vKayaking in Illinois
Guide to Kayaking in Illinois
Read on for guides to planning your own kayaking trip to Illinois, seeking out an outfitted trip, connecting with other Illinois paddlers, and many other resources! Paddle right through the city or check out other paddling highlights on:
- Lake Michigan
- Chicago River
- Wabash River
- The Mississippi River
Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these
- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -
Kayaking Locations in Illinois
If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in Illinois! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!
Plan a Kayaking Trip to Illinois
Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled throughout Illinois and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Illinois community trip reports below:
Have you paddled in Illinois? Post Your Trip and share with the community!
Articles about Illinois Paddling
The Great Lakes: A Little Slice of the Sea
Deep in the heart of North America, surrounded by forest and field, there is an ocean. A vast inland sea containing nearly a quarter of the world's fresh water — enough to flood the lower 48 states to a depth of almost ten feet — the Great Lakes contain upwards of 35,000 islands, and their 10,000 miles of shore rival that of the US ocean coastlines.
Connect with Paddlers in Illinois
Looking to connect with other paddlers in Illinois? Below are a number of resources to help get you started:
- Check out the Paddling.com Message Boards
- Paddle with the Central Illinois Canoe and Paddling Meetup Group
- Paddle with the CHICAGO WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION
Kayak Outfitters in Illinois
Looking to rent a kayak or go on a guided trip? Check out these outfitters in Illinois:
- Kayak Morris - Morris, IL
