Chicago: the Windy City with a scenic waterfront.
Ever imagined gliding on glistening waters with panoramic city views?
The best places to paddle board in Chicago beckon you.
Jump in, and let’s discover Chi-town’s enticing waterways together. Ready to embark?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Chicago
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lake Michigan
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: North Avenue Beach, Montrose Beach, 31st Street Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Various conditions depending on the area and weather; can be choppy and windy
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, ducks and various fish species
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Chicago skyline, Navy Pier
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during severe weather and high winds, follow designated swimming areas
Lake Michigan offers a breathtaking paddleboarding experience with the iconic Chicago skyline in the background.
Multiple beach spots along the lakeshore cater to different skill levels, ranging from the calmer waters of Montrose Beach to the more challenging conditions at North Avenue Beach.
#2 The Chicago River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Chicago Riverwalk (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, cormorants, and various fish species
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Chicago skyline, iconic bridges, and architecture
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect navigation rules
The Chicago River provides a scenic and unique urban paddleboarding experience.
As you navigate the winding waterway, you’ll pass by iconic buildings and historical bridges, offering a captivating perspective of the city’s architecture. Enjoy a leisurely glide while appreciating the stunning city views.
#3 Diversey Harbor
- 🏖️ Location Type: Harbor
- 📍 Access Point: Diversey Harbor Launch Ramps (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, variable wind conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, various fish species
- 🏞️️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Lincoln Park skyline, lakefront views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow harbor regulations
Diversey Harbor offers a more sheltered and laid-back paddleboarding experience along Chicago’s lakefront.
Rich with stunning views of Lincoln Park’s skyline, it’s an ideal location for beginners to hone their skills or for experienced paddlers seeking a calm oasis within the city.
#4 Jackson Park Inner Harbor
- 🏖️ Location Type: Harbor
- 📍 Access Point: Jackson Park Yacht Club (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, variable wind conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, various fish species
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Museum of Science and Industry, Promontory Point
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow harbor regulations
Jackson Park Inner Harbor, located south of downtown Chicago, boasts a peaceful setting ideal for paddleboarding.
With the Museum of Science and Industry and Promontory Point within view, paddlers can enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and natural beauty while exploring the harbor’s calm waters.
#5 Skokie Lagoons
- 🏖️ Location Type: Channel
- 📍 Access Point: Tower Road Boat Launch (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, sheltered from wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, great blue herons, turtles, various fish species
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Forest preserves, serene lagoons
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect nature, follow posted rules
Just north of Chicago, the Skokie Lagoons provide a serene, natural setting for paddleboarding.
With a vast network of channels and lagoons surrounded by lush forest preserves, this unique location offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.
#6 Evanston Beaches
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Dempster Street Beach, Clark Street Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Variable conditions depending on weather, can be choppy and windy
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, ducks, various fish species
- 🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Northwestern University, lakefront views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious during severe weather and high winds, follow designated swimming areas
Located just north of Chicago, Evanston beaches cater to paddleboarders looking for a change of scenery.
With Northwestern University’s sprawling campus nearby and a beautiful lakefront setting, it’s a refreshing alternative to the popular Chicago beaches.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Chicago?
You can paddle board in Lake Michigan, Chicago River, Montrose Beach, and Diversey Harbor in Chicago.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Chicago?
No, there is no need to register paddle boards in Chicago.
When is the best time to paddle board in Chicago?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Chicago is during the summer, from June to August.
