Beautiful day for canoe ride in Marquette Park: Kathy Headley

Partly cloudy with a slight north to northeast breeze and temperatures ranging from 79 to 82 degrees. A beautiful day for a canoe ride in Marquette Park. 

I arrived at the pier behind the fieldhouse around 8:30 a.m., just as the canoers were learning the rules of navigating the water. My plan was to begin my day by stopping off to check out the canoes, watch them glide off, maybe snap a few photos.

But as I waited for everyone to don their life jackets and get ready, Ben, one of the experienced crew from Chicago Park District’s RiverLab, won me over. Before I knew it, I was in a canoe with Ben behind me paddling down the lagoon. Viewing the lagoon and its surroundings from a canoe gives a different perspective. What a wonderful, relaxing, and educational morning this turned out to be. 

RiverLab was created as a new kind of nature center dedicated to expanding the community’s connection to the Chicago River. It opened in August of 2021 in a former hot dog stand at River Park on Chicago’s north side. 

This year RiverLab has expanded its reach by bringing its educational and recreational nature programming to Marquette Park and Garfield Park. This brings canoeing expeditions, birding paddles, family and group fishing sessions, and nature walks along the lagoon throughout the summer to Marquette. 

Basic instruction is provided for all of the on-water events. For instance: in navigating a canoe, stay balanced by moving your hips gently from side to side; to go in reverse, push the water away with your paddle; to turn around, draw a rainbow in the water with your paddle. For those fishing for the first time: the safe way to cast; baiting the hook; the best way to release a fish without hurting it.

Registration is required with a $5 fee for canoeing activities, and early registration is strongly suggested. There were three canoeing events last week. The first was over-booked with a waiting list and the second filled up quickly. Canoeing paddles are planned for August and September.

Register at www.chicagoparkdistrict.org. All equipment needed is provided and beginners are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The lagoon goes down about 10 feet at its deepest point, making it a safe, gentle environment for canoe trips. And thanks to our experienced guides – Vicky, Ariana, Isaac, Holly, Matt and Ben – not only did we all feel safe and comfortable, but their knowledge of nature around the lagoon added to the experience.

I am so glad I joined in on Saturday.