Kayaking the Des Plaines River: The Best Spots to Launch

Where to Launch: Paddle-Friendly Spots Near Oak Park

Before you hit the water, you'll need a place to start. These launches are strictly BYOK—bring your own kayak. But if you’ve got your own gear, you’re set.

Here are some of the best canoe and kayak launch locations within the Explore Oak Park & Beyond region, offering easy access to the Des Plaines River and its scenic tributaries.

1. Irving Park Road Canoe Landing (Schiller Park)

   Des Plaines River Road, just north of Irving Park Road
   Carry-in only

Located in Schiller Park, this low-key put-in is ideal for paddlers who want to explore the upper Des Plaines River without straying far from the city. With a shaded shoreline and minimal crowds, it’s a quiet spot to ease into the water. There’s no need for a trailer, either. Just carry your kayak down and launch from the grassy bank. Great for short paddles and beginner-friendly routes.

2. Maywood Grove (Maywood)

   Ohio Street and Des Plaines Avenue
   Carry-in only

Maywood Grove is the home base for the Greater Maywood Paddling Program, a community-driven initiative offering free guided paddles during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking to meet fellow paddlers or just want a beautiful wooded stretch of river to explore, Maywood Grove delivers. It's especially stunning in early spring and fall, when the surrounding forest preserves burst with color.

3. Plank Road Meadow Boat Launch (Riverside)
   Ogden Avenue, just east of 1st Avenue
   Trailered boat launch

If you’re heading out for a full day on the river or bringing along a canoe trailer, Plank Road Meadow is your best bet. With a paved lot and a boat ramp, this accessible site is one of the most convenient river access points in the area. From here, you can explore winding forest preserve stretches or head south through Riverside’s historic bends. There’s even space for a post-paddle picnic nearby.

4. Schuth’s Grove (Near Riverside)
   West Cermak Road, west of Des Plaines Avenue
   Carry-in only

Between Westchester and Riverside, Schuth’s Grove feels surprisingly remote for its suburban location. You’ll find loads of tree cover and easy water access, making it the perfect launch for a peaceful paddle through shaded forest preserve sections. It’s a blissful choice for those looking to escape the noise without venturing far from home.

If You’re Looking for a Detour, Try Salt Creek

If you want to change things up, Salt Creek—a tributary of the Des Plaines River—offers its own calm, winding route through scenic woodlands and open meadows. Here are two excellent carry-in launch points to explore it:

5. Bemis Woods North (Near Westchester)
   Wolf Road, south of 31st Street
   Carry-in only

This Salt Creek launch is ideal for a mellow paddle through oak woods and savanna. Bemis Woods is a popular starting point for beginners and families, thanks to its gentle current and natural beauty. You’ll spot herons, turtles, and maybe even deer along the shoreline. Bonus: The nearby parking and restrooms make it easy to plan a day trip.

6. Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West (La Grange Park)
   26th Street, east of South 25th Avenue
   Carry-in only

Tucked off the main road, this hidden launch gives you instant access to one of Salt Creek’s more serene stretches. The route meanders through the forest preserve with occasional sunny clearings, making it great for a relaxed afternoon paddle. Small footbridges and overhanging trees add a little extra charm to your journey.

View a full list of launch sites here.

Paddling Tips for a Smooth Ride

Whether you’re gearing up for your first kayak adventure or you know your paddle stroke like the back of your hand, these quick tips can help you make the most of your trip:

• Check the water level. Rainfall can affect the flow of the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek. Before heading out, look up the current waterway conditions on the U.S. Geological Survey site.

• Wear a life vest. Even strong swimmers should suit up. It’s required by law and key to staying safe.

• Stick to official canoe launches. This helps protect natural areas and ensures easier put-in/take-out access.

• Plan your take-out point. Know how far you’re going and where you’ll exit the river.

• Watch your skill level. The Des Plaines River is generally beginner-friendly, but always be aware of changing currents, debris, and other obstacles.

