One of the most amazing sites in the Upper Thumb is Turnip Rock. Considered one of the 10 most beautiful places in Michigan. Carved over time by the force of constant wave action, the soft limestone has been shaped to its namesake and separated from the mainland over thousands of years. CNN called it one of the Most Amazing Rock Formations in America, and Pure Michigan featured it on its 2016 magazine cover. International travelers coming into Detroit Metropolitan Airport see Turnip Rock as their first view of Michigan’s scenes at the tip of the thumb coming into customs. It’s a marvel to behold, and it’s an easy Port Austin kayak trip if the conditions are right.
#7 Turnip Rock is an Easy Paddle

Paddling to turnip rock is not hard. Located at the tip of the thumb, it’s about a four-hour round trip from Port Austin. This small guide offers a local point of view to avoid problems with the local law enforcement and property owners while enjoying a unique natural wonder.
#6 Turnip Rock is on Private Property
Despite its uniqueness, this natural wonder is located in the Pointe Aux Barques Cottage Community and is private land. Thusthe only way to see the rock formation is from the water. Fortunately, that can easily be achieved by canoe or kayak. This means that you can’t go feet dry. Stay in the water. The area around the rock is monitored, and even the topic of an Instagram account. If you must get out of our kayak, stay as close to the water’s edge as possible. (Unless its an emergency)
Turnip Rock Morning Paddle HD 720p
#5 Paddling Near turnip Rock on Busy Weekends
During the weekends, the number of paddlers can get quite large. If the area around the rock is crowded, consider paddling a few hundred yards past the rock and view the overhangs and cave features that border the Pointe Aux Barques community. During the late 1800s, the cave were hideouts for fugitives. It’s worth taking a few minutes to explore. You may be tempted to get out of your kayak and climb the rocks for a view. This is a no-no, and several signs are reminding us not to trespass. (IMHO, these signs are obtrusive and possibly illegal as they are posted under the high watermark of Lake Huron)

#4 Heed Weather and Travel Time

Plan on two to four hours travel time to kayak to Turnip Rock from Port Austin. This assumes that the winds and lake are calm. You will paddle northeast along the shallow coastline until you see the small cliffs that mark the start of Pointe Aux Barques. If the wind is strong and the lake is wavey, it’s a wise idea to defer to another day. Novice paddlers have been pushed by southern winds out into the lake, requiring assistance or rescue.
Port Austin Kayak, affectionately called the PAK, offers daily tweets of weather conditions. It’s prudent advice to heed their recommendations when considering a trip out to Turnip Rock or along the tip of the Thumb shoreline.
If you have booked a trip or are planning to paddle out to Turnip Rock, it’s a best practice to monitor the PAK feed. If they are not renting,, it is wise to stay off the lake that day.
#3 Can I Climb on Turnip and Fingernail Rocks?
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WANTED: Girl in Bikini climbing #turniprock
See AlsoLearn from work experienceaccuweather doppler radar map usaHiking New Zealand’s epic Te Araroa trailReplacement Seat Covers | Buy Factory, OEM Seat Cover Replacements For Trucks & SUVs - The Seat ShopA post shared by Turnip Rock Police Department (@turniprockpolicedept) on
Despite numerous YouTube and other postings showing people climbing all over the rock formation, you are urged not to. The shore formations above the high water mark are private property. People have been hurt trying to climb it and arrested for trespass. Also, the stone is rather fragile and prone to breakage and collapse. The best way to mark your visit is to capture the rock formation with digital photos of you and your peeps in unique light and weather. Stay wet and wild and get a great shot from the water.

#2 What to Bring on Your Port Austin Kayak to Turnip Rock
When kayaking to Turnip Rock, bring a life jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small towel, cell phone, and a dry bag. Bring a Nalgene of water and something to munch on. Water shoes are also highly recommended. It’s not a strenuous trip, but winds and weather can make kayaking a challenge for the unprepared.
