Kankakee River National Water Trail

By Mary Susebach

The Kankakee River National Water Trail provides 133 miles of paddling on a historic river flowing through several county parks. Formerly known as the Everglades of the North—before the river was dredged and straightened in the early 1900s—the Kankakee was once a vital link between French Canada and the Mississippi River.

The Kankakee River offers a choice of paddling environments along its 133 miles. In Illinois, try these two:

Ancient Wetland – State Line to Momence: At the Illinois state line, the river reverts to a natural meandering course through some of the best wetland habitat in the Prairie State.

Grand Waterway – Momence to the Illinois River: A boater’s and paddler’s playground through urban and suburban areas, with a long run through Kankakee State Park before meeting the Illinois River.Check out Reeds Canoe Trips at https://www.reedscanoetrips.com/trips  or Potawatomi Paddlers at https://www.kankakeeriverppa.org/daytrips/ for more information on rentals and day trips on the Kankakee River.