Boat Ramps Nearby
Illustration Ramp etiquette
12 rules regulars expect you to know
Staging, courtesy docks and the Clean, Drain, Dry laws that can bring a fine.
Ramp etiquetteBoat ramps in Chicago, IL
We list 22 public boat ramps and launches in Chicago. Another 49 are within 25 miles.
Search the map around Chicago Kayak & canoe launches in ChicagoFishing piers in Chicago
More boat ramps around Chicago
- 9.2 mi Schuth's Grove Riverside Kayak launch
- 9.4 mi Thatcher Pond River Forest Fishing pier
- 9.6 mi Maywood Grove Canoe Landing Maywood Kayak launchFree
- 10 mi Kiwanis Park Boat Ramp Brookfield Boat ramp
- 11 mi Addison Creek Confluence Canoe Launch Broadview Kayak launch
- 11 mi Channelside Park Boat Ramp Evanston Boat ramp
- 12 mi Schiller Woods Harwood Heights Fishing pier
- 12 mi Irving Park Rd. Picnic Area Canoe Landing Schiller Park Kayak launch
- 12 mi Dawes Park Boat Ramp Evanston Boat ramp
- 12 mi Church Street Power Boat Ramp Evanston Kayak launch
What Chicago offers on the water
| Boat ramps | 8 |
|---|---|
| Kayak and canoe launches | 10 |
| Fishing piers and access | 4 |
Lakes, rivers and bays near these launches: North Branch Chicago River, South Branch Chicago River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, North Pond, 31st Street Harbor, South Fork South Branch Chicago River, Gompers Lagoon, DuSable Harbor.
All launches on North Branch Chicago River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
Illinois rules to know
- Anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1998 who is 18 and older needs a Boating Safety Certificate to run a motorboat over 10 hp; ages 12-17 need the certificate or direct adult supervision.
For a day on the water near Chicago: what ramps cost, kayak launches and ramp etiquette.
Illustration 
Illustration Life jackets
The life jacket rule for every paddler
What the Coast Guard requires on kayaks and canoes, and kids' vests with head support.
Life jacket rulesBoat ramps in Chicago: questions and answers
Where can you launch a boat in Chicago, IL?
We list 22 launches in Chicago, including 101 Street Pier, Abraham Lincoln Park Boat Ramp and Bunker Hill Canoe Launch. Another 49 are within 25 miles.
Where can you launch a kayak in Chicago?
Bunker Hill Canoe Launch, Burnham Park Kayak Launch, LaBagh Woods Canoe Launch and Park No. 571 Boat Launch and 6 more work for kayaks and canoes.
Is there a fishing pier in Chicago?
Yes: 101 Street Pier, Canal Origins Fishing Area, Gompers Park - Fishing Area and Park No. 571 Fishing Area.
Which lakes and rivers can you launch on in Chicago?
The launches in Chicago give access to North Pond, North Branch Chicago River, 31st Street Harbor, South Fork South Branch Chicago River, Gompers Lagoon and DuSable Harbor and 7 more.
If a launch is missing here, Let us know and we'll add it.