Tours
Local Day Trips
Lower Fox River
As the Fox winds it way south, the character of the river in its final miles departs from suburbia and what we think of as a “typical” Illinois river. Moving peacefully through Silver Springs State Park, and eventually the unique sandstone cliffs and rock formations of the Dells of the Fox, the river treats first-time paddlers on these sections to a paddling experience unlike anywhere else in Illinois. GKC offers two trips on the Lower Fox River:Fox River I (7.5 miles)
Level: Beginner
Launching from the town of Yorkville, we quickly leave signs of inhabitance behind as we wind our way through small islands and eventually Silver Springs State Park. We’ll often see heron and other bird species on our way down river. We take-out just past the old mill in Millbrook. A shore lunch is included.
$49 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$65 w/boat rental
Dates:
- May 9
- June 12
- July 10
- August 14
- September 11
- October 23 Fall Colors
Fox River II (15 miles)
Level: Beginner
Launching from Sheridan, this paddle is one of the most scenic in Illinois. The beauty of the sandstone cliffs and rock formations found on this section often surprise participants on this trip. Many birds and other wildlife can be seen while paddling this section. GKC runs trips on this section during moderate to higher water levels as low water levels make for difficult passage. A shore lunch is included.
$85 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$99 w/boat rental
Dates:
- May 22
- June 26
- July 24
- August 28
- September 25 Fall Colors
Kishwaukee River Fall Colors (8 miles)
Level: Beginner
Paddle 8.1 miles from Cherry Valley to New Milford on this Grade A water quality stream during the height of fall colors. This trip through forest preserves and hilly terrain Includes a shore lunch.
$54 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$69 w/boat rental
Dates:
- October 3
Lower Wisconsin River Fall Colors (10 miles)
Level: Beginner
A beautiful fall day trip on the Lower Wisconsin River starts in Arena, WI and ends 10 miles downstream at Spring Green, WI. Apres-paddling, there is an optional trip to the nearby Wollersheim Winery and out to dinner. A shore lunch is included.
$85 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$99 w/boat rental
Dates:
- October 10
Rock River Fall Colors
Level: Beginner
Paddle the scenic Rock River from Oregon, IL south through Castle Rock State Park during the height of fall colors. A shore lunch is included.
$49 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$65 w/boat rental
Dates:
- October 17
Lake Michigan Full Moon Tour
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
For an open water paddling experience, Lake Michigan cannot be beat! Blue water and the amazing scenery of the world’s greatest shoreline make this trip a favorite for GKC guides and participants alike. We'll launch from Jackson Park Harbor and explore the open lake as we watch the sunset and moon rise.
$20 BYOB (bring your own boat)
$30 w/boat rental
Dates:
- September 22
Need to rent a boat?
Click here for more information including rates and conditions.Click Here to view the calendar for local trips offered by the Geneva Kayak Center.