Things to do / Travel Guide
The sparkling waters that hug the shores of Chicago and southern Wisconsin have provided for paddlers for hundreds of years, starting with Native Americans migrating to new land. Modern-day paddlers can experience similar adventures in Lake Michigan, along the Chicago River, or upon Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.
Chicago
Lake Michigan, better known for carrying large vessels and shipping containers, is not an easy feat for paddlers of any kind. While the water is generally calm, boat traffic and currents can make this path more challenging. Renting kayaks and canoes on Lake Michigan is generally pretty easy since most of the beaches offer boat rentals, and they are moderately priced.
Nevertheless, for those up to the challenge, paddling the Chicago area is worth it for views of the amazing skyline; you can pass right by the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, the Sears Tower, and Lincoln Park. Paddling Lake Michigan sets you apart from the big city looking towards it. The fresh-smelling water and cool breezes come with the territory.
Better suited for kayaking than canoeing, the Leone Beach area as it meanders towards Montrose Harbor is a challenging course on Lake Michigan. Approximately four miles long, this route is best to paddle in the summer when the water temperature is at its warmest.
Paddling on the Chicago River gives you visual access to some of Chicago's most peaceful residential neighborhoods and parks. Right behind Lane Tech High School in the northwest section of Chicago, bordering Wrigleyville, you'll find easy access to the east bank of the Chicago River. Travel along the quiet river to feel alone with nature or to get a good cardio workout. Paddling equipment is available all along the Chicago River.
Southern Wisconsin
South Shore Park and Marina, off Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, offers one of the easiest lake access points. From here, you can choose to go beyond the break wall into Lake Michigan or paddle north into the Milwaukee Harbor. While the break wall offers some protection for paddlers, winds coming from all sides have been known to make for choppy waters. Traveling north or south for about three miles is the norm for paddlers, since the beach scenery can become repetitive, but you're better off going during mid-morning hours to avoid heavy traffic towards downtown.
If you chose to paddle around the Milwaukee Harbor, you can either stay alongside the break wall at the McKinley Marina, or you can exit at the north gap into Lake Michigan. As you travel through Milwaukee Harbor, you'll pass many of Milwaukee's famous buildings like the Milwaukee Art Museum and Villa Terrace.
Lincoln Park in northern Milwaukee gives paddlers a unique experience to explore the channels and wooded inlands surrounding the Milwaukee River. From Lincoln Park you can paddle up the Milwaukee River through Glendale, just north of Milwaukee.
The Yahara River connects the four lakes near Madison - Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Waubesa, and Lake Kegonsa - before joining up with Rock River. Lakes Monona and Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin are perfect for leisurely paddling and bird watching. Canadian geese have been known to migrate to Lake Mendota on University Bay. When you paddle through the Yahara River, which connects Lake Mendota to Lake Monona, you will reach the relatively untouched habitat of Lake Monona, where deer and owls live. This lake is the better choice for feeling alone with nature because of its beautifully-wooded surrounding area.
Farther south, you can kayak the length of the Yahara, plus the Rock, with a few portages over dams and fallen trees. Kayak your way through wetlands and shallow lakes, and rich and picturesque farmland. The Yahara flows into the Rock, which eventually makes its way to the Mississippi, after passing through northern Illinois and meeting many cities and towns of middle-America.
Paddling Lake Geneva is great for beginners because of the relatively smooth water surface. With the resort-town feel, it feels like you're on vacation as you gaze at the beautiful homes sitting along the shoreline. Be cautious, though, as boat traffic is heavy during the summer months.
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