Paddling the Chicago River, IL

If you love architecture or exploring beautiful cities by water, paddle boarding the Chicago River is perfect for you. It’s the urban version of the Grand Canyon with skyscrapers rising up on each side of the river.

The best time of year to paddle the Chicago River is in the summer when temperatures are warm enough for early morning paddling. If you have a dry suit, fall and winter are also enjoyable with less traffic on the river. The highlights of this paddle boarding trip include passing by some of the tallest buildings in Chicago, including the Willis Tower along the South Branch of the river. The moveable bridges make for great pictures and don’t miss the trains crossing the Wells and Lake Street Bridges. Each spring and fall, the bridges are lifted on a pre-determined schedule to allow sailboats to pass through and it’s an amazing experience to watch the bridges in action from the water!

Check out the Chicago Riverwalk when you are finished with your paddle trip on the south side of the main branch of the river. You can visit Sweet Home Gelato for a well-deserved treat, enjoy a cold one at the Northman Beer & Cider Garden or have a glass of wine at City Winery. If you want to enjoy river views for dinner, check out Wollensky’s Grill, Chicago Cut, or River Roast on the north side of the main branch.

There are no SUP rentals on the river, so you will need your own board or an inflatable stand up paddle board. I would recommend an inflatable in the city to allow for easier portability.

• Sat nav
  41.8903496, -87.6174487
• Nearest parking
  

  Street parking on N McClurg Ct or the Navy Pier Garages.

• Launch point
  

  Ogden Slip

• Places to eat and drink
  

  Wollensky’s Grill