Where to kayak in Chicago
Where to kayak in Chicago? Chicago is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. The city has more than 10,000 miles of shoreline, which means there are plenty of spots to go kayaking. If you want to go kayaking with your friends, family, or even solo. Whether you want to paddle in the lake, explore the manmade ponds, or take a tour around the city’s coast, there are many spots to choose from. With so many unforeseen adventures waiting for you, the best place to start is right here by browsing through our list of top 10 kayaking destinations in Chicago.
The Chicago River, IL
The Chicago River is a kayaker’s paradise. It is an excellent kayaking spot for experienced kayakers. The waterways in the downtown area are calm enough to allow for navigation, even during the busiest times of the day. You can take in all the sights that this city has to offer, including the towering buildings and the under-steel drawbridges. These are just some of the many reasons why it is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in North America.
When you’re preparing for an adventure, it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many things to consider; from your food and camping gear to your clothing and footwear. It can be overwhelming when you’re trying to pack light but you still want the equipment that will make your trip enjoyable. That’s why it’s important that you get your gear from reputable service providers and outfitters, and we recommend outfitters such as Urban Kayaks. Also, remember to make the most of every opportunity in order to have a successful trip.
Lake Michigan, IL
Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes that lies entirely within the United States. It’s also home to a number of different states and national parks and has a multitude of beaches and spots where you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. If you’re looking for something to do outdoors or want to experience what Chicago has to offer, Lake Michigan should be your destination. From sandy beaches to historic lighthouses, it offers so much more than just views of the Windy City. You can spend time on Lake Michigan and enjoy yourselves.
The Skokie Lagoons, IL
When it comes to Chicago, the Skokie Lagoons are a hidden gem. It is home to a unique 800-acre wood preserve and artificial lagoons that provide the scenery for spectacular kayaking. Surrounded by marshlands, these lagoons are perfect for bird watching or taking in some sun. You can also go Skokie lagoon fishing, canoeing, or boating on this tranquil water. The Skokie Lagoons are perfect for people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are looking for an invigorating outdoor activity or simply want to get away from the grind of daily life- the Skokie Lagoons have something that will suit your needs.
If you’re a beginner and want to kayak, don’t start by kayaking in Cook County. For one thing, there are a lot of water quality issues in the area. In addition, the number of experienced paddlers is limited. There are also a lot of risks associated with kayaking here. The main reason for this is due to the many concerns associated with water quality issues in Cook County.
Tampier lake
Tampier Lake is a place where you can kayak in the wilderness. Located in Cook County, Tampier sits nestled between suburban houses and the forest preserve. The lake is perfect for beginners because it’s small and still, which means there are no waves to worry about. It also does not take much effort to paddle out onto the water because of its depth, so it’s safe for all levels of kayakers. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, whether you want to soak up some sun or take pictures of the beautiful scenery. For those who are looking for more than just paddling or serenity, Tampier has camping spots with fire pits and grills, as well.
Tampier Lake is home to the various fish species listed below. The variety of fish in this lake is impressive, and it’s an excellent fishing spot for hobbyists. Gizzard Shad Yellow Perch Green Sunfish Pumpkinseed Various Others.
Busse Woods, IL
Busse Woods’ location in Elk Grove Village provides a serene and tranquil environment. The combination of the calm water and the beautiful scenery make for a perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself. Busse Woods is also an excellent place to spend your time kayaking. The over 450 acre–reserve consists of calm water, making it ideal for kayaking novices or even people with families. Kayaks can be rented on-site, or you can bring your own. You can enjoy boat rides with friends or family or paddle solo. No matter what you choose, there’s a type of kayak that will suit your needs.
Nippersink Creek, Richmond, IL
Nippersink Creek is about an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago. It’s suitable for all levels of kayakers. It’s one of the best places to get a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The over 20-mile creek branches off from the Fox River, which runs through Illinois all the way down to the shores of Lake Michigan. There are two major parks along this beautiful waterway: Dyer Woods Forest Preserve and Nippersink Valley Park. Both offer plenty of outdoor activities, making them great destinations for locals and visitors alike.
DuPage River, IL
Kayaking or rafting is a perfect way to experience the DuPage River. It’s one of the few rivers in Illinois that flows north. The DuPage River provides an important habitat for wildlife and plants and has been designated as a National Scenic Byway. Knoch Knolls Park: Nestled in the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Knoch Knolls Park offers scenic hiking trails, play areas, picnic shelters, ball fields, fishing ponds, and more.
Des Plaines River, IL
The Des Plaines River stretches for over 100 miles from Wisconsin to Illinois. There, it meets with the Kankakee River, and its name becomes the Illinois River. So, it’s an extensive area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a day or weekend trip. The Des Plaines River is a popular place for fishing and water sports like kayaking and canoeing. The river is also home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in North America.
Independence Grove, Libertyville, IL
Independence Grove is a beautiful place to kayak. This area has plenty of easy-to-moderate paths and offers a variety of scenic views. Independence Grove is a private, non-profit nature preserve with more than 7 miles of hiking trails. In addition, this location offers kayaking on the North Branch of the Chicago River for free, as well as canoeing on local lakes and streams. Independence Grove is home to many species of wildlife, bird watching opportunities, and is an important bird migration stopover site.
Clark Park Boathouse
The Chicago River was once a thriving part of the city, but as the city’s population densities increased and riverbanks were built up, the river became stagnant. In an effort to revive this natural resource, in 2016 the City of Chicago launched its fourth boathouse on unused land by Wolf Point. Boathouses are considered by some advocates to be one of the best ways to revitalize urban waterways.
Clark Park is a great place to kayak. It’s the perfect spot for beginners and experts alike. And its trees along the river banks offer a beautiful background for you to enjoy your trip.