Canoe the Kish at Larsen’s Landing

I canoed at Larsen’s in the summer of 2013 without any issues. That being said, working with them this year has been an absolute nightmare!
After much hassle I managed to make a reservation for 16-​people to canoe at 10am for a Sunday. Due to weather, Larsen’s had to cancel our reservation. It was a bit of a let down, but I could have dealt with it.
The thing was that they did not contact me via email or phone of this cancellation. There was no posting on their website either. It takes me a little over 2 hours to get to Rockford from Chicago. After calling over 5 times and leaving 3 voicemails I finally got a text message (not even a call!) around 8am. I had already been making preparations that morning.
Because our reservation was canceled, I figured it would be easier to make another one, and was I wrong!
I again contacted Larsen’s via their website, then email and after a couple of days, via phone. This was back in July 6.
To this day I have not heard anything from them.
If you want to canoe in the summer, this river is a beautiful place, but don’t do it through Larsen’s.

I’ve been to Larsen’s Landing a few times. Each time with groups of people in their 20’s. Steve and Karen are great. They’re a family business that will accommodate pretty much anything you ask of them, as long as it’s reasonable.
They have a lot of land. If you’re going to be with a group that might get a little loud at night, don’t be afraid to tell them. They’ll put you far away from any families. Likewise, if you’re there with kids with an early bed time and want some peace and quiet, let them know.
Canoeing the river is a good time. You can choose to paddle around and explore a bit, or just do a lazy river ride back to the camp site.
If you’re looking for one of those Yogi Bear fancy comfortable camp sites for a family, this isn’t it. If you want some space near Chicago to go car camping and do some canoeing, this is your place.
Be aware: you do need to drive down some rugged dirt roads to get to the camp sites. If it’s been raining a lot, you may have trouble getting a 2WD car back there. Ask Steve and Karen for advice on that.

It’s a nice river but as far as organization and convenience go, that is the real fun. Bringing your own canoe rented from a store might be simpler than waiting around for all the missing pieces, but then you don’t experience the charisma of the aforementioned Larsen.
Anything goes!

It’s a nice river but as far as organization and convenience go I wouldn’t recommend it. Bringing your own canoe rented from a store might be simpler then waiting around for all the missing pieces.