The Kankakee River is a 133-mile National Water Trail that flows from its headwaters near South Bend, Indiana, westward across the Indiana-Illinois border and through Kankakee County, Illinois, before merging with the Des Plaines River to form the Illinois River about 50 miles southwest of Chicago. Once known as the “Everglades of the North” for the vast wetlands it drained, the river was straightened and channelized through Indiana in the early 1900s for agricultural development. The result today is two very different paddling experiences on the same river: a straight, channelized corridor through rural Indiana farmland, and a natural, meandering course through wetlands and wooded bluffs in Illinois. The river is undammed, flows at a gentle 1–3 mph, and is rated Class I — making it one of the best beginner-friendly paddling rivers in the Midwest. Here is what you need to know to plan a trip.
The Four Sections of the River
The Kankakee River Water Trail is generally divided into four distinct paddling sections, each with a different character.
Upper River — Headwaters to the Yellow River (Indiana)
This entirely channelized section runs through open farmland with very little tree cover. The scenery is flat and agricultural, and the straight channel offers no technical challenge. It is the least scenic section for recreational paddling but appeals to anglers and those looking for a long, quiet flatwater run. Access points include the St. Joseph County park launch near North Liberty.
Wooded Channel — Yellow River to the State Line (Indiana)
Still channelized but with significantly more tree cover, this section passes through several state wildlife areas and conservation lands, including Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area and LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area. The corridor feels more natural than the upper river, and birdwatching opportunities increase — sandhill cranes are visible during migration through the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area nearby. Multiple county park access points are available along this stretch, spaced 5 to 19 miles apart.
Ancient Wetland — State Line to Momence (Illinois)
At the Illinois state line, the river reverts to a natural, meandering course through some of the best remaining wetland habitat in the Prairie State. This is the most scenic section for paddlers, with wooded banks, wildlife, and a sense of remoteness that the channelized Indiana sections lack. The river winds through the remnants of the historic Grand Kankakee Marsh. This stretch ends at Momence, where a low dam requires a portage on river right at the Momence Police Department near the Illinois Route 1 bridge.
Grand Waterway — Momence to the Illinois River (Illinois)
Below Momence, the river becomes wider and more developed, passing through urban and suburban areas including the city of Kankakee before entering Kankakee River State Park — the most popular paddling destination on the river. This section is the most accessible and has the best infrastructure for day trips, with outfitter services, multiple launch points, and camping at the state park. The river eventually meets the Des Plaines River to form the Illinois River near Wilmington.
Best Day Trips
Kankakee to Aroma Park (Illinois) — 12 Miles, 3–5 Hours
The most popular trip on the river. This route follows sweeping bends through scenic wooded stretches, passing the limestone canyon and “Indian Caves” at Perry Farm Park in Bourbonnais — a popular stop for shore exploration. This is the flagship trip offered by Reed’s Canoe Trips, the primary outfitter on the Illinois section. The water is clean, wide, and gentle. Suitable for all skill levels including families with children.
Illinois Route 17 to Aroma Park (Illinois) — 6 Miles, 2–3 Hours
A shorter version of the above trip, ideal for beginners, families with young children, or hot summer days when you want less time on the water. Tree-lined banks and broad stretches of clear water make this a pleasant, relaxed paddle. This is also offered through Reed’s.
Aroma Park to Kankakee River State Park (Illinois) — 6–12 Miles, 2–5 Hours
Continuing downstream from Aroma Park into the state park, this section passes through increasingly wooded and wild terrain. The Aroma Park Dam Breach (just east of the railroad bridge) does not require a portage — pass through the breach on river left (south). The state park section of the river offers beautiful scenery and access to trails and camping on both banks.
Kankakee River State Park
Kankakee River State Park spans approximately 4,000 acres in Kankakee and Will counties, Illinois, encompassing both banks of the river with additional land along Rock Creek, a tributary with a scenic canyon. The park was established in 1938 with a 35-acre donation from Ethel Sturges Dummer and has expanded significantly since. It is the most important paddling hub on the Kankakee, with two boat launches — one at the Warner Bridge Day Use Area and another at the Area 9 parking area on the south bank. Only boats with engines under 10 horsepower may launch in the park. The park is open dawn to dusk and offers multiple campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding trails, and excellent fishing access.
Outfitter and Rental Information
Reed’s Canoe Trips (907 N Indiana Ave, Kankakee, IL 60901; 815-932-2663; reedscanoetrips.com) is the primary outfitter on the Kankakee River and has operated for decades. They offer three trip options ranging from 2 to 6 hours, with all necessary equipment provided — canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Transportation to the put-in and pickup at the take-out are included. As of recent pricing, expect approximately $48–$54 for single kayaks, $78–$84 for double kayaks, and $63–$69 for canoes, depending on the trip length. A third person over 12 in a canoe is an additional $15; children under 12 ride free as a third passenger. Reed’s has a large free parking area and can accommodate bus groups. The minimum age is 3 years old with a 35-pound minimum weight. Pets are not permitted. Reservations are recommended for weekends and groups of 6 or more boats.
For the Indiana sections, Indiana Outfitters (indianaoutfitters.com) maintains maps and access point information for the Kankakee in Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (nwipa.org) maintains the official Kankakee River National Water Trail guide with GPS coordinates for all Indiana access points.
Fishing
The Kankakee is one of the cleanest rivers in the Midwest and supports a strong sport fishery. Primary species include smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, rock bass, and northern pike. The Illinois section through and downstream of Kankakee River State Park is particularly well-regarded for smallmouth bass. A valid fishing license for the state you are fishing in (Indiana or Illinois) is required. If you are looking for other Midwest paddling and fishing destinations, the Kankakee pairs well with a broader exploration of the region’s waterways.
Safety and Practical Tips
Life jackets are required on the Illinois section by state law. Wear yours — the river is gentle but accidents happen, and hypothermia is a risk in spring and fall. The river is undammed and uncontrolled, meaning water levels fluctuate with rainfall. Do not paddle during or near flood conditions — check the USGS river gauge for the Kankakee before your trip. In summer, some sections (particularly in Indiana) can become very shallow, with stretches of 6 inches or less that may require walking your boat.
Dams and portages: The Kankakee Dam near Illinois Route 50 is a difficult portage — from the boat ramp on river right to the next opening in the cement wall is roughly three-quarters of a mile. The Aroma Park Dam Breach does not require portaging (pass through on river left). The Momence Dam requires a portage on river right at the police department near Route 1.
Logjams and tree falls can block the river, especially at bridges. Before your trip, contact the Kankakee River Basin Commission for a status report on known obstructions. The river flows through hunting preserves in Indiana — if paddling during fall or winter, check hunting season dates and wear bright colors. Cell phone service is generally available along the river but can be spotty in more rural Indiana sections. Carry a phone in a waterproof case and know your approximate location at all times.
Best seasons: Late spring through early fall is the primary paddling season. Spring offers higher water levels and stronger current but can be cold; summer is warm and popular but can bring low water in dry years; early fall offers pleasant temperatures and fall color along the wooded Illinois stretches. The state park and Reed’s Canoe Trips operate seasonally — check current schedules before planning a trip. For other Midwest outdoor adventures, the river gorges of Kentucky and the lake destinations of Oklahoma are within a day’s drive of the Kankakee region.
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