#1 Leave No Trace Kayaking to Turnip Rock
Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. While doing a Port Austin kayak trip to turnip rock remember to minimize your impact so it can be enjoyed for the next generation. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. …
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. …
- Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out) …
- Leave What You Find. …
- Minimize Campfire Impacts. …
- Respect Wildlife. …
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
FAQ Turnip Rock Port Austin
How long does it take to paddle to Turnip Rock?
The typical morning run from Bird Creek Park to Turnip Rock and back takes between two and four hours. The round trip is seven miles, and this paddle is considered moderately strenuous even by experienced kayakers.
Is the route to Turnip Rock easy?
While much of the route runs along the shore, there are periods of the open lake to traverse. If you feel strong winds and wave action more than a light chop, it may be better to opt for a calmer day. Early in the morning offers some of the easiest and calmest paddling times. Monitor the weather before you head out on the water.
Can I get out and climb onshore or up on Turnip Rock?
This is a tricky subject. Kayaking Turnip Rock and its neighboring formation, the Thumbnail, is private land. The best option is to stay “feet wet,” meaning as long you are in the water, you have every right to explore and experience one of the most unusual rock formations in America.
However, you may also traverse the area below the “ordinary high watermark.” This doesn’t mean you can set up camp, but you can stretch your legs, swim, and take pictures. Don’t make a nuisance of yourself. Don’t try climbing up the rocks. The area literally steps away from residential homes and cottages of Pointe Aux Barques. Use Leave No Trace principles.
What should I bring with me to Turnip Rock?
Always wear a lifejacket during your Port Austin kayak to turnip rock. Bring a Nalgene of water, sunglasses, and a hat. Some folks find bringing water shoes or sandals handy if you have to get out of your kayak. The rocks can be sharp and slippery. It’s also a good idea to have a dry bag with a cell phone and a snack. The best item to bring is your common sense.
Are there tour boats taking visitors out to see Turnip Rock?
Several tour boat operators take small groups on powerboat tours to the rock formation. These tours may include a trip out to the Port Austin Lighthouse. Contact the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce for information on boat tours to Turnip Rock.
Morning Paddle to Turnip Rock Near ...
See A Drone Tour of Turnip Rock – This drone flyby of Turnip Rock was made by a Kaioshin Supreme. This couple was kayaking on a very quiet and wave-free afternoon at Pointe Aux Barques. It’s an interesting perspective.
Michigan’s Thumb Sparkles in Late Summer – My favorite time to be in Michigan’s Thumb. The Caseville Cheeseburger Festival has long since passed. The Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Things are quieter. I can now cross M-25 over the beach in silence and without fear. Fall is a great season.
Time Lapse…30 Years of Growth in Michigan’s Thumb – Amazingly, you can now see how Michigan’s Upper Thumb region has changed in the past 30 years. Google’s Earth Engine gives a global time-lapse view built from annual composites of Landsat satellite images. Watch the growth of Michigan’s Thumb across Huron County’s landscape beginning as early as 1984.
Great Lakes Ship Travel in the 1800s – In the days before the highway and autos, the only way to travel the vast distances for the Great Lakes was by sail and steamer. In the mid-1800s until well into the 1950s one could travel most of the lakes in style and comfort.
Haunted and Spooky Sites in Michigan’s Thumb – Michigan’s Upper Thumb is full of colorful history—from the boomtowns of the 1800s lumber era to the resorts and vacation homes of today. The area has long been acknowledged as an active paranormal region and has been the subject of books, film, and television.
FAQs
How long does it take to kayak from Port Austin to Turnip Rock? ›
Plan on two to four hours travel time to kayak to Turnip Rock from Port Austin. This assumes that the winds and lake are calm. You will paddle northeast along the shallow coastline until you see the small cliffs that mark the start of Pointe Aux Barques.
