
In addition to the plethora of Rockford homes for sale, the Rockford area also has plenty of things to offer its residents. For instance, there are several great waterways nearby—most notably the Rock River through the center of the city and the Kishwaukee River at the southern end. That means that if you move here, you've got a great place to go kayaking or canoeing on the weekends. Here are a few places to rent a kayak or a canoe this summer.
- Kishwaukee Canoe - 218 South Walnut Street, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
A rental service near Cherry Valley homes for sale, Kishwaukee Canoe rents two-person canoes, as well as one or two-person kayaks, along with paddles and life vests. Their prices are reasonable, and they offer discounts for various group outings, such as Boy Scouts, church youth groups, and other non-profit organizations. They'll also shuttle you directly to the launch site, where you can begin your journey.
- Rocktown Adventures of Rockford - 313 North Madison Street, Rockford, IL 61107
Kayaking and canoeing are just the beginning of what Rocktown Adventures of Rockford has to offer. They're a whole outdoor activities store, selling and renting camping and backpacking equipment, snowboarding and skiing apparel, fishing tackle, and much more. For paddlesports, they have different price options for different timeframes, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day or even multiple days. They'll walk you to the nearby launch site, or you can get shuttle assistance for an additional fee.
- Larsen's Landing Outfitters - 1951 New Milford School Road, Rockford, IL 61109
Larsen's Landing is a 30-acre wooded area around the Kishwaukee River, and Larsen's Landing Outfitters is the place to go for paddling supplies in that area. Inviting you to "Canoe the Kish," they mainly focus on canoes, but they rent kayaks too. They provide canoes for groups of anywhere from 2 to 100 people, along with a rundown of basic techniques and safety procedures. There are a variety of options available, for day trips or multi-day camping trips, along with guided tours by special arrangement.
- White Pelican Canoe, Kayak, and Bike Rental - 201 North 2nd Street, Oregon, IL 61061
Located near Oregon homes for sale, White Pelican has a wide variety of watercraft available. In addition to canoes and both single and two-person kayaks, they also have tubes and stand-up paddleboards. While most of the places on this list require reservations at least 24 hours in advance, White Pelican will do same-day rentals with just two hours' notice. However, if you're going on the weekend, it's best to plan further ahead, as they do sell out.
- Rock Cut State Park Concessions - 7223 West Lane Road, Loves Park, IL 61111
Rock Cut Park, located near Loves Park homes for sale, is a state-run park that offers everything from rowing to fishing to biking to camping—and of course, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Rock Cut State Park Concessions is the rental service for the area, which offers a variety of equipment, campsite reservations, and more. They also have picnic areas with tables and outdoor stoves that can be reserved for up to 50 people, plus other events throughout the year. Go for a day, a weekend, or longer, and experience this pristine area for yourself.
Kayaking and canoeing are just the beginning of what Rockford has to offer. Our real estate agents can help you get to know the area better and see what makes it so special. Contact us if you're ready to make Rockford your new home.