Illinois River, Chicago River

[Tritone]

I may be taking a boat from the Illinois River into the Chicago River, and to the lake. I am not familiar with these bodies of water. Anyone have advice or general info about this passage? What I am looking for is lock info, peculiarities about the rivers, recommendations for a transient well in the city, bridge height restrictions, and estimated time of travel from Seneca, IL to Chicago. Thanks, J

 

[Nick 55]

I'll ask my parents. They just took a trip with some friends that bought a new boat from Channahon up towards Chicago,but they took the calumet river out to the lake before crossing over to Michigan City. It took them all day and had 4 locks to go through. No mention of any bridge issues, and looking at the maps, from Channahon I see barges on the rivers.

 

[Tritone]

Thanks

 

[Aliraza019]

Anyone make the trip? We are planning to move a new to us (closing in a couple weeks) 400 Sedan Bridge from Sandusky, OH to Chicago. Our tenative plan would be to leave on the Friday before Labor Day and be in Chicago within 5-7 days based on weather conditions.

 

[becnme]

Are we talking about 2 different trips here?
I Have done the river trip many times. The key word is patience. You will have 3 large locks and one small lock to get to the lake. Purchase an Illinois river chart book and study it if you have a boat taller than a Sundancer. There are bridges in Joliet around 15' but do open and more bridges in Chicago of varying heights that open also. I have taken a 396 Carver aft cabin all the way to Senica without having any bridges lifted but did need to remove the anchor light.
Call the locks on 14 and do as they say. Commercial traffic has priority so you can wait 3+ hrs for your turn. You need food and water since there are few stops after you leave Joliet. This trip can take as little as 9 hours or 20 depending on the locks. If you go the Chicago river it is mostly a no wake zone after the Lockport locks. Boating right through downtown Chicago is beautiful.
If you are leaving from Springbrook talk to Kevin in the shop. He makes this trip many times a season.