Kayak with members of the McHenry County Historical Society on Friday June 26th or Thursday July 16th. Explore the North Branch Kishwaukee River from Thorne Rd in Marengo, Illinois to County Line Rd in Garden Prairie, IL. A brief history lesson will be presented by the MCHS to educate you on the river you will be paddling. After the trip, an optional after paddle event will take place at Miles Bar & Grill for a refreshing drink or bite to eat. Enjoy the Kish! Hope to see you there! 

Need a kayak? Paddle On has you covered with both single and tandem kayak rentals. Have your own vessel? No problem purchase a shuttle ticket, drop off your vessel at Thorne Rd first then park at County Line, we will pick you up at County Line. 

The Trip:

Paddling Start Point: Thorne Rd bridge in rural Marengo, Illinois

Copy and paste these coordinates into your GPS for Thorne Rd Bridge 42°15'57.7"N 88°39'52.8"W 

Paddling End Point/Vehicle Parking: 4700 Boone McHenry County Line Rd, Garden Prairie, IL 61038

Miles Bar & Grill location (After Paddle Event) 7045 Epworth Rd, Garden Prairie, IL 61038

Course of action: Paddle On will have all rental kayaks staged at Thorne Rd before 2:30pm. Paddlers can drop off their own kayaks, personal gear or extra passengers at Thorne Rd before 3:00 pm first then drive and park their vehicles at the MCCD Parking lot to transport all paid shuttle tickets back to Thorne Rd to drop in. Multiple shuttle rides may delay timing.

*Vehicle Drivers can save on shuttling tickets by dropping off extra passengers to Thorne Rd bridge first. Any questions in shuttling call or text us at 815 762 4009.

What to bring: Water shoes, plastic bottled water, light snacks, river appropriate clothing, sunglasses, watertight case for electronics and keys (optional)

What is provided with all rented kayaks: Adult PFD’s, paddles, laminated maps

Recommendations:

If you are to bring your own vessel, you must provide your own life jacket

Early is better for all participants to quickly get on the river. Call or text 815 762 4009 if you have any questions (texting is preferred).

Prices:

Single Kayaks @ $55.00

Tandem Kayaks @ $75.00

Shuttle Ticket @ $13.00