Here at Patoka Lake, there is a large ecosystem. The wetlands along the lake provide a home for wildlife, birds and vegetation and protect the lake from siltation. You will find warm shallow water fish. The lake creates a habitat for fish eating raptors, as bald eagle and osprey. The wildlife you may see at the lake includes quail, turkey, grouse, deer, mourning dove, rabbit, squirrel and other game species. During hunting season, be aware of hunters around you. There is something for everyone at Patoka Lake, activities at the lake and on land.

Here at Patoka Lake, there is a large ecosystem. The wetlands along the lake provide a home for wildlife, birds and vegetation and protect the lake from siltation. You will find warm shallow water fish. The lake creates a habitat for fish eating raptors, as bald eagle and osprey. The wildlife you may see at the lake includes quail, turkey, grouse, deer, mourning dove, rabbit, squirrel and other game species. During hunting season, be aware of hunters around you. There is something for everyone at Patoka Lake, activities at the lake and on land.

Here at Patoka Lake, there is a large ecosystem. The wetlands along the lake provide a home for wildlife, birds and vegetation and protect the lake from siltation. You will find warm shallow water fish. The lake creates a habitat for fish eating raptors, as bald eagle and osprey. The wildlife you may see at the lake includes quail, turkey, grouse, deer, mourning dove, rabbit, squirrel and other game species. During hunting season, be aware of hunters around you. There is something for everyone at Patoka Lake, activities at the lake and on land.

Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes. Because of its size, it is a dangerous lake. Be aware of the weather on shore. Strong winds on shore translate to large waves in the lake and currents formed by the wind. There is heavy traffic of large powerboats. You must pay attention to the water temperature and dress accordingly. Buy a bright colored boat and wear bright colored clothes. Always have a spare paddle. If you are paddling at dusk or dawn, make sure your boat has lights and put reflective tape on your paddle. Remember to wear sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and rain gear if weather requires. Bring plenty of drinking water. Fishing and boating are some of the most popular activities on Lake Michigan.

Lake Monroe is the largest lake in Indiana. Because of its size and all that it offers, there is an attendance of approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. The depth of the lake varies from 17.3 to 54 feet. It has a beautiful hardwood forest that serves as a habitat for wildlife. With rich vegetation, there is also hunting at Lake Monroe during its season. You will also find non-game wildlife. There are nest boxes for swallows, bluebirds and prothonotary warblers. Bald eagles are a common sight at the lake. At least five eagle nests are known at the lake.

Lake Monroe is the largest lake in Indiana. Because of its size and all that it offers, there is an attendance of approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. The depth of the lake varies from 17.3 to 54 feet. It has a beautiful hardwood forest that serves as a habitat for wildlife. With rich vegetation, there is also hunting at Lake Monroe during its season. You will also find non-game wildlife. There are nest boxes for swallows, bluebirds and prothonotary warblers. Bald eagles are a common sight at the lake. At least five eagle nests are known at the lake.

This stretch of the Kankakee River is the most popular for paddlers due to the clear waters, great fishing, and close proximity to Kankakee River State Park. The scenery on the Kankakee River includes rock cliffs and outcroppings, lots of green vegetation home to abundant wildlife, and multiple small islands. The river is very wide along this section and is usually floatable with the exception of seasons of low rainfall. There is some elevation drop over this run providing paddlers with some enjoyable riffles. There are a few alternate take-out areas along the way providing paddlers with good resting spots or take-out points for a shorter trip.

This section of the Kankakee River is a little different from some of the other popular stretches of the river in that in travels through more developed areas of residential houses and roads as well as more motorboat traffic on the river. The scenery is still impressive, however, with lots of wooded shoreline and small river islands spread throughout providing natural scenery and opportunity for seeing wildlife. The gradient is pretty mild on this 11-mile stretch making the water ideal for paddlers of all skill levels. This section of river also provides really easy and convenient public access with good parking and picnic facilities.

Starting just east of the Champaign County line, this stretch of the Salt Fork of the South Vermilion River travels for 14 miles along heavily wooded shoreline that provides lots of solitude and opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife. The river has just enough flow to provide some fun riffles and current along the way but nothing too challenging. The river is prone to strainers and obstructions along this route so be sure to keep an eye out for possible spots that require portaging. The river does not provide a lot of access points but does have quite a few sandbar areas that can be used as good resting spots. The decent flow on the river and possible obstructions can make the canoe trip a bit more challenging so some paddling experience is recommended before setting out.

Starting just east of the Illinois/Indiana border, this section of the Kankakee River flows into Illinois through wetland and bottomland forest that provides excellent wilderness scenery and lots of opportunity for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Due to the very rugged and wild nature of the terrain there can often be downed trees and other obstructions that can present some challenge. The elevation change is very mild along this portion so the waters are flat and calm for paddlers of all skill levels. The river can be paddled for more miles in both directions and there are also multiple access points along this route providing paddlers with good resting spots and alternate take-out points.