Best Places to Kayak Near Chicago, IL

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

30 nearby26 Lakes4 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Chicago

Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset1

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 1.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 3.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 4.9 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 6.6 mi

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

Jackson Harbor - East Hayes Drive

Illinois · 7.6 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 11.4 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 12.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a sailboat in the water with a city in the background

Calumet Park

Illinois · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Lake Michigan (State Line)

Indiana · 13.1 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 13.1 mi

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

Lake Michigan Fishing Pier (Hammond)

Indiana · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hammond Marina

Indiana · 14.3 mi

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

Wilhala Beach Co. Pk.

Indiana · 15.4 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 15.4 mi

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

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Wolf Lake

Illinois · 15.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whiting Park

Indiana · 15.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Wolf Lake

Indiana · 15.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 16.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a river from the side of a dirt road

Beaubien Woods - 2

Illinois · 16.4 mi

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

Sunset Bay Marina

Illinois · 16.7 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.8 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.8 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 17.1 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Powderhorn Lake

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 17.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Chicago.

Cicero, IL8 miOak Park, IL9 miBerwyn, IL9 miForest Park, IL10 miLincolnwood, IL10 miElmwood Park, IL10 miRiver Forest, IL10 miRiverside, IL11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Chicago include Plank Road Meadow boat launch, Irving Park Road Canoe Landing, Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Chicago?

Near Chicago 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 Chicago?

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