Best Places to Kayak Near Manhattan, IL

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

30 nearby20 Lakes9 Rivers1 Reservoir
← All paddling in Illinois

Top Picks Near Manhattan

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Columbia woods canoe landing

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner21 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Alsip Boat Ramp

A top-rated lake launch on the lake

LakeBeginner20 mi away
a small white boat in the water

Rock Run Rookery

Illinois · 10.4 mi

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

Monee Reservoir

Illinois · 11.3 mi

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

Lake Chaminwood Perserve

Illinois · 12.0 mi

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

Three Rivers Marina Service

Illinois · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee Conservation Area

Illinois · 13.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Kankakee River State Park

Illinois · 15.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Lake Tampier

Illinois · 15.9 mi

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

Great Lakes Quarry

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

Heidecke Lake

Illinois · 18.6 mi

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

LincoIn Lake boat ramp

Illinois · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Saganashkee Slough boat launch

Illinois · 18.9 mi

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

Worth Boat Launching Ramp

Illinois · 19.5 mi

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

Alsip Boat Ramp

Illinois · 20.0 mi

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

Braidwood Lake south ramp

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Braidwood Lake

Illinois · 20.5 mi

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

Whalon Lake

Illinois · 20.6 mi

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

Ponderosa Lake

Illinois · 21.1 mi

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

Monster Lake

Illinois · 21.3 mi

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

Columbia woods canoe landing

Illinois · 21.3 mi

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

Mazonia #3 - Bass Lake

Illinois · 21.6 mi

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

Mazonia #6 - Goose Lake

Illinois · 21.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Mazonia #7 - Bullhead Lake

Illinois · 21.9 mi

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

Mazonia #8 - Carp Lake

Illinois · 22.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Little Calumet Boat Launch

Illinois · 22.5 mi

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

William G. Stratton State Park

Illinois · 23.6 mi

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

Cobb Boulevard

Illinois · 23.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

East Keyser Street

Illinois · 24.8 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 1

Illinois · 25.2 mi

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

Beaubien Woods - 2

Illinois · 25.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Manhattan.

New Lenox, IL5 miElwood, IL6 miMokena, IL9 miJoliet, IL9 miFrankfort, IL10 miMonee, IL11 miPeotone, IL12 miCrest Hill, IL12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Manhattan include Columbia woods canoe landing, Worth Boat Launching Ramp, Alsip Boat Ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Manhattan?

Near Manhattan 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 Manhattan?

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