THE ILLINOIS RIVER
CANOEING OPPORTUNITIES
The Illinois River is a large stream and some hazards have to be
considered that are less important in the smaller streams. During
the summer months, violent storms may strike suddenly in the Illinois
River Valley. Sudden high winds and lightning can catch the unwary
paddler in midstream and make reaching the shore a hazardous journey.
Furthermore, the many cruisers and barge tows on the river may cause
real trouble with their wake. Extreme caution should be taken to
avoid getting too close to them, or too close to the bank in the
shallow water where the breakers may swamp a canoe or small boat
.
It is strongly recommended that there be more than one canoe in
the party, or that there be at least one experienced paddler in
each canoe. Safety equipment required by the Coast Guard is mandatory.
Launching areas are numerous along the river and it is recommended
that those at towns, established boat facilities, or State Conservation
Areas be used. Some of the docks along the river are privately owned
and should be avoided, except in an emergency, in which case a public
facility may not be available. The success of a trip on this river
will depend upon careful planning and a thorough study of the river
charts which are available from the Corps of Engineers or the map
available from the State Department of Conservation. Most of the
towns along the river have campsites near, and there are many suitable
places for overnight stops on the river banks. Extreme care should
be taken, however, during the migratory waterfowl season that canoeists
do not interfere with the use of shooting areas.
The river mileage is clearly marked for navigation purposes on
signs at strategic points on the river bank. The mileage markers
indicate the distance from the mouth of the stream at Grafton (Mile
0) and enable the paddler to keep an accurate record of the distance
paddled and his speed. Because of the many floodplain lakes along
the river, some of the access points may be difficult to locate,
unless you watch the mileage posts and consult a chart or accurate
map.
