Annual Illinois River Cleanup

Illinois River Various - see map, IL

Mark your calendars for Earth Day with cleanup sites on land or on water across our entire watershed. Please register online. Cleanup site locations are below with a map link for each site. Pick the section that you care about! Join us at the IRWP lake pavilion in Cave Springs between 12:30 and 2:30 pm…

Current Buster – Fox River, St Charles, IL

Race for  both kayaks and Canoes Short race and long race: both go upstream and return 50th Anniversary of the race this year! There is a class for whatever you are paddling Hosted by The St. Charles Canoe Club

$20

DuPage River Sweep

West Chicago - Warrenville West Chicago, IL

Join us for this annual clean-up sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage and the Conservation Foundation, among others. We'll pick up trash along the West Branch from Winfield to Warrenville or sites to be named later. Morning paddle only. Bring PFD (must wear on river). Car shift: 8:30. Launch: 9:00. 

Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race

Prisco Community Center 115 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, IL

Join us on Saturday, June 1 to experience the excitement of paddling the scenic Fox River! Paddlers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in this long-standing tradition that dates back to the 1960's. When you reach the finish line at Prisco Community Center there will be a post-race party and awards ceremony…

Without Limits: Adventure for All

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch IL, United States

Enjoy climbing and kayaking in this program specially designed for individuals with a primary physical disability or visual impairment. Registration Required:Call Central/Southwest Zone at 312-533-5751  

Teen Exploration Day: River Kayaking 101

W Cermak Rd, west of Des Plaines Ave Cook County, IL 6054 IL, United States

Learn how to kayak on moving water. Class includes a 3-mile trip down the Des Plaines River. Instruction, equipment, kayaks and shuttle provided. Ages 13 & up. Registration Required:Call Central/Southwest Zone at 312-533-5751    

Juneteenth Paddling

Little Calumet Boat Launch Jackson St, east of S Ashland Ave, Cook County, IL, United States

Experience the African American Heritage Water Trail. Near Riverdale. Registration Required:Call South Zone at 312-415-2970  

Morning Solstice Paddle

Busse Lake Boating Center E Higgins Rd/Rte 72, east of I-290/Hwy 53

Celebrate the summer solstice by paddling Busse South Pool. Ages 5 & up. Registration Required:Call North/Northwest Zone at 773-758-8899

Friends of the Forest Preserves: Paddling at Kickapoo

Halsted St, south of W 144th St Halsted St, south of W 144th St, Riverdale, IL, United States

Enjoy an afternoon out paddling. Registration Required:Email Jessica Becker at jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-415-2970

Firecracker Race – Mississippi River

We are moving the Firecracker Race date back to where it all started, close to Independence Day. The Firecracker Race will again be held on the Mississippi River on Saturday July 6, 2024. Just as last year, paddlers will race on a 15 mile downriver course from Grafton access to the Alton riverfront (see map…

$15