Wilson Beach

Skokie Lagoons

So where to do we go?  This is not an inclusive list, but rather some of our favorites!

The Skokie Lagoons are so cool, they get a page of their own:  Skokie Lagoons  The Lagoons are north of Chicago by about 30 minutes on highway 94 towards Milwaukee.
THIS IS THE LOCATION FOR INTRO TO KAYAKING, INTERMEDIATE KAYAKING, WOMEN'S KAYAKING, AND STROKES COURSES- please allow for construction traffic on 94!!!

Busse Woods is located in Elk Grove Village, right off of 290/294 and close to 90 and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.  Entrance to park is off of Higgins, you go just over a mile to get to the lake.  Once you pass the stop sign, we will be very close, on the left. Pull in the parking on the immediate left.  We launch from the boat launch at the large lake.  There is truck/trailer parking, that is where we stage the boats.  We are very close to, but not at, the canoe rental area. The map shows a launch site, you should be able to see the truck and trailer when you get there. There are also 3 cement boat launches right where set up.  Do not go in to the canoe rental area. If you park there, the building will obscure your view and you might not see us.  Map

Lake Michigan (See both Wilson Boat Launch, Montrose and Leone Beach)
Wilson Boat Launch - this is accessed by taking Wilson Ave east from LSD.  Follow it to the signs that say "Boat Launch"  It is a rock wall, right by the dog beach.

Leone Beach - This is Touhy Ave just east of Sheridan Rd. There is a small parking lot that has some free spots and some metered spots. It is just north of the baseball fields.  There is another lot south of the fields, but you will not find us there (though there may be parking)

Montrose Beach- Exit Lake Shore Drive at Montrose and head east, towards the lake.  After crossing the bridge and winding thru, you will come to a small street to the right after going approx. .3 miles (3 tenths of a mile), there is a little facility building where they sell bait, coffee etc. This is Montrose Harbor Road -

Take a right there, and continue not to far, about a tenth of a mile. You will see a bike/walking path that heads towards the lake.  There is a large flag pole part way up the walk.  This heads towards the beach house and handicapped parking.  This is an area for unloading boats only - no parking, so unless you are bringing your own boat, please park on the street.

I will be there with the trailer, and will also need to move once we unload our boats.   You must park in the street and walk up to the eastern side of the boat house. If you are bringing your own boat, drive up the bike path to unload, then return your car to regular parking.  From the street, you may not be able to see the trailer, so please just walk up. This is a hard place to find, so allow extra time for getting lost.

North Shore Channel
This is on the Evanston/Skokie border.  Take McCormick  to Oakton and go east.  you drive immediately over the channel and the entrance is on the left hand side. If you get to Home Depot, you have gone too far.

Mississippi River (Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge)
We usually leave from the boat launch across from the Mississippi Palisades State Park's North Entrance. This is an area of shallow backwater full of wildlife, as well as fast moving water on the  main channel. Sometimes we pick one or the other, sometimes we do both!  

From I-90, exit at US Rt. 20 west (Galena/Freeport exit). From Rt. 20, turn south on Rt. 84. The park is located 18 miles from Rt. 20.
From I-80, exit on Rt. 84 and travel north approximately 50 miles to reach the park which is located three miles north of Savanna.
 

Illinois Beach State Park
From the South are: I-294 north to Rt 173 east (approx 8 miles) to Sheridan Road. Make a right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road, make a left and you will be in the park.

From the North are: I-94 South to Rt. 173, east on Rt.173 to Sheridan Road, right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road and make a left on Wadsworth into the Park.

We meet at the IL Beach Resort Parking Lot, in the back corner, right by the beach. 

Devil's Lake
Located about 3 1/2 hours from Chicago just north of Madison, WI is Devil's Lake State Park. 

Coming From The South: From Interstate 90-94 just take exit 106 to Highway 33. Take a right at the stop sign and go to Baraboo. (13 miles) When you get to Baraboo Take a left at the 2nd stop light. (This is Business Hwy 12) Then go through town and watch for a sign to the park. You will turn left on Highway 123 and follow it straight out to the park.

Coming From The North or Wisconsin Dells: Just take Highway 12 south (Exit 92) and go about 1 mile past Baraboo (approximately 14 miles). Take a left on Highway 159. This will bring you to Highway 123. Take a right and follow into the park.

Leone Beach

Mississippi River

Devils' Lake