Meet up with the IPC @ Canoecopia 2026 in Madison, WI
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Alliant Enegry Center, Madison, 1919 Alliant Enegry Way, Madison, WI, United States
Join us in Madison at Canoecopia, the world’s largest Paddle Sports Tradeshow.
Our booth is located in the main hallway next to the Exhibit Hall entrance. Come visit with us, try out our dam simulator and talk with us about Illinois paddling resources.
This year, four of our Board members, Christine Chabot, James Tracy, Anthea Halpryn and Scott Hays are presenting “From Towering Skyscrapers to Cypress Swamps: Paddling Illinois Rivers”, a paddler’s overview of several Illinois rivers. Presentations are Friday at 4:30 and again Saturday at 1:30.
Tickets are required and can be purchased at the Canoecopia website.

Des Plaines Marathon
2026-05-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MI
2026: Sixty-Nine Years Paddling the Des Plaines River
Race day is May, 17, 2026

Registration and all other information at: canoemarathon.com
The beautiful course runs 18.5 miles on the upper Des Plaines River in northern Illinois. The race begins in Libertyville, IL and ends in Cook County, IL (near Mount Prospect).
Added in 2014, the 5.25 mile Minithon ends at the same finish line as the longstanding 18.5 mile Marathon. The Minithon begins at Potawatamie Woods and ends in Cook County, IL (near Mount Prospect).
We wish you abundant enjoyment and success with your preparation and participation.

The race is …(almost always) the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend.

Gathering of the Paddlers 2026: The IPC Annual Dinner
2026-11-14 17:00 - 21:00 | The Office, 201 E Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, United States
Gathering of the Paddlers 2026: The IPC Annual Dinner
Saturday, November 14, 5-9pm

The Office Dining and Spirits, a “gastropub” in beautiful downtown St. Charles, Illinois
With Special Guest:
Jenny Kempf, Folk Paddler and Scientist

Dinner Presentation:
“River Trippin'”
Paddling and camping the full length of Illinois’ Fox River National Water Trail
Join us for networking with fellow paddlers from around the state, updates from the IPC
including efforts to change Illinois’ River Access law and to promote paddling statewide and other updates and information.
Good food and fellowship for all Illinois paddlers!
Not a member and want to pay the Member Price or need to renew your Annual Membership? Join the IPC now for $25/year. Sign up HERE
Member price: $40 Nonmember Price: $50
