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About us

Prairie State Canoeists (PSC - “www.prairiestatecanoeists.org\”) is one of the Midwest's largest and oldest paddling clubs (in existence since 1971). Most members live in the Chicagoland area and the Club is about evenly split between canoeists and kayakers.

Our club sponsors over 150 trips a year (both flat-water and whitewater) and most trips are within 100 miles of Chicago. Day-trips are common and multi-day trips may include camping. ACA-certified instructors conduct training classes/trips for all skill levels.

We post some of our beginner trips/classes to our Meetup page in order to provide opportunities to paddle on a club trip, or training class, to assess participation from our Meetup.com members.

For Meetup trips/classes, participants will need their own kayak/canoe, paddle and personal flotation device. No alcohol is allowed.

Check out the PSC website at: “www.prairiestatecanoeists.org” For membership information and application click “JOIN PSC” on the PSC home page.

For upcoming trip information click “Events Calendar” under the “Events” tab on the PSC home page.  Displayed will be a full list of classes and trips available to PSC members More trips and classes are added throughout the season.

Upcoming events

50

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  • Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Location not specified yet

    Guided Kayak Tours at Starved Rock State Park
    See the side of Starved Rock most visitors never get to experience.
    Join us for an unforgettable guided kayak tour at Starved Rock State Park, the Midwest’s #1 state park, known for its 18 canyons, towering St. Peter sandstone bluffs, and incredible wildlife.

    ### What makes this tour so special?

    You’ll see what hikers can’t see.
    From the water, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of:

    • Towering sandstone bluffs
    • Bald eagles, pelicans, and other local wildlife
    • Beautiful lotus flowers
    • The breathtaking shoreline of the Illinois River

    Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this tour is designed to be fun, safe, and unforgettable. Our knowledgeable guides make the experience easy, entertaining, and educational, sharing local history, wildlife facts, and hidden highlights along the way.

    ### Tour Times

    Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday

    • 9:00 AM
    • 10:00 AM
    • 11:00 AM
    • 12:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM
    • 2:00 PM

    ### Tour Length

    Approximately 2 hours

    ### Pricing

    Tandem Kayak

    • $49 per adult
    • $39 per child (ages 12 and under as 2nd passenger)
    • Dogs welcome
    • 3rd passenger: $19 child (under 70 lbs) or dog (under 40 lbs)

    Important:

    Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18+ in the same kayak.
    Single Kayak

    • $69 per person

    Bring Your Own Boat

    • $39 per person
    • Must wear a PFD/life jacket

    ### Why book now?

    Space is limited and tours fill quickly.
    If you’ve visited Starved Rock before, you already know how beautiful it is from the trails.

    Now imagine seeing it from the river — peaceful water, towering cliffs above you, wildlife all around, and views most people never get to experience.
    This is one of the best ways to experience Starved Rock with family, friends, or even your pup.

    ## Book online today

    Don’t wait — spots are limited and popular dates sell out fast.
    Need a different date?

    We also offer private guided kayak tours for Corporate Wellness groups, Family Reunions, Scout Groups and more:

    • 20+ people on weekends
    • 10+ people on weekdays

    If you don’t see the date you want, reach out and we’ll help set up a private tour for your group.

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Location not specified yet

    Guided Kayak Tours at Starved Rock State Park
    See the side of Starved Rock most visitors never get to experience.
    Join us for an unforgettable guided kayak tour at Starved Rock State Park, the Midwest’s #1 state park, known for its 18 canyons, towering St. Peter sandstone bluffs, and incredible wildlife.

    ### What makes this tour so special?

    You’ll see what hikers can’t see.
    From the water, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of:

    • Towering sandstone bluffs
    • Bald eagles, pelicans, and other local wildlife
    • Beautiful lotus flowers
    • The breathtaking shoreline of the Illinois River

    Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this tour is designed to be fun, safe, and unforgettable. Our knowledgeable guides make the experience easy, entertaining, and educational, sharing local history, wildlife facts, and hidden highlights along the way.

    ### Tour Times

    Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday

    • 9:00 AM
    • 10:00 AM
    • 11:00 AM
    • 12:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM
    • 2:00 PM

    ### Tour Length

    Approximately 2 hours

    ### Pricing

    Tandem Kayak

    • $49 per adult
    • $39 per child (ages 12 and under as 2nd passenger)
    • Dogs welcome
    • 3rd passenger: $19 child (under 70 lbs) or dog (under 40 lbs)

    Important:

    Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18+ in the same kayak.
    Single Kayak

    • $69 per person

    Bring Your Own Boat

    • $39 per person
    • Must wear a PFD/life jacket

    ### Why book now?

    Space is limited and tours fill quickly.
    If you’ve visited Starved Rock before, you already know how beautiful it is from the trails.

    Now imagine seeing it from the river — peaceful water, towering cliffs above you, wildlife all around, and views most people never get to experience.
    This is one of the best ways to experience Starved Rock with family, friends, or even your pup.

    ## Book online today

    Don’t wait — spots are limited and popular dates sell out fast.
    Need a different date?

    We also offer private guided kayak tours for Corporate Wellness groups, Family Reunions, Scout Groups and more:

    • 20+ people on weekends
    • 10+ people on weekdays

    If you don’t see the date you want, reach out and we’ll help set up a private tour for your group.

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Location not specified yet

    Guided Kayak Tours at Starved Rock State Park
    See the side of Starved Rock most visitors never get to experience.
    Join us for an unforgettable guided kayak tour at Starved Rock State Park, the Midwest’s #1 state park, known for its 18 canyons, towering St. Peter sandstone bluffs, and incredible wildlife.

    ### What makes this tour so special?

    You’ll see what hikers can’t see.
    From the water, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of:

    • Towering sandstone bluffs
    • Bald eagles, pelicans, and other local wildlife
    • Beautiful lotus flowers
    • The breathtaking shoreline of the Illinois River

    Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this tour is designed to be fun, safe, and unforgettable. Our knowledgeable guides make the experience easy, entertaining, and educational, sharing local history, wildlife facts, and hidden highlights along the way.

    ### Tour Times

    Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday

    • 9:00 AM
    • 10:00 AM
    • 11:00 AM
    • 12:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM
    • 2:00 PM

    ### Tour Length

    Approximately 2 hours

    ### Pricing

    Tandem Kayak

    • $49 per adult
    • $39 per child (ages 12 and under as 2nd passenger)
    • Dogs welcome
    • 3rd passenger: $19 child (under 70 lbs) or dog (under 40 lbs)

    Important:

    Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18+ in the same kayak.
    Single Kayak

    • $69 per person

    Bring Your Own Boat

    • $39 per person
    • Must wear a PFD/life jacket

    ### Why book now?

    Space is limited and tours fill quickly.
    If you’ve visited Starved Rock before, you already know how beautiful it is from the trails.

    Now imagine seeing it from the river — peaceful water, towering cliffs above you, wildlife all around, and views most people never get to experience.
    This is one of the best ways to experience Starved Rock with family, friends, or even your pup.

    ## Book online today

    Don’t wait — spots are limited and popular dates sell out fast.
    Need a different date?

    We also offer private guided kayak tours for Corporate Wellness groups, Family Reunions, Scout Groups and more:

    • 20+ people on weekends
    • 10+ people on weekdays

    If you don’t see the date you want, reach out and we’ll help set up a private tour for your group.

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee
  • Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Starved Rock Guided Kayak Tour

    Location not specified yet

    Guided Kayak Tours at Starved Rock State Park
    See the side of Starved Rock most visitors never get to experience.
    Join us for an unforgettable guided kayak tour at Starved Rock State Park, the Midwest’s #1 state park, known for its 18 canyons, towering St. Peter sandstone bluffs, and incredible wildlife.

    ### What makes this tour so special?

    You’ll see what hikers can’t see.
    From the water, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of:

    • Towering sandstone bluffs
    • Bald eagles, pelicans, and other local wildlife
    • Beautiful lotus flowers
    • The breathtaking shoreline of the Illinois River

    Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’ve paddled before, this tour is designed to be fun, safe, and unforgettable. Our knowledgeable guides make the experience easy, entertaining, and educational, sharing local history, wildlife facts, and hidden highlights along the way.

    ### Tour Times

    Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday

    • 9:00 AM
    • 10:00 AM
    • 11:00 AM
    • 12:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM
    • 2:00 PM

    ### Tour Length

    Approximately 2 hours

    ### Pricing

    Tandem Kayak

    • $49 per adult
    • $39 per child (ages 12 and under as 2nd passenger)
    • Dogs welcome
    • 3rd passenger: $19 child (under 70 lbs) or dog (under 40 lbs)

    Important:

    Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18+ in the same kayak.
    Single Kayak

    • $69 per person

    Bring Your Own Boat

    • $39 per person
    • Must wear a PFD/life jacket

    ### Why book now?

    Space is limited and tours fill quickly.
    If you’ve visited Starved Rock before, you already know how beautiful it is from the trails.

    Now imagine seeing it from the river — peaceful water, towering cliffs above you, wildlife all around, and views most people never get to experience.
    This is one of the best ways to experience Starved Rock with family, friends, or even your pup.

    ## Book online today

    Don’t wait — spots are limited and popular dates sell out fast.
    Need a different date?

    We also offer private guided kayak tours for Corporate Wellness groups, Family Reunions, Scout Groups and more:

    • 20+ people on weekends
    • 10+ people on weekdays

    If you don’t see the date you want, reach out and we’ll help set up a private tour for your group.

    • Photo of the user
    1 attendee

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