Directions: Redhorse Bend Canoe Launch, owned by the Belvidere Park District, is located two miles north of I-90 on Lawrenceville Road in Garden Prairie. From I-90, take the Genoa Road exit and drive north approximately 2 miles to Lawrenceville Road, then take a right. Launch entrance is located on the right side of the road. Redhorse Bend includes a public access canoe launch, parking lot, and fishing area.
The take-out at Distillery Road Launch Site is located approximately 2.5 miles south of US 20- BUS on Distillery Road in Belvidere. Parking is available at this launch site.
Notes: This trip is recommended for intermediate paddlers due to the portage around the Belvidere Dam located between Burgess Street and Hickory Bill’s Island access sites. Portage is recommended to the left/south of the dam but has been reported as narrow and muddy with the need to maneuver around a distillery strainer. River conditions on either side of the dam are typically calm and offer a contrast between urban and wild areas.
