What Are You Waiting For?
Get On The Water
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page.
Check the latest survey our our RECENT CONDITIONS page.
And don’t forget to wear your life jacket!
Places to Paddle, including Kayak and Watercraft Rentals
Indiana Dunes Tourism, a NWIPA partner, maintains a list of local northwest Indiana places to paddle and companies that rent kayaks and other watercraft. Please visit the Indiana Dunes Tourism website for more information.
Deep River Water Trail
NOTE! Conditions have changed significantly on Deep River. Go to our RECENT RIVER CONDITIONS PAGE BEFORE PLANNING YOUR TRIP. As always, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
Running 16 miles from Lake George to Lake Michigan, Deep River’s width and calm current allows for easy navigation and provides an excellent trip for paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Enjoy a very natural paddling experience surrounded by deep sections of woods, grasslands, and marshes. Deep River provides a wonderful journey along undeveloped and unspoiled shorelines and is considered by many paddlers to be the area’s hidden gem.
Skill Level: Novice to intermediate
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Wide
Length: 16 miles
Need to Portage: Occasionally necessary
Lake Access Points:
Amenities: Restrooms/Portable
GPS Coordinates: 41.535085, -87.258620
111 E. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart
219-942-2987
cityofhobart.org
GPS Coordinates: 41.530672, -87.261570
500 S. Lake Park Ave., Hobart
219-942-2987
cityofhobart.com
River Access Points
Soccer and Rugby Field (Start)
GPS Coordinates: 41.536283, -87.255450
245 E. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart
219-942-2987
cityofhobart.org
Distance to Next Access Point: 3.1 mi
Amenities: Picnicking
GPS Coordinates: 41.567505, -87.236588
2701 Ripley St., Lake Station
219-962-7508
Find them on Facebook
Total Distance from Start: 3.1 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 0.8 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.571200, -87.240519
5899 E. 73rd Ave., Hobart
219-924-2987
cityofhobart.org
Total Distance from Start: 3.9 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 3.3 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.563207, -87.290893
3825 Liverpool Rd., Lake Station
219-391-8482
lakecountyparks.com
Total Distance from Start: 7.2 mi
East Branch Little Calumet Water Trail
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
DO NOT PADDLE UNDERNEATH OR PORTAGE AROUND THE WAVERLY ROAD BRIDGE. THE BRIDGE IS UNDERGOING DEMOLITION AND WILL BE REPLACED THIS SUMMER. CHECK FOR THE CURRENT ACCESS SITUATION AT OUR “RECENT RIVER CONDITIONS” PAGE.
With significant stretches in both Indiana and Illinois, the Little Calumet River has helped link cities and towns throughout the Chicago region for centuries. The East Branch Little Calumet offers paddlers over 11 miles of varying natural scenery, and two paddling trips are possible. The first takes you from Chesterton through Porter and ends at the Indiana Dunes National Park, and the second route lets paddlers put in and take out near the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan for an up-and-back trip.
Chesterton to Indiana Dunes National Park
When approaching the State Rd. 49 bridge, paddlers should stop on the left and inspect the rapids directly under the bridge before paddling through. A portage along the left shore is suggested to avoid rocks on the other side.
Skill Level: Novice to Intermediate
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Mostly narrow and shallow, but with occasional deep sections (subject to rapid rise following rains)
Length: Eight miles
Need to Portage: About 50-feet at State Rd. 49 (portage left)
Access Points:
Wykes Plampin Nature Preserve (Start)
The Wykes Plampin access on Brummitt Road will be closed due to bridge reconstruction starting around April 2022, with completion later in the year. Watch this page and our RECENT CONDITIONS page for updates on the project. In the meantime, please begin your journey at the Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve (below).
GPS Coordinates: 41.615375, -87.016559
North Brummitt Rd., Chesterton
219-242-8558
heinzetrust.org
Distance to Next Access Point: 2.4 mi
Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve
GPS Coordinates: 41.622203, -87.050273
West Taylor St., Chesterton
219-242-8558
heinzetrust.org
Total Distance from Start: 2.4 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 2.9 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.622456, -87.095161
North Howe Rd., Porter
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Total Distance from Start: 5.3 mi
Kankakee River National Water Trail
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
The Kankakee River National Water Trail provides 133 miles of paddling on a historic, undammed river flowing through several county parks. Formerly known as the Everglades of the North—before the river was dredged and straightened in the early 1900s—the Kankakee was once a vital link between French Canada and the Mississippi River. The Indiana section of the river offers easy paddling and fishing in a rural setting. This guide lists only Indiana access points.
Safety on the Kankakee
Be aware that there are few support services and facilities, such as washrooms, fresh water, and designated portages along the route.
Do not attempt to paddle the river near flood stages.
Know your location as accurately as possible, and always carry a cell phone.
The river flows through many hunting preserves. Contact any preserves along your proposed route for information about hunting seasons.
Tree falls and logjams can clog bridges with few portage opportunities. Call the Kankakee River Basin Commission for a status report on known logjams.
