Chicago River Water Trails

Flowing through one of the most densely populated areas on earth, the Chicago River provides a variety of recreational opportunities—from the quiet beauty of the North Branch to the wide urban canyons of the Main Branch to the historic South Branch.

The Chicago River is a long, diverse waterway that begins in Lake County. It includes the Skokie River, Skokie Lagoons, the West and Middle Forks of the North Branch, the North Shore Channel, the North Branch, the North Branch Canal (the east channel around Goose Island), the Main Branch in the downtown area of the city, the South Branch, the South Fork of the South Branch (Bubbly Creek), and the Sanitary and Ship Canal leading to the National Historic Site of the Chicago portage area around 47th and Harlem, southwest of the city. Its location between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watersheds is one reason why Chicago became the second largest non-coastal city in North America.

Skokie Lagoons—Converted by the Civilian Conservation Corps into a series of hand-dug lagoons in the 1930’s, this large wetland area near Wilmette and Glencoe offers nearly seven miles of waterways, which provide a unique refuge for deer, waterfowl, and non-motorized boating. The Chicago River Water Trail begins at a boat ramp just south of Tower Road.

North Branch—Beginning at the Willow Road Dam that creates the Skokie Lagoons, the Skokie or East Fork of the North Branch flows south and east toward the city. Almost entirely protected by Cook County forest preserves, it provides a safe and quiet opportunity to enjoy nature in an otherwise highly developed suburban and urban area. The existing forest preserves and low banks make it easy to develop a number of low cost launch sites in this stretch.

At River Park on the city’s north side a small dam creates a “waterfall” at the confluence of the North Branch and the North Shore Channel. It also marks the place where the North Branch becomes navigable for power boats. The North Branch becomes a wide, highly engineered river flowing southeast through the neighborhoods of the city toward the downtown area. Several canoe launches will be located along this stretch of the river as the City’s Chicago River Development Plan is put in place.

North Shore Channel—The North Shore Channel is a manmade waterway that extends northward from the River Park “waterfall” just south of Foster Avenue to the Wilmette Locks at Lake Michigan near the Bahai Temple. This straight canal with a slow current and few power boats is ideal for race practice, newer paddlers, and rowing shells. The Skokie Park District plans to create a boat access in a new park on Oakton Street. An old canoe landing at Bridge Street in the Evanston Park District’s Ladd Arboretum could be rehabilitated to provide adequate access to the entire channel.

Main Branch—Some of the tallest buildings in the world line the river in the downtown area. They create canyons of monumental proportions when seen from the water. History, architecture, industry, commerce, civil engineering, and hundreds of thousands of people come together to create an unparalleled paddling experience. The Chicago Park District has plans for a small boat access opposite the mouth of the river at the Chicago Locks. It will be called DuSable Park (after the first non-native settler of this area) and will serve as a link between the Chicago River water trail and the Lake Michigan water trail.

South Branch—The river continues south from the downtown area to near Cermak Road where it turns southwest to its confluence with Bubbly Creek. Here, the site of the terminus of the Illinois and Michigan Canal will be memorialized by the planned “Origins Park.” A canoe launch is included in the plan for this site. From this point downstream, concrete and steel bulkhead walls line much of the riverbank and, along with increased industrial barge and power boat traffic, make this stretch of the river a place for more experienced paddlers.

When paddling the Chicago River, keep in mind that although water quality has improved over the last several decades there are still bacteria and other pollution in these rivers.  Remember to wash your hands before eating or touching anything that will go in your mouth and to keep open wounds clean and dry.

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