Flat Water Paddling in Chicago, IL

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Displaying all 10 results within 100 miles
  1. Starved Rock State Park - Paddling

    One of the most popular destinations in the state, Starved Rock State Park is also a great base of operations to paddle the Illinois and Vermillion rivers.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    80.4 miles
    Duration
    2 to 4 Hours
  2. Chicago River Urban Paddle

    The Chicago River offers one of the most unique urban paddling experiences in the country.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    2.1 miles
    Duration
  3. Des Plaines River

    The Des Plaines River travels 95 miles through four counties in northeastern Illinois with dozens of different route options for Chicago-area paddlers.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    12.4 miles
    Duration
    1 to 8 Hours
  4. Kankakee River State Park - Paddling

    This shallow, clean river in the state park makes for a great paddling trip.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    50.4 miles
    Duration
  5. Salt Creek - Paddling

    Salt Creek, one of the designated official water trails in northeast Illinois, offers several distinct sections for paddling. The final nine miles are almost completely surrounded by forest preserve.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    14.6 miles
    Duration
    5 Hours
  6. Western Branch of the DuPage River

    This small, meandering river can get low in the summer time, but when the water level is high it’s a great way to see DuPage County.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    29.3 miles
    Duration
  7. Blackwell Forest - Paddling

    This forest preserve in DuPage County offers a scenic lake with a large boat ramp and rentals, making it an easy place to canoe or kayak

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    30.1 miles
    Duration
    Varies
  8. Fox River - Paddling

    The Fox River features several paddling options and a scenic ride through a beautiful part of the state.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    34.9 miles
    Duration
    2 to 8 Hours
  9. Skokie Lagoons

    This group of connected lakes, channels and islands is one of the top paddling destinations on the north shore of Chicago.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    17.6 miles
    Duration
    3 Hours
  10. Lake Michigan from Chicago

    One of the biggest lakes in the work is Chicago’s front yard—take advantage of its boating opportunities.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    5.5 miles
    Duration
    2 to 3 Hours
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