Rent a boat, launch your own or join a paddling event on one of the Forest Preserves lakes or rivers.
On this page:
- Lake Boat Launches
- River Canoe Landings & Boat Launches
- Accessible Canoe Landings & Boat Launches
- Boat Rentals
- Boating Regulations
- Paddling Events
- Paddling Safety
- Greater Maywood Paddling Program
- Model Boating
Lake Boat Launches
Please review the types of boats allowed at each launch and read our boating regulations before launching. Gasoline-powered boats are prohibited on all lakes.
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
Busse Lake Boating Center features two trailered boat launches for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors. It also features an accessible canoe landing. Boat rentals available.
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
An accessible trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
The boat launch closes from roughly October to April each year to accommodate migrating waterfowl. Check if the closure is active.
Tampier Lake Boating Center features a trailered boat launch for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric trolling motors. Boat rentals available.
An accessible trailered boat launch provides access to Skokie Lagoons for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
River Canoe Landings & Boat Launches
Please note the type of launch (trailered boat launch or carry-in canoe landing) at each location and read our boating regulations before launching. Learn more about all Water Trails in Northeastern Illinois at paddleillinoiswatertrails.org.
Des Plaines River
Carry-in canoe landing.
Carry-in canoe landing.
Carry-in canoe landing.
Carry-in canoe landing.
Carry-in canoe landing. Home of the Greater Maywood Paddling Program.
Carry-in canoe landing.
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with trolling motors.
Carry-in canoe landing.
Little Calumet River
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with trolling motors.
Carry-in canoe landing.
A trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with trolling motors.
North Branch of the Chicago River
Carry-in canoe landing.
Salt Creek
Carry-in canoe landing.
Carry-in canoe landing.
Accessible Canoe Landings & Boat Launches
Accessible Canoe Landings
Accessible canoe landings include accessible parking and a paved path to the landing. The surface of the landing is stable, firm and slip resistant. Canoes and kayaks are allowed at canoe landings.
Busse Lake Boating Center features two trailered boat launches for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors. It also features an accessible canoe landing. Boat rentals available.
*Kayak rental with accessible landing available for registered campers only.
Accessible Boat Launches
Accessible boat launches include accessible parking and a paved path to the launch. The surface of the launch is paved. The types of boats allowed at each launch vary.
An accessible trailered boat launch provides access to Skokie Lagoons for canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
An accessible trailered boat launch provides access for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric trolling motors.
The boat launch closes from roughly October to April each year to accommodate migrating waterfowl. Check if the closure is active.
Boat Rentals
Rent a boat at any of these locations:
- Busse Lake Boating Center
- Maple Lake Boating Center
- Tampier Lake Boating Center
- Tower Road at Skokie Lagoons
Regulations: Must be 18 or older with a government-issued ID to fill out a rental waiver. No more than three adults per row boat or fishing boat. Minimum age and weight: 3 years, 35 lbs. Dogs are welcome at the owner’s risk and the operator’s discretion. A properly fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for the duration of the rental period. No alcohol or glass bottles.
Busse Lake Boating Center
Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 224-415-6554 to confirm availability before visiting.
| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Row Boat (Includes Oars) | $30/hr |
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/hr |
| Fishing Boat with Battery & Trolling Motor (2 hr minimum) | $30/hr |
| Paddle Boat | $25/hr |
Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).
Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Guided tours and lessons may be available during certain times. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Maple Lake Boating Center
Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 708-506-0227 to confirm availability before visiting. Private boats are prohibited on Maple Lake.
| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Row Boat (Includes Oars) | $30/hr |
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/hr |
Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).
Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Tampier Lake Boating Center
Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 708-830-5194 to confirm availability before visiting.
| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Row Boat (Includes Oars) | $30/hr |
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/hr |
| Fishing Boat with Battery & Trolling Motor (2 hr minimum) | $30/hr |
Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).
Refreshments & fishing supplies: Food, beverages and fishing supplies (licenses, bait and equipment) may be available for purchase. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Tower Road at Skokie Lagoons
Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 847-414-5883 to confirm availability before visiting.
| Watercraft | Rate |
|---|---|
| Single Kayak | $25/hr |
| Tandem Kayak | $35/hr |
| Canoe | $30/hr |
Discounts: Monday Discount: Reduced per-hour rates (except holidays). Paddle Card: Fifth visit FREE after four paid visits (restrictions apply).
Boating Regulations
In Illinois, all boats and watercraft with a motor or sail must be registered and titled with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and must display their registration. Watercraft owners outside of Illinois are required to comply with the relevant guidelines in the owner’s state of residence. Personal flotation devices, as mandated by federal law, are required for all watercraft.
Permitted at Some Waterbodies*
- Canoes and Kayaks
- Non-fuel powered watercraft
- Watercraft with traditional construction
- Multi-chambered inflatables with a factory-installed floor and hull identification number
- Please note: Any gasoline, propane or other fuel-powered motors must be removed from the watercraft, even if not in use
- Radio-controlled boats
- Floatplanes
- Rowboats
- Sailboats
*see specific restrictions at each boating location.
Prohibited at All Waterbodies
- Any fuel-powered watercraft (including gasoline, propane, etc.)
- Flotation devices, including:
- inner-tubes
- fly-fishing float-tubes or pontoons
- sail-surf boards
- stand up paddle boards (SUP)
- towables
- inflatable pool toys, lounges or rafts.
Paddling Events
Paddling Safety
The Forest Preserves is a member of the Paddling Safety Task Force. Learn more about the Task Force or review paddling information from other members:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- McHenry County Conservation District
- National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
- National Park Service, National Water Trail System
Top 10 Safety List
- Take an on-water course for safety & paddling.
- Wear your properly fitted lifejacket at all times on the water.
- Understand cold water safety.
- Check high water conditions prior to launching.
- Check weather conditions and plan accordingly.
- Bring water and snacks for long days on the water.
- Have a first aid kit and cell phone in a dry bag.
- Leave your itinerary with someone and estimated time off the water.
- Have a safety checklist.
- Know your limits.
Greater Maywood Paddling Program
Located at Maywood Grove, the Greater Maywood Paddling Program provides opportunities for organized groups within the Maywood community to connect to nature and water through kayaking experiences.
Group leaders are trained on kayaking, use and care of kayaking gear and how to lead groups on kayaking trips. Once certified, trained leaders will have access to the Kayak Gear Library, which has all the supplies needed for an organized group paddling trip.
To learn more about the program or to become a paddling group leader, email experience.kayaking@cookcountyil.gov.
Model Boating
Designated model boating areas are available for any and all individuals and/or organizations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Model boating events with more than 25 people (participants and/or spectators) must obtain a permit by contacting our Permits Department at fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or 800-870-3666.
*Model boats are permitted on the east lake only.