Kankakee River Basin Commission
6100 Southport Rd., Portage
219-763-0696
kankakeeriverbasin.org
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Deep and wide
Length: 75 miles in Indiana
Need to Portage: Rarely with average conditions
Access Points:
Leo Jasinski Public Access (Start)
GPS Coordinates: 41.606116, -86.414264
60995 Crumstown Hwy., North Liberty
574-277-4828
sjcparks.org
Distance to Next Access Point: 12.3 mi
Kingsbury State Fish and Wildlife Area Access
GPS Coordinates: 41.490257, -86.581599
S 600 E, Walkerton
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 12.3 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 15.5 mi
Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area - Route 8 Access
Amenities: Hunting
GPS Coordinates : 41.317480, -86.745912
4320 W. Toto Rd., North Judson
574-896-3522
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 27.8 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 5.4 mi
Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area - English Lake/Yellow River Access
Amenities: Hunting
GPS Coordinates : 41.271183, -86.825596
4320 W. Toto Rd., North Judson
574-896-3522
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 33.2 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 8.6 mi
Amenities: Pet-Friendly, PicnickingGPS Coordinates: 41.220115, -86.968861
500 E. and the Kankakee River, Kouts
219-465-3586
portercountyparks.org
Total Distance from Start: 41.8 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 18.8 mi
Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
Amenities: Hunting, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable
GPS Coordinates: 41.219614, -87.273945
21690 Range Line Rd., Hebron
219-769-7275
lakecountyparks.com
Total Distance from Start: 60.6 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 4.4 mi
Shelby Boat Ramp
GPS Coordinates: 41.183212, -87.340455
Route 55 and Kankakee River, Shelby
Total Distance from Start: 65.0 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 6.9 mi
LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area - White Oak Bayou Access
Amenities: Hunting
GPS Coordinates: 41.170205, -87.458168
4752 W. 1050 North, Lake Village
219-992-3019
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 71.9 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 2 mi
LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area - Black Oak Bayou Access
Amenities: Hunting
GPS Coordinates : 41.168360, -87.496839
4752 W. 1050 North, Lake Village
219-992-3019
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 73.9 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 1.6 mi
LaSalle Fish & Wildlife Area - State Line Access
Amenities: Hunting
GPS Coordinates: 41.167001, -87.526272
4752 W. 1050 North, Lake Village
219-992-3019
in.gov/dnr/fishwild
Total Distance from Start: 75.5 mi
Lake Michigan Water Trail
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
Listings are ordered from west (Chicago, IL) to east (New Buffalo, MI).
Indiana Dunes is a premier paddling destination with a continuous water trail along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Along the trail, paddlers will experience the diverse ecosystems and land use of Northwest Indiana, including white sand beaches, towering dunes, forested bluffs, industrial hubs, bustling ports, and breathtaking sunsets over the Chicago skyline. The Lake Michigan Water Trail currently covers more than 75 miles along the south shore of Lake Michigan, following the entire Indiana coast from Chicago, Illinois to New Buffalo, Michigan. Paddlers, planners, and access site owners from the four states bordering the lake are working together to develop what will be the longest continuous loop of freshwater sea kayaking in the world.
Safety on Lake Michigan
Be visible. Wear bright colors so others can see you between waves or in foggy conditions.
Carry a bright light, a whistle, and flares to signal your position.
Only use a sea kayak with bulkheads/floatation in bow and stern.
Have self rescue skills if paddling in waves or away from shore.
Take a boating safety class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Skill Level: Intermediate to expert
Type: Sea kayak
Conditions: Can vary from calm to dangerous
Length: Varies
Need to Portage: N/A
Access Points:
Calumet Park (Start)
GPS Coordinates: 41.721770, -87.524616
9801 S. Ave. G, Chicago
chicagoparkdistrict.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 60 yd
Distance to Next Access Point: 3.3 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.697382, -87.510666
701 Casino Center Dr., Hammond
219-659-7678
hammondmarina.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 160 yd
Total Distance from Start: 1.9 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 1.3 mi
Whiting Lakefront Park and Whihala Beach
Amenities: Pet-Friendly, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.686843,-87.495928
1500 Park Rd., Whiting
219-659-0860
whitingindiana.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 50 yd
Total Distance from Start: 3.2 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 8.3 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.655212, -87.436893
3301 Aldis St., East Chicago, IN
219-391-8482
eastchicago.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 50 yd
Total Distance from Start: 11.5 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 9.3 mi
Amenities: Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.620344,-87.270111
860 N. Lake St., Gary
219-938-7362
marquetteparkgary.org
Distance from Parking to Water: 100 yd
Total Distance from Start: 20.8 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 2.4 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.624363, -87.223365
9501 Lake Shore Dr., Gary
219-938-8275
wellsstbeach.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 85 yd
Total Distance from Start: 23.2 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 0.8 mi
Amenities: Fee, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.626477, -87.207746
376 N. County Line Rd., Gary
