Your Forest Preserves

Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch

Paddle down the scenic Des Plaines River or fish along its banks at one of five Canoe Launches provided by the Lake County Forest Preserves. All launch areas offer canoe access to the river, shoreline fishing, trail connections to the Des Plaines River Trail, information kiosks with trail maps and other publications, and parking. If you put in here, the next Forest Preserve ramp is at the Route 60 Canoe Launch, 4.5 miles downstream.

The land for the Wadsworth Road Canoe Launch was the first acquired in 1973. Acquisition of the Route 60 and Oak Spring Road canoe launches followed in 1975. In 1984, the Russell Road Canoe Launch was added to the Forest Preserve holdings. Independence Grove opened in 2001.

The annual Canoe Marathon is the largest and longest down river canoe event in Illinois. The race covers 19.5 miles of the Des Plaines River, beginning at the Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch in Libertyville.

Preservation of the Des Plaines River Greenway has been a key priority since the Forest Preserve District was founded in 1958. It covers more than 7,800 acres and protects land along more than 80 percent of the river in Lake County, providing wildlife habitat, natural flood protection and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Forest Preserve canoe launches offer access to the river, shoreline fishing and trail connections to the nearly-complete 33-mile long Des Plaines River Trail as it winds its way through the Greenway from Wisconsin south to Lake-Cook Road.