Grab A Paddle

The Chicago Southland has a large number of bodies of water and waterways that provide recreational opportunities during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Take advantage of the milder weather to hit the water in a rental canoe, pedal boat, rowboat or kayak to get some exercise, fish or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
Palos Heights
LakeKatherine.org

Kayak and canoe rentals are available as the weather allows for $8 per person per hour. Participants
must be 6 years of age or older and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. On your paddling, you may see a number of creatures, including beavers, muskrats, herons and turtles.

Lake Sedgewick
Orland Park
OrlandPark.org

Rent a kayak or pedal boat through the Orland Park District. Kayak operators must be age 12 or older.
Age 8-11 can use a two-person kayak with someone age 16 or older. Cost is $5 per hour per person,
$25 for full day per person with a $10 refundable cash deposit. Pedal boats are $10 per hour per boat with
$20 refundable cash deposit.

Monee Reservoir
Monee Township 
ReconnectWithNature.org

Pedal boats can be rented and have a four-person capacity for $10 per hour with a
$20 cash deposit. Renters must be 18 or older. Rowboats have a four-person maximum capacity and are available for rental for $10 an hour, $30 a half-day and $40 for a full-day. A $20 cash deposit is required and renter must be 18 or older with a valid ID. A late fee of $20 is charges when boats are not returned by 5 p.m.

Tampier Lake
near Orland Park
FPDCC.com

Row boats, single kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes can be rented for $20 per hour. Boats with electric motors are also available for rental with a two-hour minimum at $25 per hour. There is a 10 percent discount for veterans, students and seniors with proper ID.
 

Bring your own:

Have your own canoe, kayak or rowboat? Launch sites are available on the Little Calumet River at:

Beaubien Woods
East 132nd Street, east of South Greenwood Avenue
Chicago

Kickapoo Woods
Halsted Street, south of West 144th Street
Riverdale

Little Calumet Boat Launch
Jackson Street, East of South Ashland Avenue
Cook County (near Riverdale)

for more information, visit FPDCC.com.