Paddle or watch, but definitely don't miss the largest canoe race in Illinois. This 18.5-mile race begins at the Oak Spring Canoe Launch in Libertyville and ends at Dam #2 in Mount Prospect.
There are two event courses on the beautiful and historic Des Plaines River: the Marathon course is 18.5 miles, and the Mini-thon is a shorter, 5.25-mile course for less experienced paddlers.
More than 20 classes accommodate different paddling disciplines and paddlers of all ages and capabilities, including stand-up paddleboards (SUP). For the first time in 60 years, there will be no portages, as all of the dams have been removed from this section of the river.
Not a paddler? View the racers at any spot where a forest preserve crosses the river––Ryerson Woods and the north end of Half Day are especially popular.
The Lake County Forest Preserves, Des Plaines River Association, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County are all helping support this event.