Paddle for the North Branch

Join us on Saturday, September 19th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for a fun and informative kayak tour of the North Branch. This event will happen rain or shine!

During this outing, we’ll learn about advocacy efforts to improve the Chicago River system, see the Chicago Avenue Bridge and Bally's Casino up close, and visit several dynamic local businesses impacted by construction of the Chicago Avenue Bridge project.

The trip is approximately 4.5 miles; we’ll will depart from the docks at Eastbank Club, 500 N. Kingsbury, a popular kayak launch in Lincoln Park. And if you happen to own a kayak, you’re welcome to bring it and join the event.

We’ll begin with a short talk from Wateriders Kayaks.

After boarding our kayaks, we’ll paddle north to Goose Island, stopping along the way to hear from partners about the river's many features and wildlife.

Then we’ll paddle back to East Bank Club.

Following the ride, everyone is invited to an optional walking tour of the area south of Goose Island, where construction of the bridge project has created a challenging business environment for our partner businesses. We will walk and talk for 12 minutes and ride the Blue Line one stop to Chicago. While traveling from Eastbank Club to Jerk. Jamaican Barbeque, we will share about the business's development at this unique junction of the river, and attendees are invited to have lunch on their own.

We’re excited to partner on this outing with Friends of the Chicago River, Urban Rivers, and Wateriders Kayaks.

One and two-person kayaks will be available. We hope you can join us and experience the majesty of the North Branch of the Chicago River with us.

Wateriders Kayaks has generously agreed to take registration for our outing this year and has included a waiver that can be signed electronically. By registering for this event, you agree to our event guidelines, which can be found here.

Please see the website below for further information:

Chicago River Kayak Rentals | Wateriders Chicago Kayak Tours and Rentals