FAQs
How much is it?
$70.00 for canoes, $60.00 for kayaks, $40.00 to transport your canoe/kayak, $35.00 for round tubes and $10 for cooler tubes for the day. If you pull out your boat or tube from our beach it will be a $10 fee for boats and $5 fee per tube. Cash or check only, no credit cards!
How long does each trip take to complete?
Without stopping, the 6 mile trip is 2-3 hours and the 12 mile trip is 4-6 hours. You can take as long as you’d like, stop on an island or sandbar, we only ask that you get back from your trip by sunset. Our 6 mile trip is by far the most popular with the majority of people spending the whole day on the water. The wind can make or break your trip depending on the wind direction and water current. A south wind will add some time to your trip and a north wind will make your trip faster.
Where are you located?
3494 E. 2089th Rd Ottawa, IL 61350 Most GPS apps will use this address though we are technically located in a village known as Wedron, IL down a long gravel road, under an old railroad bridge, and past a huge sand pit right along the Indian Creek, which joins the Fox River and flows through Ayers Landing. Parking space is limited so please carpool as much as possible!
What are your business hours?
We are open everyday from 9:00AM–5:00PM and closed on Wednesday. Our last run goes out at 1:00 for tubes and 2:00 for canoes/kayaks.
Can we bring a dog?
Yes you may, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while in the campground. In July 2022, we even had our first cat make the trip, but we doubt he’ll be back or bothered to leave us a good review on Google.
Can I bring my own canoe/kayak?
Yes! Its 40 dollars to transport your canoe on our trailers, or you can park a vehicle here, arrange your own transportation and pay a $10.00 pull out fee for boats and/or $5.00 per tube. Either way, when you return, we ask that you stay out of our main traffic area, and if asked to move, you do so promptly. Sorry, we’ve got a lot of work to do!
Do you supply paddles/life jackets?
We put 2 jackets and 2 paddles in every canoe, if you have children or a third person in your canoe, just let us know and we’ll get you the appropriate size.
Can I camp?
Yes, if you paddle with us. Our camping space is limited so we reserve our campsites for our canoers / kayakers or those that paid for a transport of their own boat. It is primitive camping only, we supply a garbage can, a picnic table and a fire pit. Firewood is available for $20.00 and is considerably more than you’d get at a gas station, for instance. You may want to bring a fire starter with you, since kindling can be hard to find here. We do not offer any RV sites at this time, nor do we have any immediate plans to do so.
Are coolers allowed?
Yes, but please do not bring Styrofoam coolers or glass bottles. Also, if you choose to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and know that once you leave Ayers Landing, every decision you make is your own.
Anything else I should bring?
River shoes or some sort of shoes that attach to the heels of your feet are MANDATORY for renting any watercraft here. Snacks, water, dry bag, sunscreen. Also, the river claims a LOT of phones each year. Lastly…don’t go canoeing or kayaking with your car keys. If you do, tie them to something you can’t lose!
Do we need a reservation?
Its always best to have a reservation, but if you feel like floating the river, please give us a call and we’ll do our best to work you in. We have cancellations, no-shows, and can nearly always squeeze in a few boats/tubes in here and there. If you can’t book what you need on the website, just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do!