Best Places to Kayak Near Downers Grove, IL

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

30 nearby25 Lakes5 Rivers
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Downers Grove

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner8 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

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

LakeBeginner9 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

North Spring Lake

Just 12 miles from Downers Grove — the closest quality launch

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 7.5 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 8.2 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 8.5 mi

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

Silver Lake

Illinois · 8.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 9.3 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 9.4 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.0 mi

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

North Spring Lake

Illinois · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 12.1 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 13.2 mi

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

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 13.8 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 15.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 15.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people in kayaks on a river between buildings

Illinois Avenue Island Park

Illinois · 15.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Laurelwood Park

Illinois · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Geneva Boat Launch

Illinois · 16.1 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 17.0 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 17.5 mi

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

a marina

Illinois · 17.9 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

Jon. J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Illinois · 18.7 mi

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

Jericho Lake

Illinois · 19.5 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 19.9 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 20.7 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 21.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 21.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Downers Grove.

Westmont, IL3 miClarendon Hills, IL3 miOak Brook, IL4 miHinsdale, IL4 miLisle, IL4 miWoodridge, IL4 miDarien, IL4 miLombard, IL5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Downers Grove, IL?

Top picks near Downers Grove include Columbia woods canoe landing, Plank Road Meadow boat launch, North Spring Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Downers Grove?

Near Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove?

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