Chicago is lucky enough to be home to not one, but two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Both of these iconic bodies of water are prime locations for architecture tours, leisure boats, water taxis, and, of course, kayakers.
Kayaking in Chicago offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience, blending the majestic beauty of nature with the grandeur of the urban environment. If you’re looking to kayak on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or both, we’ve got all the information you need to get out and enjoy an unforgettable day on the water.
Kayaking on the Chicago River
The Chicago River, running through the heart of the city, has been an essential part of Chicago’s history since its early days. For generations, the river’s three branches have served as a destination for leisure, transportation, and commerce.
Today, the Chicago River is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The downtown river branch is home to the Chicago Riverwalk, a bustling pedestrian walkway lined with seasonal shops, cafes, wine bars, public art, and more.
Kayaking on the Chicago River’s main branch offers a unique vantage point of some of the world’s most famous landmarks and skyscrapers, including the Marina Towers, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Merchandise Mart, and more.
You can also paddle along the river’s north and south branches. The north branch will take you past Goose Island, the floating eco park known as the Wild Mile, and quieter waters flanked by local parks. The south branch stretches to the city’s historic Chinatown, home to the stunning Ping Tom Park and unique skyline views.
Keep in mind that kayakers will need to share the waters with boat tours, barges, other kayakers, and more. Before you head out, check out these guidelines and safety tips for navigating the Chicago River water trail.
Kayak rentals and tours on the Chicago River
Urban Kayaks offers both kayak tours and rentals, with a convenient location right on the Chicago Riverwalk that makes it easy to hop on the water and get paddling.
- Kayak rentals: Recreational sit-in kayaks, single and tandem available. One hour minimum rental.
- Kayak tours: Guided tours include historic Chicago tour, sunset kayak tour, fireworks tours, twilight paddles, and more.
Kayaking on Lake Michigan
The view of Chicago’s skyline is spectacular from any angle, but there’s something special about seeing it from Lake Michigan. As the fifth largest lake in the world, Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes system that contains about 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply.
On the lake, kayakers will be able to spot many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings and attractions, including the former John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower, Navy Pier and the Centennial Wheel, Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and much more.
But there’s so much more to Lake Michigan than skyscrapers. Paddlers can enjoy views of Chicago’s many lush waterfront parks, the Lakefront Trail, sandy beaches, and the awe-inspiring view of the lake’s waters stretching toward the horizon.
For serious kayakers, Lake Michigan is home to a 75-mile water trail that stretches from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. This trail for small non-motorized watercraft is designated as a National Recreational Water Trail by the National Park Service.
Those with their own kayaks can enter the water at Hollywood Beach, Montrose Beach, Diversey Harbor, North Avenue Beach, 12th Street Beach, 31st Street Beach, 57th Street Beach, Jackson Park Inner Harbor, and Rainbow Beach. Check out these kayak safety tips for Lake Michigan before you head out.
Kayak rentals and tours on Lake Michigan
Situated at Monroe Harbor near Millennium Park in the heart of downtown, Urban Kayaks offers kayak tours, rentals, and paddleboarding lessons on Lake Michigan.
- Kayak rentals: Recreational sit-in kayaks, single and tandem available. Paddleboards are also available. One hour minimum rental.
- Kayak tours: Guided tours include a guided paddle at sunset and an introduction to paddleboarding course.
Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago also offers kayak rental options along the lakefront from their headquarters at Ohio Street Beach, close to Navy Pier in the Streeterville neighborhood.
- Kayak rentals: Single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards available for one or two hour rentals.
