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!

Kelpie SUP

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.