Written by Jess Davies /

Chicago, with its world famous skyline, is well known for its attractions and culture. Nestled comfortably beside Lake Michigan, as well as numerous rivers, Chicago offers tons of paddling possibilities.

Here's why paddling Lake Michigan from one of my favorite beaches should definitely be on your standup paddleboarding destination hit list.

Lake Michigan sits just east of the city and is one of the five Great Lakes. Lake Superior is the largest while Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States. Also known as an inland sea, Lake Michigan’s strong waves & currents, great depths, rolling waves and distant horizons would make one think of an ocean than a lake. But having the lake in our backyard gives Chicagoans several advantages, neighborhoods located nearby benefit with cooler temps in summer and slightly warmer days in winter.