Best Places to Paddle Board in Illinois
Illinois offers surprisingly diverse paddle boarding, from urban river routes in Chicago to scenic state parks, quiet creeks, and Lake Michigan’s open water.
Introduction
Illinois may not be the first state that comes to mind for stand up paddle boarding, but the Prairie State quietly delivers one of the most diverse SUP experiences in the Midwest. From iconic skyline paddles in downtown Chicago to peaceful rivers, glacial lakes, and sandstone canyon views, Illinois offers paddle boarding for every skill level and discipline.
Whether you plan to bring your inflatable paddle board or rent a hard board locally, these are the best places to paddle board in Illinois.
Paddle Boarding the Chicago River
The Chicago River delivers one of the most unique urban paddle boarding experiences in the country. The river’s three branches each offer a different vibe:
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North Branch: More natural scenery and calmer stretches
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Main Branch: Iconic architecture and downtown skyline paddling
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South Branch: Industrial history and barge traffic
Launching from Ping Tom Memorial Park provides a classic downtown route, including a roughly four-mile paddle toward the Lake Michigan locks. While boat speeds are limited, traffic volume can be high, making this best suited for confident intermediate to advanced paddlers.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan turns Chicago into a freshwater beach town. With nearly 30 beaches in the metro area, paddlers can choose calm harbors or venture into open water on mellow days.
Diversey Harbor and Lincoln Park Lagoon are ideal for beginners and families. The protected waters offer skyline views with minimal chop. Touring paddle boards with displacement hulls perform exceptionally well here, especially for longer lagoon laps.
SUP Surfing on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan produces rideable waves from late summer through early winter, particularly after strong wind events. North Avenue Beach is the most popular surf zone, welcoming SUP surfers of all experience levels.
Hard paddle boards with planing hulls and multi-fin setups perform best in these conditions. Shorter boards offer better maneuverability, while longer boards provide stability and easier wave entry.
Inflatable Paddle Boarding on the Galena River
The Galena River is perfect for multi-day inflatable SUP adventures. Flowing through rolling hills, farmland, and historic towns, the river combines gentle riffles with long flatwater stretches.
A highlight of this route is the abandoned railroad tunnel, which paddlers can explore on foot. Galena itself is worth stopping for, making this an ideal paddle-and-explore itinerary.
Paddle Boarding Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ most iconic natural areas, and exploring it by paddle board offers a completely different perspective. Sandstone bluffs, seasonal waterfalls, and abundant birdlife define this stretch of the Illinois River.
Long-distance paddlers can start near Ottawa and enjoy a round-trip paddle exceeding 15 miles, making this a top destination for touring boards and endurance paddlers.
Paddle Boarding Salt Creek
Salt Creek offers winding, wildlife-rich paddling through forest preserves and open wetlands. The route features calm sections punctuated by shallow riffles, making higher-volume boards ideal.
This creek is also one of the better SUP fishing locations in northeastern Illinois, with bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye present. Anglers age 16 and over must carry a valid Illinois fishing license.
SUP Yoga on Bangs Lake
Bangs Lake provides calm, scenic water ideal for SUP yoga and relaxed cruising. This glacial lake features over six miles of shoreline and minimal boat traffic.
Even if yoga isn’t on your agenda, Bangs Lake is an excellent spot for long, peaceful paddles and sunset sessions.
3 Key Takeaways
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Illinois paddle boarding ranges from calm glacial lakes to big-water Lake Michigan and urban river routes.
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Both inflatable and hard paddle boards work well depending on location, distance, and water traffic.
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The state offers excellent options for SUP touring, fishing, yoga, and even freshwater wave riding.
Final Thoughts
Illinois delivers far more paddle boarding variety than most paddlers expect. From skyline paddles and freshwater surf to sandstone cliffs, wildlife-filled creeks, and quiet glacial lakes, the state offers something for every SUP style.
Whether you’re touring, fishing, practicing yoga, or just cruising, Illinois is well worth adding to your paddle boarding map.