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 550 yd
Total Distance from Start: 24.0 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 1.8 mi
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Amenities: Accessible, Parking, Pet-Friendly, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.631519, -87.177822
100 Riverwalk Dr., Portage
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 45 yd
Total Distance from Start: 25.8 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 6.6 mi
Amenities: Parking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.661038, -87.069415
3050 Wabash Ave., Porter
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 75 yd
Total Distance from Start: 32.4 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 0.1 mi
Amenities: Accessible, Camping, Fee, Gift Shop/Sales, Pet-Friendly, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.661905, -87.066958
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton
219-926-1952
in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
Distance from Parking to Water: 145 yd
Total Distance from Start: 32.5 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 3.3 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.681869, -87.009884
27 N. East State Park Rd., Chesterton
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 475 yd
Total Distance from Start: 35.8 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 0.4 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.684160, -87.003326
300 W. Lake Front Dr., Michigan City
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 125 yd
Total Distance from Start: 36.2 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 0.4 mi
Lake View Beach Access & Picnic Area
Amenities: Restrooms/Portable, Picknicking
GPS Coordinates: 41.686323, -86.996931
50 W. Lake Front Dr., Beverly Shores
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 45 yd
Total Distance from Start: 36.6 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 2.7 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.703341, -86.951112
Central Ave. & Valley Ave., Michigan City
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Distance from Parking to Water: 90 yd
Total Distance from Start: 39.3 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 3.2 mi
Amenities: Accessible, Fee, Picnicking,Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.727500,-86.905870
6 on the Lake, Michigan City
219-873-1506
michigancityparks.com
Distance from Parking to Water: 30 yd
Total Distance from Start: 42.5 mi
Distance to Next Access Point: 10.5 mi
GPS Coordinates: 41.802349, -86.749112
200 Marquette Dr., New Buffalo, MI
269-469-1522
cityofnewbuffalo.org
Distance from Parking to Water: 200 yd
Total Distance from Start: 53.0 mi
Lakes of LaPorte Water Trail
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
Located about 20 miles south of Lake Michigan and LaPorte, Indiana is home to its own unique lake system that provides a wonderful series of inland paddles. Clustered off the Indiana Toll Road in LaPorte are Pine, Stone, Fishtrap, Horseshoe, Lily, Clear, Lower, Orr, and Crane Lake. Each one offers a different paddling adventure perfect for people of all ages and skill levels.
Skill Level: Novice
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Wide at Pine/Stone, narrow at Lily
Length: Varies
Need to Portage: N/A
Access Points:
Amenities: Picnicking, Restrooms/PortableGPS Coordinates: 41.628350, -86.738698
Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte
cityoflaporte.com
Amenities: Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.610197, -86.747885
300 Grangemouth Dr., LaPorte
219-326-9600
cityoflaporte.com
Long Lake and Chain of Lakes
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
There’s easy paddling on Long Lake with access to the Canada Lake. The calm waters surrounded by lakeside homes and wildlife make for a relaxing experience.
Skill Level: Novice
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Calm lake
Length: Varies
Need to Portage: N/A
Access Point:
GPS Coordinates: 41.524514, -87.051317
E. 600 North Rd., Valparaiso
fishing.in.gov
Portage Lakefront
Before you decide where to launch, please see information on the safety page. And don’t forget to wear your lifejacket!
Under normal flow conditions, this section can be paddled upstream and back without much difficulty. When paddling upstream from either access point, take the first left turn into the East Branch of the Little Calumet (the right branch is the West Branch of the Little Calumet), and paddle upstream as far as you care. The multiple branches you will reach (from right to left) are Salt Creek, the Little Calumet, and a cooling water discharge from the Arcelor Mittal Steel plant. You will run into logjams on both Salt Creek and the East Branch Little Calumet, and can portage around those if feeling adventurous. When done exploring, turn around and head back to your starting point.
Skill Level: Novice to Intermediate
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Deep and wide
Length: 3.5 miles
Need to Portage: N/A
Access Points:
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Amenities: Accessible, Pet-Friendly, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable, Swimming Beach
GPS Coordinates: 41.631519, -87.177822
100 Riverwalk Dr., Portage
219-395-1882
nps.gov/indu
Portage Public Marina (Sammie L. Maletta Public Marina)
Amenities: Restrooms/Portable
GPS Coordinates: 41.618245, -87.174134
1200 Marina Way, Portage
219-763-6833
ci.portage.in.us
Rogers-Lakewood Park
Loomis Lake and Spectacles Lake are small and calm, which is perfect for a beginning blueways explorer. They also make for relaxing trips for experts.
5320 N. Meridian Rd., Valparaiso
219-462-5144
valpoparks.org
Skill Level: Novice
Type: Canoe or kayak
Conditions: Calm lake
Length: Varies
Need to Portage: N/A
Access Points:
Campbell Street Access
Amenities: Fee, Pet-Friendly, Picnicking, Restrooms/Portable]
GPS Coordinates: 41.517772, -87.062378
5502 Campbell St., Valparaiso
219-462-5144