Chicago Kayak Rental at Ohio Street Beach — Paddle Lake Michigan Along the Skyline
Launch from Ohio Street Beach and paddle a clear sweep of Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline at your back. This easy downtown kayak rental is ideal for quick escapes, skyline photos, and family-friendly laps along the lakefront.
The Experience
Before You Go
Check the wind forecast
Lake Michigan winds can intensify quickly—choose mornings for calmer water and avoid outings if winds exceed 15 mph.
Secure essentials in a dry bag
Bring a small dry bag for phone, keys, and snacks; you’ll appreciate having them sealed against splashes and brief waves.
Launch and land on sand
Use the sandy shoreline at Ohio Street Beach for safer entries and exits; rocky areas can damage hulls and gear.
Watch for wakes
Give tour boats and ferries wide berth—wake can be surprisingly strong close to their paths, especially in narrower sections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Paddle west toward the quieter shoreline near the Lincoln Park Bird Sanctuary for softer water and birdwatching.
- •Land on a little-used stretch of sand east of Ohio Street for a skyline-free picnic and closer views of the lake’s edge.
Wildlife
- •Ring-billed gulls
- •Great blue heron
Conservation Note
Respect the lake by packing out all trash and avoiding single-use plastics; operators often support local beach cleanups—ask how to join or donate.
Ohio Street Beach sits beside Navy Pier, an area shaped by early 20th-century shoreline engineering that transformed Chicago’s harbor and public waterfront.
Photographer's Notes
- • From near the pier looking west along the skyline
- • A few hundred yards offshore for a head-on skyline shot
- • Close to the shoreline for reflections and birdlife details
What to Bring
PFD (life jacket)Essential
Provided by operator and required—keeps you buoyant and is the single most important safety item.
Dry bagEssential
Protects phone, wallet, and layers from splash and short swims.
Sunscreen and sunglasses with strapEssential
Reflective water increases UV exposure—use reef-safe sunscreen and secure eyewear to avoid loss.
Light wind shell
Useful in spring/early fall when lake breezes can be cold off the water.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—rentals are beginner-friendly; staff give a quick safety and paddling orientation. Beginners are encouraged to choose tandem kayaks.
How old do you have to be to paddle alone?
Renters must be 18+. Ages 13+ may paddle a single kayak alone if an adult rents the equipment; younger children should use a tandem with a guardian.
Can I extend my rental time?
Yes—rentals are offered in one- and two-hour blocks but can usually be extended subject to availability at the dock.
What happens in bad weather?
The operator cancels for unsafe conditions (high wind, storms) and offers full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours before your booking.
Is parking available nearby?
Limited paid parking exists near Navy Pier; public transit (Red Line to Grand or buses) and rideshares are typically easier for downtown access.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes—PFDs are provided and must be worn while on the water.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1–2 hours
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic fitness; paddling for up to two hours requires moderate upper-body stamina and balance.
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