion and experience to Paddle Antrim. Get to know a little more about Haley through this Q&A: Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? A: Let’s see, I’ve lived in Kewadin since 2013 with my husband. We came here from the state of Washington. I am born and raised in Oakland County, Michigan.… Read More »


Meet Steve Sutton: Paddle Antrim’s New Board Member

We’re thrilled to welcome Steve Sutton to the Paddle Antrim Board of Directors! Steve brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep connection to Michigan’s public lands and waterways. Get to know more about Steve in this Q&A: Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Steve: I grew up in DeWitt, Michigan, and graduated from Michigan State University. I had a 30-year career with the Michigan Department… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Awards Ripple Effect Mini Grants to Support Northern Michigan Waterways

Paddle Antrim is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Ripple Effect Mini Grants. These grants will support two projects aimed at protecting Northern Michigan’s waterways. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is funded by revenue from Paddle Antrim’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival. “A portion of the proceeds from our events is channeled directly into this program,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “This… Read More »


Groundbreaking at Elk Rapids Rotary Park

Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids are excited to announce that construction has commenced at Elk Rapids Rotary Park, with completion anticipated by late fall 2024.  “This week, we were thrilled and honored to break ground on construction at Elk Rapids Rotary Park,” said Karen Simpson, Village President. “With construction slated to be complete in November, we are excited to be at the finish line of implementing our… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Engages Youth with Kayaking Programs to Promote Water Safety

Paddle Antrim is dedicated to connecting youth with our waterways while emphasizing the importance of water safety. This week, Paddle Antrim had the pleasure of taking Ellsworth School middle schoolers and high schoolers kayaking on Ellsworth Lake. For some students, this was their first time experiencing the joy of being on the water. These sessions were designed to introduce the students to water safety, basic paddling strokes, and the joy… Read More »


Paddle Antrim’s 10-Year Journey to Preserve and Promote Northern Michigan’s Waterways

A decade ago, few organizers imagined that the creation of Paddle Antrim, a small non-profit, would become a catalyst for regional support to protect and promote Northern Michigan’s pristine 100-mile Chain of Lakes. As the paddling organization celebrates its 10th anniversary, Paddle Antrim’s collaborations with volunteer paddling enthusiasts, local businesses, and local governments across the region have resulted in: The first state-designated water trail in northern Michigan, a 100-mile route… Read More »


Paddling the Upper Chain: A Guide to Scenic Water Adventures

The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a hidden gem, with an upper and lower chain divided by the picturesque Bellaire dam. While the lower chain boasts renowned lakes like Torch Lake and Elk Lake, the upper chain offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s well worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll unveil some enticing routes along the upper chain that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and even… Read More »


Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation: A Thriving Economic Force Revealed

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has recently shed light on the immense economic impact of outdoor recreation in Michigan. As champions of connecting people to nature, we at Paddle Antrim are thrilled by these statistics that underscore the strength of the outdoor industry within our state. In the year 2022 alone, Michigan’s economy received a staggering $12.4 billion boost from outdoor recreation. Notably, this contributed to the creation… Read More »


Paddle Antrim Awards $2,000 to Benefit Northern Michigan Waterways through Mini Grant Program

Paddle Antrim is excited to announce the allocation of $2,000 to two projects that will positively impact Northern Michigan’s waterways through the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program by Paddle Antrim is entirely supported by the revenue generated from the nonprofit’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival, alongside proceeds from paddling classes. Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim, highlighted, “A portion of the… Read More »