Directions: Access the Chippewa Boat Launch in Kankakee River State Park, which is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The launch is located just west of Warner Bridge Road and just north of the Warner Bridge on the Will/Kankakee county line.
About 2.4 miles downstream is the Area 9 Boat Launch. A shorter trip can start here. Access the Boat Launch from the north side of Route 113 (River Street), 1.25 miles northwest of Bauer Road.
The take-out is on river right at the head of the island just upstream of the Wilmington Dam.
Note: Alternatively, it is possible to paddle the channel on the east side of the island all the way north to the Wilmington millrace. Take out is on river left above the millrace. Do not run the millrace! Rebar and rocks in the narrow channels make this a dangerous passage at all but the highest water levels.
1 thought on “Chippewa Boat Launch to Wilmington Dam”
I did that in canoe over 20 times me and my dad growing up I miss it and him we use get out by mill before big dam broke good times lots Fish sun burn