Kayaking
Wildlife Prairie Park allows kayaking on any of our 7 fishing lakes (see map below). Bring your own kayak or rent one of ours!
We recommend launching on Deep Lake, Beaver Lake, East Horseshoe Lake, North Lake or Taylor Lake (on the west side of the park). Caboose Lake is possible, but not very big due to some of it being fenced off for bison and elk. Access to some of our lakes may be more difficult than others.
If you have questions about guidelines please reach out to: recreation@wildlifeprairie.org.
Kayak Rental
Opening May 26, 2023
Your 1 hour kayak rental gives you access to the kayak of your choice on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting).
Hours
May 26 - September 3
FRI: East Horseshoe Lake – 3 to 7 pm
SAT: Deep Lake – 10 am to 12:30 pm | 1:30 to 5:30 pm
SUN: Taylor Lake – 10 am to 12:30 pm | 1:30 to 5:30 pm
Holidays Available: Labor Day - Sept 4
Deep Lake – 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3 pm
September 9 - October 1
SAT: Deep Lake – 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3 pm
SUN: Taylor Lake – 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3 pm
Rental Prices
Regular park admission still applies to non-members.
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Single Adult Kayak $15/hour
3 available
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Single Youth Kayak $15/hour
2 available (up to 150 lbs)
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Tandem Adult Kayak $25/hour
2 available
Fishing Kayaks
We have 2 fishing kayaks available to rent every day on Beaver Lake coming soon!
Rental Prices
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VIA Members - 9 am to 1 pm FREE
Morning fishing kayak rentals are reserved exclusively for our VIA members. Reservations must be made by 5 pm the day prior for 9 am session. Seats can be picked up at the main Ticket Gate and must be returned by 1 pm.
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Afternoons - 1:30 to 5:30 pm $45
Afternoon fishing kayak rentals are open to everyone. Reservations can be made up to 1 hour prior to session. Seats can be picked up at the main Ticket Gate and must be returned by 6 pm.
Group Kayaking
Group kayaking is available during the week on Taylor Lake or Deep Lake and Beaver Lake. Your 2 hour rental includes admission to the park! Please submit an inquiry form or email recreation@wildlifeprairie.org with questions. Once party is booked, the waiver and other documents will be emailed to the party organizer.
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Members $150
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Non-Members $200

Please Note
An adult 18 years or older must be present. Online reservations only. A fee will be charged to booking credit card for lost or damaged kayaks.
Must complete waiver to reserve.
Reservations for fishing kayaks must be made by 5 pm the day prior for 9 am session. All other kayaking sessions can be reserved up to 1 hour prior to the session.
2023 West Side & Taylor Lake Closings
May 30 – Taylor Lake is closed from 4:30 pm- 7 pm.
June 3 – West Side is closed for the Illinois Wilds Triathlon until 12 pm.
Our Lakes

Beaver Lake

Deep Lake

North Lake

Taylor Lake

East Horseshoe Lake

West Horseshoe Lake
