Welcome to The Canoe
Shack
We are open until mid
November
The 48th Annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race
Sponsored by Fox Valley Park District will run on Sunday, June. 7,
2009
Two race lengths - a 10-miler from St. Charles and a 6-miler from Batavia. Both races will finish at McCullough Park in Aurora with a post-race party and awards ceremony.
The 48th Annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race.
All trips meet in 10 South River st South Elgin IL - unless other arrangements have
been made through the Canoe Shack.
Fox River trips meet South Elgin where you will launch your canoe.
Shuttle is included
Our trips cost $60.00 to
$70.00 per canoe for two people $ 10.00 per extra person (six and
under are free)
No reservations will be accepted by e-mail, we ask
that you call 1 (630) 584 - 8017 to reserve your canoes.
We can handle groups of up to 100 people.
We have Gift Certificates available, which make a great gift for family and
friends!
All rentals include Canoe, 2 Paddles, life preservers, and
shuttle. Kayak rentals are also available. Each canoe can hold up
to three adults, or two adults, and two small children. Your
drivers license may be held as an equipment deposit, and will be
returned at the end of your trip.
Reservation policy. About Us. About our Trips. Fox river trip and map.
Dupage river trip and
map. Canoeing News.
About Us.
The Canoe Shack is located about 30 miles west of Chicago on the
beautiful Fox River. Though located near a metropolitan area, the
Fox has remained peaceful, clean and unspoiled. It has a total
length of 195 miles, with 103 in Illinois. It enters the state by
Chain-O-Lakes State Park in northern Illinois, and flows into the
Illinois River at Ottawa.
This section of the Fox River is also part of the Mid America
Canoe Race Course. It is one of the largest in the world with up to
1000 canoes racing for the finish line in Aurora. During the race
spectators line bike paths and bridges along the river. Many local
festivals and celebrations are also held this same weekend. It has
been run on the Fox for 47 years and is the first Sunday in
June.
On the 7 mile section between South Elgin and St. Charles, 2
state nature preserves, 3 county forest preserves and 5 city parks
line the river. These offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife
observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small
limestone bluffs, and the county's only waterfall.
Fishing is excellent with Northern Pike being one of the most
prized catches. Bass, Blue Gill and Catfish are also plentiful. The
Fox River Valley offers lodgings, restaurants, and all the modern
conveniences, but from the river these are barely visible. So
whether for some fishing and relaxation after a hard day's work, a
family outing, or a day long canoeing excursion, the Fox River
offers a tranquil setting, beautiful scenery, and outstanding
recreational opportunities.
Welcome. Reservation policy. About our Trips. Fox river trip and map.
Dupage river trip and
map. Canoeing News
About our Trips.
We have two trips on the Fox river, and one The West Branch of the
Dupage River.
Fox River trips.
Fox River trips meet in South Elgin- unless other arrangements have
been made through the Canoe Shack.
Trip One: $60.00
South Elgin to St. Charles. This seven mile trip is our most
popular and is a 2½ to 3½ hour trip. It starts below the dam in
South Elgin and ends at Public Parking 1 block N of RT 64 on RT 31
in St. Charles.
Trip Two: $70.00
Elgin to St. Charles. This ten mile trip adds three miles to trip
one. It starts by the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin and is a 3½ to
4½ hour trip. There is one dam to portage in South Elgin, which is
an easy carry.
To check water levels please log-on to:
USGS Real-time USGS FOX RIVER AT SOUTH ELGIN, IL
USGS Real-time USGS FERSON CREEK NEAR ST. CHARLES, IL
Click on Fox river map to enlarge.
Welcome. Reservation policy. About Us. About our Trips. Dupage river trip and
map.Canoeing News.
The West Branch of the Dupage
River.
Trip Three: $70.00
Wayne to Warrenville. Our newest trip is a eight mile wilderness
journey through undeveloped forest preserves. It is for the more
experienced paddler, as there are may be downed trees to navigate
around. The absence of other boat traffic makes for a serene and
peaceful trip. The river is about sixteen feet wide at the start
and about thirty feet wide at the the take out. This trip is a 3
1\2 to 4 1\2 hr. long paddle. We meet on St. Charles road at the
SW. corner of the bridge over the West Branch of the Dupage River,
and end at the Mack Rd landing near Rt. 59. This trip is not
offered during periods of low water. At least two canoes must be
rented.
To check water levels please log-on to:
USGS Real-time data for WEST BR DU PAGE RIVER NEAR WARRENVILLE,
IL.
a gage level of 2.20 feet is necessary for comfortable canoeing.
Please reserve early!
Click on Dupage river map to enlarge.
Welcome. Reservation policy. About Us. About our Trips. Fox river trip and map. Canoeing News.
Canoeing News
Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon
The Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon is held in May, registration
is required
We have canoes available for the this race, rental cost is $80.00
per canoe for the day. We will drop off your canoe(s) at the start
of the race in Libertyville and pick them up at the end of the race
in Mt Prospact. This is a fun outing and more information is
available at their web page The Des Plaines River Canoe
Marathon.
Mid-American Canoe Race
The 47th Annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race sponsored by
Fox Valley Park District will run on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, on the
Fox River, 40 miles west of Chicago. Registration is required. We
have canoes and Kayaks available for this race. More information is
available at their web page Mid-American
Canoe Race.
Welcome. Reservation policy. About Us. About our Trips. Fox river trip and map. Dupage river trip and map.
Reservation policy:
All reservations are accepted up to one year before your trip, on a
first come first served basis. A 50% deposit is required.
Cancellations are accepted up to 30 days before a trip. A 25%
handling fee will be deducted and the balance will be refunded.
Your deposit will not be refunded after 30 days! If a severe
thunder storm warning or tornado warning is issued by the National
Weather Service, you will be given an opportunity to reschedule
your trip anytime within one year. If it is cold and pouring rain
you may be given the opportunity to reschedule. This will be
determined on a case by case basis by The Canoe Shack.
Note: We strongly recommend that all participants wear their
life preservers, and know how to swim. (Illinois state law requires
people fifteen and under to wear their life preservers) We
encourage purchase of vacation trip insurance which covers personal
property & injury. You will be canoeing at your own risk!
Alcohol is allowed on the river but not in the parks. Please do not
canoe while intoxicated.
WARNINGS
SWIMMING - Swimming is permitted in the Fox River, however, extreme
caution must be exercised during periods of high water.
Caution must also be exercised directly above and below dams
as the currents are swift and treacherous. Look for signs or
buoys alerting you of dams!
Do not dive into the river because the depth can vary greatly.
Please be careful and wear shoes.
PORTAGES - Be alert and Look for signs or buoys alerting
you of dams! Please avoid dropping or scraping canoes.
DO NOT TAKE CANOES OVER DAMS!
POWER BOATS - Motor boats, water skiers, and jet skis may be
present, be ready for the wake, (It'll Rock Ya!) and please stay
near the shore. Pointing your canoe into the wake will minimize the
possibility of capsizing.
Welcome. About Us. About our Trips. Fox river trip and map.
Dupage river trip and
map. Canoeing News.
(630)
584-8017
Please Call To Reserve Your Canoe Today
Hope to see you on the river soon!
Call, or e-mail us with any
questions you my have.
info@canoeshack.com
Sorry, no reservations will be accepted by
e-mail.
© Canoe Shack 2000 - 2009
Last up dated 09/16/2009