Can you get on top of Turnip Rock? ›Turnip Rock has been deemed one of the Amazing Rock Formations in America by CNN. Indeed it's one of the most photographed attractions in the Upper Thumb. However, the unique rock formation is located on private land and is considered part of the Pointe Aux Barques cottage community. Thus you can't climb Turnip Rock.
How do you see a Turnip Rock? ›Therefore, there is no public land access to view Turnip Rock from the shoreline -- unless you happen to know someone with a home there, or else you snag a ticket to the community's biennial home tour (this year's, Schwanitz says, is sold out). 2. Kayak or boat is the way to go.
What are the three golden rules of kayaking? ›- Separate your body movements. The best kayakers have mastered the art of letting their upper and lower bodies work independently of, yet cooperatively with, each other. ...
- Use the power of your torso. ...
- Maintain control with an active blade.
Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore. Always follow the boating rules of the area you're in. Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating. Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
How difficult is it to kayak to Turnip Rock? ›How hard is it to kayak to Turnip Rock? Kayaking can be exerting, even when you are simply hanging out and paddling by the beach. Making the roughly 7 mile - 2-4 hour round trip to Turnip Rock is a big workout. You must be in reasonable physical shape to make this trip.
How far is it from Bird Creek to Turnip Rock? ›4-5 hours with 2 hours of kayaking, the best adventure
Paddle only the most iconic stretch of Pictured Rocks, such as Lover's Leap and Rainbow Cave.
How to Peel and Prepare Turnips, Parsnips, and Celery Root - YouTube
When should I pull my turnips? ›Turnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant.
What is the max amount of turnips you can carry? ›
You can carry a stack of 100 turnips in each inventory slot, meaning it's possible to buy no more than 4,000 turnips in a single run at a maximum cost of 440,000 Bells. That's a lot of cash and a lot of veggies.
What is Shield mode in turnip? ›Shield mode
Shield mode will prevent you from unknowingly sharing your private information during your mobile streams.
Few insects are as damaging to turnips as the little white worms known as cabbage maggots (Delia radicum). These 1/3-inch-long, legless fly larvae relish the opportunity to burrow through the large taproots of turnips.
How deep do turnips go? ›Growing turnips should be done with seeds in the soil about 1/2 inch (1 cm.) deep at a rate of 3 to 20 seeds per foot (31 cm.). Water immediately after planting to speed germination.
What is the 120 rule for kayaking? ›A good rule of thumb to follow is the "120° rule." This means you should wear a wetsuit or dry suit whenever the sum of the air temperature and water temperature is equal to or less than 120°F.
Do kayaks flip easily? ›The short answer is no. Most kayaks—especially those built for new kayakers—are designed with stability in mind, so they're not likely to capsize for no reason. That said, kayaks can flip over if you lose your balance or paddle in very windy conditions.
Should your legs be bent in a kayak? ›Your legs should be bent at the knee and hooked under the thigh braces or cockpit rim of your sit in kayak. For sit on top kayaks the bend in the knee is equally as important and using thigh straps (optional extra's) makes this work much better.
What do you do if your kayak flips over? ›✔️ Position yourself on the side of your kayak directly in the middle. ✔️ Boost your body over the top of your overturned kayak and grab the opposite side/edge with your hands. ✔️ Slowly pull the kayak towards your body and roll (or flip) the kayak right-side up as you slide back into the water.
Do you sit or kneel in a kayak? ›You should kneel inside your kayak when paddling in windy conditions and are looking for more stability. Kneeling also will ensure a safer and more comfortable experience if you are paddling with pets, children or inexperienced paddlers.
Is it better to kayak Pictured Rocks in the morning or afternoon? ›The afternoon is very popular for tours as the sun stands at an angle that highlights the cliffs and makes them especially beautiful. This is the better tour option if you plan to take lots of pictures. That being said, the afternoons usually have more flies which can be annoying.
Can kayaks hit rocks? ›
As soon as your kayak hits the rock or the pillow of water bouncing off the rock, current will pile up on your upstream edge and flip you mercilessly. You'll now find yourself upside down against a rock, in what is a very difficult position to roll.
