Friends of the Chicago River

In one of my dazed, post-workday rides out of the city, my eyes caught sight of something that for once, seemed more intriguing than people-watching on the “El”. It was an ad by Friends of the Chicago River, an organization that works to restore the health and well being of the Chicago river to foster a lively ecosystem and a usable open space for the people of Chicago.

Forget kayaking on the lake (though I’ve done, it’s waves of fun so don’t miss out) but have you ever heard of kayaking through the city? Well, you certainly can. Sure, it’s no Grand Canyon comparison, but you can get an up-close view of the city’s best from a much different vantage point – down below. I can only imagine the magnitude of the Sears Tower seen from far below on the river. Let’s just hope you don’t flip into the river as you gaze up at the buildings because word on the street is, it isn’t the cleanest water around. But, hey, that’s another thing Friends is working on, as outlined in its 54-page action plan.

If city-kayaking doesn’t entice you, head further up the North Branch of the River and paddle through the Skokie lagoons or past the landmark Baha’i temple.

“Paddling the Chicago River is a magical adventure,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Whether you are downtown where you can see our world-famous city skyline from the water, further north where the variety of wildlife is remarkable, or on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal where the limestone cuts from when the canal was dug more than 100 years are still visible, it is really a worthwhile experience.”

Next time you’re thirsting for the good ole’ outdoors, think about gliding through the Chicago River – heck, lunch is even included. Guided tours average about six hours and range from $25 to $40.

If you’re one to plan ahead, consider the Flatwater Classic, the online canoe/kayak race on the Chicago River. The 7.5-mile race is on Oct. 5, and don’t worry – beginners are welcome too. The “Friendly Float” welcomes newbies as well as recreational paddlers and there’ll be plenty of support from the Coast Guard and Marine Police, Frisbie said.

Chicago River Canoe & Kayak

For other ways to enjoy the Chicago River check out Chicago River Canoe & Kayak that offers canoe and kayak rentals seven days a week now during the summer along with its own set of downtown and North Branch Chicago River tours.

With the cost of gas these days, who wouldn’t opt for an outdoors adventure right in their own backyard? See you on the water.

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Alyssa Urish
Alyssa grew up in southern California and willingly left the palm trees and warm winters for the capricious Chicago weather. She is a senior studying Journalism and Spanish at Northwestern University and no, she still doesn't know what she's going to do after college. She interned last fall at a daily newspaper in Boulder where she really tapped into her love for hiking, biking and farmers markets. Alyssa is currently on track to run her first marathon this October through the magnificent miles of Chicago. More