Chicago River is the most well-known river dyed on St. Patrick’s Day with several other cities trying to copy not only the color but the experience. Many cities have tried only a handful have succeeded with Chicago being the first successful river dying in 1962 one year after Savannah, Georgia’s coloring washed away due to the fast-moving tide in 1961. Vegetable-based orange dye that turns green when mixed into the river has been a tradition of Plumbers Local Union 130.
With St. Patrick’s Day taking place in the middle of March the weather is always unpredictable but generally on the colder side. This creates a unique experience for those who are willing to venture out, those who are willing to bear the cold weather and get out on the water. With only a couple of providers offering kayak tours and the riverwalk closed it limited the experience. Let’s go over how to enjoy the experience the most.
Chicago River Access on St. Patrick’s Day
The city of Chicago closes the Chicago Riverwalk on Friday at 11 PM and it doesn’t open again until Sunday at 6 AM. This limits the access points we can use to get on the river. Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are also restricted from the water as the dye is getting spread starting at 10 am on Saturday. Our closest downtown launch points get pushed back to Wild Mile in Chicago’s Lincoln Park or Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago’s Chinatown.
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Wild Mile
Located along the North Branch Canal, Wild Mile is on the east side of Goose Island. The launch is about a 2.2-mile paddle downriver to where the river is dyed. Street Parking is free but limited. With only stores nearby it should be easy to find a spot in the mornings. The launch is located right around the corner and down the ramp; the easiest access on this list.
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Ping Tom Memorial Park
Located about 2.3 miles south of the river-dying location it is harder to access. From the entrance to the launch, it’s about 1/5 of a mile walk. Access to the park is at the corner of West 19th and South Wells Street where there is free street parking but limited as it is residential. Just east is Wentworth Ave which is paid via Park Chicago. Dropping your paddle board or Kayak off at the entrance before parking is going to be your best option.
What to Bring Paddle Boarding on St. Patrick’s Day
March in Chicago is on the colder side for the area with average temps in the 30’s or 40’s and water temps generally in the mid to upper 30’s. This is a day to be on your game. Pay attention to the traffic and listen to the radio.
Must Bring
- Whistle
- Coiled SUP Leash
- Waterbottle
- Marine Radio (Channel 16)
- Drybag/Deck Bag
- Tow Line
- Hat
- Towel
- Change of clothes
Should Bring
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Snacks
- Sunglasses – The buildings reflections can get bright
- Hand Warmers
What to Wear Paddle Boarding on St. Patrick’s Day
What you wear matters. You are paddling but also preparing for falling in. Wearing winter clothes will keep you warm but will weigh you down and keep you cold if you fall in. The boat traffic will be unpredictable, so being prepared is important. Body heat can be lost 20 times faster in water than in air.
Must Wear
- Life Jacket
- Warm Baselayer – synthetic activewear; no cotton or jeans
- Wetsuit/Drysuit – When the combined air and water temperatures are less than 120 degrees
- 5+ mm wetsuit thickness preferably hooded
- The colder it is the thicker the wetsuit you will need to stay comfortable – wetsuit work best when wet
- Drysuits keep you dry, base layers keep you warm.
- Neoprene Gloves – Keep your hands warm and dry, a base layer of wool helps.
- Wetsuit Booties – Protect your feet, they will get wet; booties that are 5-7 mm thick
Should Wear
- Wool socks
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Wetsuit Socks – If not wearing booties
- Wind-blocking layers over top of the wetsuit (paddle jacket/rain pants)
- Base layer leggings + top under a drysuit
Chicago River Radio Frequency
While on the river with boat traffic, you should always be aware of your surroundings, this means having an ear to other boat communication. All boats communicate via VHF radio on dedicated channels. The most common on the Chicago River you should listen to are channels 13 and 16. There are other channels or other river activity for you to be aware of.
- CPD Marine “switch to”: Ch. 11 (156.550)
- Chicago Bridge Operations: Ch. 12 (156.600)
- Sightseeing boats: Ch. 13 (156.650)
- Emergency channel: Channel 16 (156.800) (tour boats and others use it to self-announce departure from docks; approaching certain bridges and river locations.
- Chicago’s First Lady boats asking Mercury dock permission to depart: Channel 18 (156.900)
Have Fun & Be Safe
If planning your trip is too much some tours will take you down to the river for about $75 to experience the river from a different perspective. However you see the river this St. Patrick’s Day be safe and follow the rules in place on and off the river.
Map of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Route
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country and lasts about 2 hours.
Important times and locations
- Dyeing starts at 10 am
- The dying takes about 45 minutes starting at 10 am
- The river opens about 11 am after the horn (listen on the radio also)
- The color lasts for at least a day, but sometimes two to three days if there’s no wind or rain.
- A quarter mile of the waterway is dyed from State Street to Columbus Drive.
- The Lower Chicago River Walk will be closed from Friday at 11 pm to Sunday at 6 am.
Kayak Tours
There are a few companies like Kayak Chicago that offer guided tours. They have a boat and guides in the water directing the group and helping those that need it. Since everything is provided this is a great option for those with less experience or no equipment but still want to experience it.
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