The 2 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences in Illinois
Illinois offers some surprisingly diverse options for paddling adventures. Known for its state parks and waterways, Illinois has become a top destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed trip surrounded by towering cliffs or a wildlife-filled backwater escape, you’ll find options that suit different interests and skill levels. Unlike many destinations, Illinois combines natural beauty with easy access, making it ideal for a day trip or a half-day paddling outing.
One of the best parts? These experiences are designed to be family friendly, dog friendly, and suitable for beginners or those looking to refine their skills. Plus, if you enjoy close-up wildlife encounters and scenic vistas, Illinois’s waterways won’t disappoint. For a variety of options, check out Starved Rock State Park: Guided Kayaking Tour for a peaceful paddle among sandstone cliffs, or explore the wild side with a Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, which offers a more remote and natural experience.
Quick Overview
This list highlights two standout canoe and kayak tours in Illinois. The first, Starved Rock State Park: Guided Kayaking Tour, brings paddlers close to dramatic cliffs and abundant birdlife in a family-friendly setting. The second, Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, offers a wild, untouched backwater experience, perfect for nature lovers wanting to see waterfowl and turtles in their natural habitat. Read on for detailed insights into these unique paddling adventures.
1. Starved Rock State Park: Guided Kayaking Tour
At number 1, this guided kayaking tour at Starved Rock State Park combines easy paddling with stunning scenery. The tour lasts about 2 hours and takes you through waters lined with towering St. Peters Sandstone cliffs, providing a striking backdrop for your trip. As you glide along, you’ll have the chance to spot bald eagles, white pelicans, turtles, egrets, and herons—an ornithologist’s dream.
The tour is designed to be beginner friendly and calm enough for kids and dogs, which broadens its appeal. Its emphasis on family and scout groups makes it a perfect outing for those traveling with children or seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. The guides, such as Ricky and Rich, are praised for their informative commentary and humor, making the trip both educational and fun. The tour’s price of $74 per person offers good value, considering the quality of the scenery and wildlife sightings.
Since the tour visits a popular state park, availability can vary, so early booking is recommended. The gentle waters and friendly atmosphere make this a great choice if you’re new to kayaking or want a peaceful escape into nature. Expect breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs from a vantage point that few other spots can offer.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for families, first-timers, and wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate scenic cliffs and birdwatching without strenuous paddling. The two-hour length strikes a good balance of adventure and relaxation.
2. Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge
For around $120, the Canoe/Kayak Day Tour of Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge offers a more remote, natural experience deep within Illinois’s Mississippi River backwaters. This tour is unique because it puts you into the heart of an untouched habitat, where thousands of lily pads bloom with large yellow flowers in late summer. It’s a landscape that remains largely unchanged and free from commercial development.
This tour often lasts between 2 to 4 hours, allowing flexibility for a half-day or longer adventure. The wildlife here is abundant, with large flocks of waterfowl stopping by in spring and fall, and turtles often seen sunning on logs or swimming nearby. The activity allows for peaceful paddling, with opportunities to stop on islands with sandy beaches or simply listen to the soothing sounds of nature. Due to the max capacity and the remote setting, this experience is suited to travelers who want a truly escape-from-it-all moment.
The guides are experts on the area’s ecology and will help you spot and identify various birds and reptiles. Visitors find this tour to be calm, educational, and visually stunning, especially those interested in nature photography or birdwatching. The cost reflects the exclusivity and natural setting, making it an excellent value for wildlife lovers.
Bottom Line: If your priority is immersive wildlife viewing in a pristine environment, this tour offers a memorable, peaceful paddling experience that’s hard to beat.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two Illinois canoe and kayak experiences, consider your interests and what kind of trip you prefer. The Starved Rock tour is perfect if you want a scenic, family-friendly paddle with birdwatching and sandstone cliffs, ideal for beginners or those traveling with kids. It’s affordable, with a 2-hour duration that fits into a busy schedule. On the other hand, the Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge tour appeals to those seeking solitude, extensive wildlife viewing, and a wilderness experience. It’s better suited for nature enthusiasts willing to spend more and perhaps stay longer.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular Starved Rock tour, which fills quickly in peak seasons. Both tours are best enjoyed during spring or summer when bird activity is high and water levels are ideal. Consider your fitness level and interest in wildlife; the Mississippi tour involves more remote paddling, while Starved Rock offers a more accessible, scenic paddle.
Final Thoughts
Illinois’s waterways provide excellent options for paddlers, whether you’re interested in a relaxed family outing or a wildlife-focused adventure. The Starved Rock Guided Kayaking Tour delivers scenic cliffs and birdwatching at a reasonable price, perfect for first-timers. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge tour offers a more immersive, natural experience for those who want to see wildfowl and turtles in their untouched habitat.
For a memorable trip, choose based on your interests: scenic cliffs and family-friendly ease or wild nature and quiet solitude. Both tours are worth planning ahead for, so consider your schedule and book early to secure your spot on these rewarding Illinois paddling outings.