Illinois Rivers


Indiana and Illinois share several rivers and streams and the state of Illinois is also very much a "river state" In fact the recognizable shape of Illinois is defined by the Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, as can be seen on this map (courtesy of geology.com). During the past few years I have been fortunate enough to have traveled the watery outline of Illinois plus many miles of rivers within the state borders, including the entire length of the Illinois Waterway. Many people think of the southern states a Mississippi River states but Illinois has more miles of the Mississippi River than any other state. As I traveled many of the Rivers in and bordering Illinois I became intrigued by what is called the Illinois Waterway. This river system is the only navigable waterway connection from the great lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The system includes the Illinois River, the Des Plaines River, the Cal-Sag Canal and the Chicago River (or Calumet River depending upon where one would enter or exit Lake Michigan).

As I cruised the Illinois Waterway I discovered a river of many faces. From remote places of great natural beauty to the skyscapers of Chicago and about everything between these extremes. I am considered a naturalist and certainly do prefer the most natural of landscapes but the exception to that was the thrill of cruising on the Chicago River at night. It is amazing to slip along quietly on the dark waters among the huge towers, lights, bridges, traffic and many people. Chicago is a beautiful city from the river and the Lake Michigan coast. That experience alone made the trip from St. Louis worth-while.


As with all my river travels, I have kept journals, taken many photographs and drawn maps of my travels on Illinois Rivers. The Illinois Waterway is somewhat overlooked by many paddlers and boaters and I have found that there is little information available for people who want to explore it. Given this and the fact that it is a great resource, I decided to write the Illinois Waterway Guidebook. I have already begun the project and hope to have it complete in the spring of 2009. As with my other river guidebooks this will be a complete guide with detailed section river maps, beginning at the mouth of the Illinois River and ending at Lake Michigan.

This web page that I call a "sister site" to Indiana Waterways is new and I will be adding a great deal of information about the rivers and streams of Illinois. The state of Illinois has many active groups involved in river activities. I will be working closely with them to share information and build upon this new page. My goal is to provide excellent information for Illinois paddling and boating in an effort to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the great state of Illinois. Want to help? Write me directly with ideas, input, photos and other information that I can post on this page. Email to iwahay@insightbb.com. Please visit often to see updates on this new page.

Jerry Hay