Where to SUP in Illinois
Illinois provides paddleboarding enthusiasts with unique urban and natural experiences. Paddle through the heart of Chicago on the Chicago River, with its stunning skyline backdrop, or explore the serene waters of Lake Michigan. For a more rustic setting venture to the Fox River. Illinois’ diverse waterways cater to both urban adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Now let's discover where to paddle board in Illinois!
Salt Creek
City
Hinsdale
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Hinsdale
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Salt Creek, flowing through Hinsdale, Illinois, offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Hinsdale provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the creek. Paddleboarders can explore the creek's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Salt Creek's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Skokie Lagoons
City
Winnetka
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Winnetka
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Skokie Lagoons, located in Winnetka, Illinois, offer a unique paddleboarding experience with their clear waters and scenic surroundings. The lagoons provide a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the numerous channels and inlets, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Skokie Lagoons' natural beauty and peaceful environment make them a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Vermilion River
City
Pontiac
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Pontiac
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Vermilion River, flowing through Pontiac, Illinois, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Pontiac provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Vermilion River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Illinois.
Illinois River
City
Peoria
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Peoria
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Illinois River, flowing through Peoria, Illinois, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Peoria provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Illinois River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Illinois.
Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
City
Clinton
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Clinton
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Clinton Lake, located in central Illinois, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Clinton Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Mississippi River
Alton Marina
City
Alton
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Alton
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Mississippi River, flowing along the western border of Illinois, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its vast waters and scenic surroundings. Alton Marina in Alton provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. The Mississippi River's natural beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Springfield
Center Park Beach
City
Springfield
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Springfield
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Springfield, located in central Illinois, offers a serene paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. Center Park Beach provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the picturesque views, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Springfield's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Lake Michigan
North Avenue Beach
City
Chicago
Type
Lake
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Chicago
Type
Lake
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its expansive waters and stunning city skyline. North Avenue Beach in Chicago provides a popular launch point with easy access to the lake. Paddleboarders can explore the lake's calm waters, enjoy the scenic views of the city, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Michigan's natural beauty and urban setting make it a must-visit destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Chicago River
Riverwalk
City
Chicago
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Chicago
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Chicago River, flowing through the heart of downtown Chicago, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its scenic route through the city's core. The Riverwalk is a popular launch point, providing easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can navigate the river's gentle currents, enjoy the stunning cityscape, and even spot local wildlife. The Chicago River's accessibility and urban charm make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding in Illinois.
Fox River
Fabyan Forest Preserve
City
Geneva
Type
River
Best Time
May-September
Fee
Free
City
Geneva
Type
River
When To Go
May-September
Fees
Free
The Fox River, flowing through northern Illinois, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its calm waters and lush surroundings. Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the river. Paddleboarders can explore the river's gentle currents, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Fox River's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.