Best Places to Kayak Near Arlington, IL

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Arlington, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Rivers12 Lakes3 Canals
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Arlington

a grassy field next to a lake with trees1

Hennepin Canal

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

CanalBeginner30 mi away
a body of water with trees around it2

Hennepin Canal

A top-rated canal launch on the canal

CanalBeginner21 mi away
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline3

Hennepin Canal

A top-rated canal launch on the canal

CanalBeginner29 mi away
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Barto Boat Ramp

Illinois · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Lake Mendota

Illinois · 9.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Lake Kakusha

Illinois · 9.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Starved Rock State Park

Illinois · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

South Front Street

Illinois · 14.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Starved Rock Marina

Illinois · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hennepin Hopper

Illinois · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a green kayak in a body of water

Unnamed

Illinois · 17.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Allen Park

Illinois · 20.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 21.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Fox River Park

Illinois · 21.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Route 6

Illinois · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Heritage Harbor Marina

Illinois · 23.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Henry Harbor Marina

Illinois · 24.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Boss Lake

Illinois · 27.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Osprey Lake

Illinois · 27.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 28.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Shabbona Lake

Illinois · 28.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Illini State Park - Mallard Bay

Illinois · 28.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

Snug Harbor Marina

Illinois · 28.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 29.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a grassy field next to a lake with trees

Hennepin Canal

Illinois · 29.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lacon Marina

Illinois · 30.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Oppold Marina

Illinois · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Spring Brook Marina

Illinois · 32.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hennepin Canal Bridge 45 - boat ramp

Illinois · 32.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lasalle Cooling Lake

Illinois · 32.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Jim Arduini Boat Launch

Illinois · 33.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a wide heartland river at sunset with flat green banks

LST Memorial

Illinois · 33.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Lake Sule

Illinois · 33.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Arlington.

Cherry, IL1 miLadd, IL4 miDalzell, IL5 miSeatonville, IL6 miTroy Grove, IL7 miMalden, IL8 miLa Moille, IL8 miSpring Valley, IL8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Arlington, IL?

Top picks near Arlington include Hennepin Canal, Hennepin Canal, Hennepin Canal. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, canals.

What types of paddling can I do near Arlington?

Near Arlington you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Arlington?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Arlington are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.