Where to boat, canoe, kayak around Chicago

If you’re looking to get out of the house and into nature consider renting a boat at one of the Cook County Forest Preserves locations. Boating availability is weather dependent so call first before heading out. Personally if you have no experience boating I would go out with someone who knows what they’re doing. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers inexpensive classes (cheaper than drowning) around the area. Search here. I found one free boater safety course through the Army Corps of Engineers in Ottawa 2 hours away.

Where to rent boats, canoes, kayaks in Cook County

Rent a boat at any of these locations. Rates $20-$25 per hour. Monday Discount: $5 off all per-hour rates (except holidays). On your first visit pick up a Paddle card and get it stamped. Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits. You can use the Paddle Card at the following locations:

Regulations: Must be 18 or older with government issued-ID to fill out a rental waiver. No more than three adults per row boat or fishing boat. Minimum age and weight: 3 years, 35 lbs. Dogs welcome at owner’s risk and operator’s discretion. Properly-fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for duration of rental period. No alcohol or glass bottles.

Busse Lake Boating Center

When: Early April through late October. Boats are available for rental from 6 am to 7:30 pm (hours may be restricted in colder months). Call 224-415-6554 to confirm rentals are open.

Where: E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53, (view web map of Busse Lake Boating Center). Near Elk Grove Village. 224-415-6554.

Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Guided tours and lessons may be available during certain times. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Maple Lake Boating Center

When: Early April through late October. Boats are available for rental from 7 am to sunset and Maple Lake Boating Center is closed Tuesdays. Hours may be restricted in colder months. Call ahead to ensure rentals are open. Private boats are prohibited on Maple Lake.

Where: Wolf Rd, south of 95th St, Cook County, IL 60480 (view web map of Maple Lake Boating Center). Near Willow Springs. 708-506-0227

Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Tampier Lake Boating Center

When: Early April through late October. Boats are available for rental from 6 am to 7:30 pm (hours may be restricted in colder months). Call 708-830-5194 ahead to ensure rentals are open.

Where: W 131st St west of S Wolf Rd, Cook County, IL 60467 (view web map of Tampier Lake Boating Center), Near Orland Park. 708-830-5194

Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Tower Road at Skokie Lagoons

When: Canoe and kayak rentals are available through Chicago River Canoe & Kayak. Please call 847-414-5883 or visit chicagoriverpaddle.com to confirm availability.

Where: Skokie Lagoons, Tower Rd, west of Forestway Dr, Cook County, IL 60093 (view web map of Tower Road). Near Winnetka 847-414-5883

Chicago River Canoe & Kayak Website

Lake County, Illinois

Independence Grove Forest Preserve and Marina

When: 6:30 am to one hour before sunset. Before heading out check current status online, call the hotline 847-968-3499, or on Twitter @IndependenceGro.
Where: 16400 West Buckley Road | Libertyville, IL 847-968-3499

Rates: $12-$55 each additional hour $6-$100. Parking $6. Free for Lake County residents.

The marina also sells bait, tackle, fishing licenses, snacks and beverages.

DuPage County

Rent canoes, kayaks and rowboats with cash or credit card at Blackwell and Herrick Lake. Rentals end an hour before closing. Boat rentals start April 1 at Blackwell and May 6 at Herrick Lake only one Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m. until May 28, when rentals start

Blackwell Forest Preserve Silver Lake

When: Weekends April through May from 8 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Last boat rental 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day- Labor Day, also open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Last boat rental 5:30 p.m. Labor Day-end of September, weekends only 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Last boat rental 4:30 p.m.

Where: Blackwell Forest Preserve, Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555
Rate: Rowboat, canoe or kayak: $10 per hour or $50 per day. Boat with trolling motor (Blackwell only): $15 per hour or $75 per day

Herrick Lake Closed due to algae bloom

When: ~~Daily 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. After Labor Day through October 1st, rentals continue Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m.~~

~~Where: Butterfield Road approximately 1 mile west of Naperville Road.~~
~~Rate: Rowboat, canoe or kayak: $10 per hour or $50 per day.~~

Will County

Whalon Lake

When: May 1-September 30

Where: Whalon Lake, corner of Royce Rd. and Lisson, Naperville

Rate: Naperville Kayak $15-$25

Monee Rersevoir

When: May 1-September 30
Where: 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee, IL 60449 (708) 534-8499
Rate: $20 cash deposit. A $20 late fee will be charged if boats are not returned by 5 p.m. in April and September 15-September 30, or 7 p.m. May 1-September 14.

Kane County No locations

Paddling Safety

Personally if you have no experience boating I would go out with someone who knows what they’re doing. The Forest Preserves is a member of the Paddling Safety Task Force. Learn more about the Task Force or review paddling information from other members: