While kayaking experiences with Urban Kayaks returned to the Chicago Riverwalk and Monroe Harbour in May for another year running, it has been three years since kayak rentals were available at the Ping Tom Memorial Park Boathouse.
Having first opened in 2013, the international outdoor equipment company REI took over operations at Ping Tom Memorial Park Boathouse from Urban Kayaks in 2017. After two seasons the company was forced to put a hold on rentals as Covid-19 swept the nation.
Now, for the first time in three years, REI is once again offering public kayak rentals and guided tours on the Chicago River.
Visitors can now explore the surroundings of Ping Tom Park and the unique South Branch of the Chicago River.
The REI Boathouse at Ping Tom Memorial Park is open from 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday until Labor Day and then on just operational on weekends until October.
A single kayak costs $30 for one hour and a tandem kayak costs $40 for one hour. Additional hours are then just $15.
The Ping Tom Memorial Park Boathouse is located at 300 W. 19th St.
More information can be found at www.pingtompac.org.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]