Can you kayak Pictured Rocks without a guide? ›If you plan to paddle on your own, bring a sea kayak designed for coastal paddling, one 14.5 to 18 feet long. In addition, the park requires that you paddle with a life jacket and whistle or air horn and recommend that you bring a spray skirt, wet or dry suit, paddle float and leash, bilge pump, marine radio and more.
Is it safe to kayak on Lake Huron? ›Kayakers can paddle close to shore the whole route, enjoying open water views and safe access to land. Michigan's Thumb Area is also well suited for kayak camping trips, kayak fishing and surf kayaking, all within an easy drive of southeast Michigan.
Is Turnip Rock private property? ›Please be respectful to nature, to property owners, and to other travelers on Lake Huron. The property surrounding Turnip Rock is privately owned, which is why kayaking is the premier way to access the rock.
Can you take your own boat to Turnip Rock? ›Yes. You can launch at Port Austin Kayak or any of the 3 public launches in town. The best and closest launch to get to Turnip Rock is a t Bird Creek County Park. over a year ago.
What time of day is best to kayak Pictured Rocks? ›On a Sunny Day, the afternoon and evening Sun enhances the color on the rocky cliffs, making the view even more enjoyable, the possible down side is the winds may pick up more as the day goes on making your paddle a little more of a workout. over a year ago. There is a 9am and 3pm tour.
What do you wear to kayak Pictured Rocks? ›Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. You may bring food and beverages aboard. We recommend bringing sunglasses or a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes or sandals. Please keep in mind anything can get wet.
Are there bears at Pictured Rocks? ›While black bear sightings at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are infrequent, they are sighted from time to time throughout the park, usually when crossing a road. Although bears are naturally very wary and avoid people, human-bear contacts have become more frequent when the population increases.
Why do you wax a turnip? ›You can get away with not peeling a turnip if you grow your own, but supermarket rutabagas must be peeled because of their wax-coated skin. Rutabagas are waxed after harvesting to keep them from drying out. With a wax coating, they can be stored for weeks, like other root vegetables.
What is the best knife to cut a turnip? ›The best knife for cutting a turnip is one that is sharp enough and hefty enough to slice through the dense texture. Cutco's Hardy Slicer is our knife of choice for this job because of its sharp, Double-D® edge and weighty blade, which can power through the firm flesh. Roasting turnips is my favorite way to eat them.
How do you cube a turnip? ›
Cooking Tips : How to Cube Turnips - YouTube
Will turnips grow if broadcasted? ›Because of their small size, turnip seed can be shallowly planted and can even be spread into an existing plot with little or no tillage. If broadcast seeded, it is always best to drag and or cultipack after planting to ensure good seed to soil contact and germination.
Can you leave turnips in the ground too long? ›They do rot after one week, so if you lose track of them after putting them in the ground, those Bells will be wasted and your storage efforts will be for nothing. Like we suggested to do inside the house, you may as well design parts of your island around turnips if you plan on keeping a lot of them.
What happens if you leave turnips in the ground too long? ›They also require consistent, even moisture. If you leave your turnips in the ground too long, you leave them open to various risks that could result in cracking, so pull them as soon as they're ready. Harvest time will vary, depending on the variety you're growing, but most cultivars mature in 30 to 60 days.
Should I sell turnips at 140? ›80–100 Bells: Good chance of profit. 100–120 Bells: Low chance of profit. 120-140 Bells: Very low chance of profit.
Is 101 Bells A good turnip price? ›In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the buy price of turnips will always be within the 90-110 Bells range. So it's best to purchase turnips if they are towards the 90-100 Bells buy range as that is objectively a 'good' price, but we recommend buying them no matter the price as 110 is certainly not a bad price either.
Can turnips sell for 1000 bells? ›Animal Crossing: New Horizons partners with Ally Bank to give players an opportunity to sell turnips for a guaranteed 1,000 bells a pop.