Why Paddle the Des Plaines River?

This historic Illinois waterway might not have the fame of the Chicago River or the thrill of whitewater rapids, but it’s got something just as good: space to breathe. You’ll paddle past towering oaks, glimpse wildlife such as herons and deer, and float under bridges that connect present-day paddlers to centuries of history. And for locals it’s a refreshing reminder that you don’t need to leave Cook County to find serenity. With so many nearby canoe launches, there’s always a new stretch of the Des Plaines or Salt Creek to explore.

With enough time and stamina, paddlers can follow the Des Plaines River up to the Lake County Forest Preserves, uncovering even more quiet stretches and hidden natural gems along the way. And if you really want to turn your day trip into an expedition, the river continues up through Wisconsin, offering a full spectrum of Midwestern beauty from the seat of your boat.

More Outdoor Fun Nearby

Not ready to hang up your paddle just yet? Or maybe your crew wants to keep the outdoor vibes going after your kayak adventure? Here are some other great ways to spend time outside in and around Oak Park:

Pools and Splash Pads
Sometimes you want to be in the water without working so hard. Check out pools and splash pads near Oak Park for an easy way to cool off, unwind, or let the kids burn some energy. From Field Park’s shady splash pad in Oak Park to the epic spray playgrounds inside Brookfield Zoo, there’s no shortage of options for families.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, try Fox Park’s elevated splash pad with its gentle whale sprayer or Longfellow Park, where kids can activate geysers and play beside a cheerful seal fountain. For full-day adventures, head to community pools such as Rehm Park Pool with its zero-edge design and drop slides or Forest Park Aquatic Center, which has everything from flume slides to a full concession stand.

Picnic Areas and Provisions
There’s no better reward after a paddle than a shady picnic with snacks in hand. Thankfully, the area surrounding the Des Plaines River has no shortage of places to fill your cooler. If you’re paddling near Riverside, grab your provisions at Riverside Foods, a family-run grocer with fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot dishes—many made from cherished Greek family recipes. Over in Westchester, Alpine Food Shop has been slinging subs since the ‘50s, and their legendary sandwiches plus slices of tiramisu from the fridge make an unbeatable picnic combo.

In Oak Park, Publican Quality Bread offers baguettes, big sandwiches, and Roman-style pizza for a more elevated picnic vibe. For something healthy and handmade, stop by Blackberry Market in La Grange for soups, salads, and baked goods that travel well—and don’t skip the signature cinnamon roll.

Walking Trails
Oak Park and the surrounding areas are packed with walkable trails and nature escapes, which are the perfect way to stretch out sore legs after a long paddle. Try a quick loop at Lindberg Park in Oak Park, or stroll through the serene Austin Gardens trail just off Forest Avenue. In Brookfield, Bemis Woods offers access to the scenic Salt Creek Trail System and connects with the Des Plaines River Trail, with paved and unpaved paths winding past wooded glens and hidden wildlife.

If you’re looking for a nature fix with your dog, head to Miller Meadow Trail in Forest Park, which connects to an off-leash dog area and features wide, accessible paths. For more of a workout, explore Thatcher Woods in River Forest, where you’ll hike more than two miles along the Des Plaines River beneath bird-filled canopies. Whether you’re clocking miles or taking it slow, there’s a trail with your name on it.

Paddle at Your Own Pace

Kayaking the Des Plaines River is a way to reconnect with nature, explore the forest preserve district, and see a different side of the Chicago area. Whether you're relishing calm waters in Schiller Park, launching into adventure in Riverside, or exploring Salt Creek's quiet bends near La Grange Park, this underrated waterway delivers scenic beauty and local charm in equal measure.

So load up your gear, pick your favorite canoe launch, and start paddling. From beginners dipping in a paddle for the first time to seasoned paddlers seeking new stretches of river to explore, there’s something for everyone on this forest-framed waterway. The Des Plaines River is waiting. Let’s go.