FAQs and Rental Information
Can I get hard copies of water trail maps?
Openlands does not have hard copy maps. You can use the interactive mapping function to create a custom map on screen and then print it.
How can I report a problem on a water trail?
To report a problem on a water trail in Illinois, please visit Illinois Paddling Council.
Illinois Water TrailKeepers will then attempt to work with local authorities to resolve it.
Where can I rent a boat for a paddling trip?
Openlands is not an outfitter, so we do not rent any equipment.
Linked below are outfitters that rent canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and equipment, as well as organizations that offer guided trips on many Northeastern Illinois Water Trails. Please note this is not a comprehensive list of local outfitters. If there is a local outfitter or guide you’ve rented from, let us know in the comments below!
Water Trail |
Local Outfitter(s) |
|---|---|
| Calumet Area | REI (Saganashgkee Slough Boathouse)
Hammond Port Authority, Hammond, IN |
| Chicago River and Skokie Lagoons | Kayak Chicago
Chicago Paddle Company (Stand Up Paddling) |
| Des Plaines River | Lake County Forest Preserves |
| DuPage River | Naperville Kayak |
| Fox River | Fox River Canoe & Kayak
Rocktown Adventures, Aurora, IL and Rockford, IL Kayak Myak Rentals, Elgin, IL |
| Kankakee River | Reed’s Canoe Trips, Kankakee, IL |
| Kishwaukee River | Kishwaukee Canoe
Larsen’s Landing Outfitters, Rockford, IL |
| Lake Michigan | Kayak Chicago
Chicago Paddle Company (Stand Up Paddling) Northwest Passage, Wilmette, IL |
| Nippersink Creek | Scull and Oars, Wonder Lake, IL
TipACanoe, Burlington, WI |
| Salt Creek and Busse Woods | Chicago River Canoe & Kayak |
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