There are some spots in Illinois you just can’t reach by foot or by car, but that shouldn’t hold you back from seeing them. There are 87,110 miles of rivers and streams within our state’s borders, with countless nooks and crannies harboring interesting rock formations and hard-to-spot animals. I’ve been on a mission to explore Illinois’ network of rivers, but I want to go a step further than just standing on a bridge and snapping a photo. Tubing, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking– the list goes on of ways to enjoy the state's rivers while actually on the water.

1. Tubing - Rock River

One of the most accessible and affordable ways to enjoy rivers is tubing. You can go tubing with your own inner tube or rent one from a company that usually offers transportation to and from the river.

Tubing requires zero pervious experience and will get you in-tune with the speed of the river.

All you need is a tube, life jacket, and a mapped out path to partake in this activity. Tubing with a group such as Lundeen's Landing can take all the pressure off of following a particular route and coordinating parking. I am hoping to get out to the Quad Cities area soon to enjoy a quiet afternoon floating down the Rock River.

2. Kayaking - Fox River

Easy to maneuver, kayaks are so much fun to take on just about any river or stream that's deep enough.

Renting a kayak with Ayer's Landing will give you freedom to explore the stunning rock formations looming over Fox River.

Especially in a single-person kayak, you can investigate anything you please. Ayer's Landing has a 6-mile and 12-mile loop it recommends. Do note that river shoes are required for rentals; but for any river activities you engage in, it's a good idea to wear them.

3. Stand-Up Paddle Boards - DuPage River

Blending the maneuverability of kayaks with the laid-back pace of tubing, stand-up paddle boarding can be an intense workout or a relaxing ride.

Exploring a river via paddle board can give you free rein to explore rivers and set your own pace.

Naperville Kayak runs tours along the DuPage River. For those new to kayaking or paddle boarding, it's best to have your first experience on calm waters. Naperville Kayak offers rentals on Lisle Community Park's lake for those needing to get acquainted with the mechanics of paddle boarding before heading out on fast-flowing waters.

4. Canoeing - Cache River

Among the more social ways of enjoying Illinois' river, canoeing is a fun group idea that is all about teamwork.

Illinois’s hidden bayou, the Cache River Wetlands, are nearly impossible to navigate by foot, but canoeing through it is a blast.

Cache Bayou Outfitters' canoes can comfortably fit two people but there are three seat canoes available as well. When canoeing through the area you might spot great egrets, great eagles, anhingas, red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, and if you are lucky you might see a river otter!

5. White Water Rafting - Big Vermillion River

If you are an adrenaline junkie, white water rafting might be your preferred way to experience Illinois' rivers.

For the most part, our rivers are pretty tame, but sections of the Big Vermillion River have class III rapids.

Vermillion River Rafting just outside of Matthiessen State Park provides rafts for self-guided tours. All guests will have to watch some safety videos before launching their raft, so be sure to reserve in advance to get your paperwork squared away before hitting the rapids.

6. Pontoon Boat - Illinois River

Renting a boat will be a very different experience than the workout of kayaking or rafting, but it is still an engaging activity that will get you closer to nature.

Pontoon boat rentals along the Illinois River are ideal for larger groups prioritizing quality time together.

Engine-powered boats will get you flying along Illinois' waterways, maximizing how much you can see in your time on the water. Heritage Harbor in Illinois offers pontoon rentals out of their marina. Heading west out of the marina you can drive around Bull's Island and see the rocky bluffs of Buffalo Rock State Park from the water.

Rivers are the lifeblood of Illinois, flowing from the top of the state to its bottom. There are ample opportunities to get out on the water and forge your own connection to our state's waterways. For those of us located near Chicago, I recommend checking out this Nighttime River Float along the Chicago River that will take you through the city's downtown area. Whether you are looking for a tandem kayak tour or a laid-back tubing session, there's a river activity in Illinois for everybody. Do you have a favorite river activity you'd add to this list?