Best Places to Kayak Near Winnetka, IL

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

30 nearby30 Lakes
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Top Picks Near Winnetka

a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background1

Murphy Street

Standout kayak fishing on Bangs Lake

LakeBeginner23 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset2

Park Street

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

LakeBeginner23 mi away
a lake with a purple sky and trees in the background3

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Just 7 miles from Winnetka — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner7 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Skokie Lagoons Watershed

Illinois · 1.3 mi

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

Lloyd Park/Boat Ramp

Illinois · 1.4 mi

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

Church Street Power Boat Ramp

Illinois · 5.7 mi

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

Park Avenue Boating Ramp

Illinois · 6.3 mi

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

Beck Lake

Illinois · 6.6 mi

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

Allison Wood Boat Launch

Illinois · 6.8 mi

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

Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp

Illinois · 7.2 mi

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

Northwestern Woods Canoe Landing

Illinois · 8.1 mi

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

Boat ramp

Illinois · 10.7 mi

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

Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

Illinois · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.6 mi

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

Busse Lake

Illinois · 14.7 mi

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

Maywood Grove Canoe Landing

Illinois · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Diamond Lake

Illinois · 16.3 mi

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

Inependence Grove Boat Ramp

Illinois · 17.6 mi

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

North Bay Pavilion Boat Ramp

Illinois · 17.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Illinois · 18.1 mi

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

Burham Harbor - North

Illinois · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Richard J. Daley Park Boat Launch

Illinois · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat in the water

Sandy Point

Illinois · 19.6 mi

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

a marina

Illinois · 19.8 mi

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

Burham Harbor - South

Illinois · 20.1 mi

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

Plank Road Meadow boat launch

Illinois · 20.2 mi

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

Sunset Beach Park

Illinois · 20.7 mi

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

Pebble Beach Park

Illinois · 21.2 mi

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

Marina Street

Illinois · 22.2 mi

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

Madison Avenue

Illinois · 22.5 mi

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

Murphy Street

Illinois · 22.6 mi

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

Park Street

Illinois · 22.7 mi

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

Washingtion Park Lagoon Boat Dock

Illinois · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Winnetka.

Glencoe, IL2 miKenilworth, IL2 miWilmette, IL2 miTechny, IL3 miGolf, IL4 miGlenview, IL4 miEvanston, IL5 miMorton Grove, IL5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Winnetka include Murphy Street, Park Street, Big Bend Lake Boat Ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Winnetka?

Near Winnetka 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 Winnetka?

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