Fort Wilkins State Park

With only 14 trailer spots and a single lane, you'd think it'd be tight — but this lake is wildly underused. Even on summer weekends, I've never waited to launch here. Most visitors are kayakers and SUP boarders, so trailer traffic is minimal.

Sunfish and bass stack up under the dock and along the shoreline. Don't expect trophy smallmouth — this is a 227-acre lake that fishes small. Bring light tackle and enjoy it for what it is. Chub are everywhere if you're fishing bait on the bottom.

You're launching inside Fort Wilkins State Park, so you need a Recreation Passport on your plate or you'll pay the day-use fee at the gate. Worth knowing if you're just doing a quick afternoon trip — the fee can feel steep for a couple hours on the water.

If you're anywhere near Copper Harbor around sunset, get down to this launch. The lake sits in a bowl with the historic fort buildings along the shore and ridgeline behind it. Around 5:30 on a clear evening, it's one of the prettiest spots in the Keweenaw.

This is a two-mile-long inland lake — leave the big rig at home. Perfect for 14-footers, kayaks, and canoes. The connection to Lake Superior via Garden Brook is only 800 feet north, but it's not navigable by motorboat. Think of Fanny Hooe as its own quiet world, separate from the big water.