Is kayaking safe for beginners? ›Kayaking is a great sport for beginners since once you get the basic skills down, you can get started right away. Of course, if you are kayaking with harsh water or weather conditions, it can be dangerous. But this is not recommended for kayakers with years of experience either.
How do you physically prepare for kayaking? ›Build endurance in shoulder and arm muscles, which will need to be in continuous motion during any stroke sequence. Improve your balance so you have a more stable base that will allow you to go through your paddling motion smoothly and efficiently. Don't forget your cardio.
Is kayaking hard first time? ›Kayaking is not as hard to learn as you might think. You only need a few basic skills to paddle effectively. You need a good guide or instructor to help you learn how to enter and exit a kayak, how to perform the forward stroke and the sweep stroke for turning the boat, and a few lessons on safety.
Do kayaks flip easily? ›
The short answer is no. Most kayaks—especially those built for new kayakers—are designed with stability in mind, so they're not likely to capsize for no reason. That said, kayaks can flip over if you lose your balance or paddle in very windy conditions.
Do you kneel or sit in a kayak? ›You should kneel inside your kayak when paddling in windy conditions and are looking for more stability. Kneeling also will ensure a safer and more comfortable experience if you are paddling with pets, children or inexperienced paddlers.
When should you not kayak? ›Avoid kayaking in bad weather or challenging water conditions unless you have the skills and experience to do it safely. Don't head out alone; it's generally best to paddle in groups of at least three people. Watch your hydration levels, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
How long should you kayak for the first time? ›Trip Length: For your first-time kayaking, plan a trip that is less than three hours. You don't want to exhaust yourself or bite off more than you're ready for. Three hours gives you enough to get a feel for kayaking and decide if you like it. Wind/Water Conditions: If it's really windy, you might opt for another day.
Do you use your legs while kayaking? ›Leg and Hip Muscles
Your lower body muscles are also used quite a bit, whether you are just learning to kayak or going on a kayak tour. Many people don't think that kayaking uses leg and lower body muscles since it initially appears to be an upper-body activity. However, kayaking is also a great lower-body activity.
- Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter and Banana. ...
- Energy Balls. ...
- Trail Mix. ...
- Homemade Beef Jerky. ...
- Salt and Vinegar Roasted Chickpeas. ...
- Pitas. ...
- Backcountry Smorgasbord. ...
- Dehydrated Yogurt.
Most people think of canoeing/kayaking as an upper-body sport, and it predominantly is, but if we don't utilize our legs, we miss out on added power and stability. Many racers have been known to even break their foot braces in a hard sprint.
How should you sit when kayaking? ›While sitting with your back supported by the kayak seat, place the balls of your feet on the foot pegs. Your toes should be pointed outward, and your heels should be angled toward the center of the kayak. Your knees should bend upward and outward, allowing your legs to apply pressure to the thigh braces.
Which is easier sit in or sit on kayak? ›The greatest advantage of a sit-inside kayak is that they have a much lower center of gravity than a sit-on-top design and thus, they have a much higher degree of secondary stability which enables the paddler to lean the kayak on its side for more efficient turning and to remain upright when paddling in rough seas.
Can you get stuck in a kayak if it flips over? ›When a kayak tips over upside down, you can get stuck. It can lead to your body becoming stressed, which can lead to panic, making it more difficult for you to get out of the situation. Check out these steps on how to flip a kayak over to prevent this from happening.
Is it better to transport a kayak upside down or right side up? ›
Rotomolded kayaks can be transported on their edge or upside down (hull up) safely using kayak stackers. However, composite kayaks should always be transported on their bottom using cradles to prevent deformation.
What is the safest type of kayak? ›Sit-on-tops are the most user-friendly. They're very stable, easy to get in and out of and there is no feeling of confinement on them. They're also self-bailing, which means they have small holes (called "scupper holes") that allow the water to drain right through them.