The Best Places to Go Paddleboarding in Chicago

The Windy City might not be the first place you think of as a paddle boarding Mecca. After all, it is landlocked in the middle of America. But in addition to being alongside one of the Great Lakes, there are a bevy of rivers, tributaries, lagoons, and other waterways. As the second largest city in the US, Chicago is a bustling metropolis. But with the miles of waterfront access, you can easily leave the city behind and head out on to the water.

 

Let’s start with the most obvious – Lake Michigan. At 22,406 square miles, Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes. And Chicago partakes in 26 miles of that lakefront, offering numerous parks and beaches. Just beyond downtown, and accessible by bike, foot or public transit is Ohio Beach. It is a great beach to launch from, as its waters are calm and protected. And rising just behind you the skyscrapers rise straight up. From there you can paddle around the protected harbor, or head out into the lake for a longer paddle. But beware of boats and wake. You can paddle around to Navy Pier, take in the sights, or follow the coastline north with more beaches dotted along the way to take a break at.