Home > Glen Palmer Dam Whitewater canoe/kayak course tourist information
Welcome to the United City of Yorkville's
Marge Cline Whitewater Course
at Bicentennial Riverfront Park
2 blocks east of Rt. 47 on E. Hydraulic, Yorkville IL 60560
Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department
For information: 630.553.2582 or 630.553.4350
http://www.facebook.com/MargeClineWhitewaterCourse
The paddling community is all abuzz about the Marge Cline Whitewater Course. This new, state of Illinois recreational facility is centrally located in the heart of Yorkville's downtown just east of Route 47 
on the south side of the Fox River. Mayor Gary Golinski and the United City of Yorkville City Council look forward to your visit and for taking the opportunity to try this state-of-the art facility. Whether you are a novice or an avid canoeist or kayaker, we're sure you will have a great experience! Once again, welcome, we're glad you're here!!
The chute is open!
The park and whitewater course are open. There are a few items for the contractor left to complete on the main project and the pedestrian bridge crossing the chute to be installed prior to December 31, 2011. Anyone who is in the river traveling upstream or downstream is allowed to use the chute. A designated canoe portage point further downstream is located west of the Rt. 47 bridge on the southern bank next to the Yorkville Parks and Recreation building.
Facility facts
The course is located at Bicentennial Riverfront Park. The 1,100 foot-long bypass chute allows canoes, kayaks, and tubers to travel downstream safely around the Glen D. Palmer Dam without having to portage. It also provides a recreational amenity for kayakers as they upstream. The Fox River drops almost 6' between the eastern and western edges of the chute with portage points provided at both ends of the facility. A 12' wide concrete path allows paddlers to walk their canoes, kayaks, or tubes back up the chute to travel down the chute again (motorized vehicles, bicycles, and skateboards are not allowed on the pathway). Please note that the chute will not be closed for special events, although events may occur at the chute on any given day. Users are cautioned
to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Cost
The Glen D. Palmer canoe/kayak whitewater course is owned by the state of Illinois and is open to the public free of charge.
Location
The United City of Yorkville is located 60 miles southwest of Chicago in Kendall County. I-88, I-55, and I-80 are all approximately 20-25 minutes from the facility.
Parking
Parking is available at all city municipal lots. Please note that a majority of public parking is located off-site and will require that you carry your canoe/kayak to the water. Overnight parking is allowed at designated lots in downtown Yorkville if you are planning an overnight trip. These are located at the intersection of Hydraulic Street and Route 47 (Northwest corner), south of the railed tracks in the east alley lot behind the Rt. 47 businesses, and on the west side of Rt. 47 in the west alley lot behind the Rt. 47 businesses.
Changing/restroom facilities
At least one restroom is located at the park year round. Additional facilities are seasonal. The city is currently researching changing facilities for paddlers. No showers are located at the park.
Shelters
One large, and two small shelters are available at the site for use. Both small shelters each have a picnic table, and the large shelter can be rented for special events. Currently, we are not taking park and shelter reservations for these facilities until construction is complete and the park can be open for larger events.
Dining
Yorkville has a variety of dining experiences available for whatever you are craving! From pizza and pasta to burgers and more, you'll never go away hungry. A list of local restaurants will be available shortly (check back for updates). Or, feel free to pack a picnic lunch. Grills and open fires are not allowed on park grounds. Please note that alcohol is not allowed on park premises unless you are holding a special event and have requested a Special Event Liquor LIcense from the City's Clerk's office.
Hotels/camping
Planning to stay overnight? Several lodging establishments and campgrounds are located in the Yorkville area. A complete list of lodging facilities will be available shortly. Check back for updates.
Fishing
Fishing is not allowed in the whitewater chute bypass channel from the shoreline or either island.
General park rules
As a reminder to all patrons, the following park rules apply and are enforced:
- No alcohol
- No open fires/grills
- No fishing in the bypass channel, or within 50' upstream or downstream of the channel
Safety
Park patrons using the facility are required to bring their own life jackets. If renting a canoe, kayak or tube from a local business , a life jacket should be provided. No lifeguard is on site. In the case of an emergency, a Code Blue Emergency Phone is located in the park. Buoys or flotation devices are not available on site.
In the News, Outdoor Illinois, December 2010
Click here to view an article published in Outdoor Illinois titled "Illinois Gains Whitewater Adventure."
View graphical updates of the Glen D. Palmer Dam here.
Yorkville's Whitewater Recreation Facility at Bicentennial Riverfront Park
Advertising opportunities available
Advertise your business or organization on the official website. If you would like to sponsor or advertise your business, please contact Tim Evans @ tevans@yorkville.il.us