Facilities

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. The Mayor 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!

Park is Open

The park and whitewater course are open. The Marge Cline course is an open-use course; 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 Route 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 to play in the river.
• The Fox River drops almost 6 feet between the eastern and western edges of the chute with portage points provided at both ends of the facility.
• A 12 foot 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). (

Closings & Warnings

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.

Equipment Rentals

While the City of Yorkville does not provide any rentals, canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes are available to rent from the Yak Shack. For more information contact The Yak Shack at 630-479-8074.

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 to 25 minutes from the facility.

Parking

Parking is available at all city municipal lots. Please view this map to locate 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 please notify the Yorkville Police Department at 630-553-4340. These are located at the intersection of Hydraulic Street and Route 47 (Northwest corner), south of the railroad tracks in the east alley lot behind the Route 47 businesses, and on the west side of Route 47 in the west alley lot behind the Route 47 businesses.

Changing/Restroom Facilities

At least 1 restroom is located at the park year round. 

Park Rentals

1 large and 2 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 larger special events. Please contact the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department at 630-553-4357 to make a shelter rental reservation. The Rental and Use Policy (PDF) outlines fees and includes the reservation form.

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. 

Food Regulations

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.

Nearby Businesses

The following restaurants, shops and entertainment are within a short walk to the course:

• Butcher Block 360
• Crusade Burger Bar
• Rowdy's
• Foxy's Ice Cream
• Parma Pizza
• Paradise Cove
• Ginger & Soul

Hotels/Camping

Planning to stay overnight? Several lodging establishments and campgrounds are located in the Yorkville area.

Hotels

• Hampton Inn, 310 East Countryside Parkway
• Super 8, 1510 A North Bridge Street
• Holiday Inn, 577 E Kendall Dr

Camping

• Fox Bluff Vacation Cottage and RV Resort, 8045 Van Emmon Rd.
• Hoover Forest Preserve, 1128 W. Fox Rd.

Fishing

Fishing is not allowed in the whitewater chute bypass channel from the shoreline or either island. Fisherman can fish from the fishing pier located east(upstream) of the bypass channel. 

Boating

A boat launch is accessible from the parking lot on the east end of the park. Boating is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. For more information visit the IDNR website. 
 

 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. Fishing is allowed from the island towards the dam. For the safety of all river users, please be sure to pick up and properly dispose of any fishing line or lures.

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 onsite.

Riverfront Park Pedestrian Bridge & Island Repairs Update

In 2018 the pedestrian bridge and trail on the Fox River at Riverfront Park were closed due to unsafe conditions caused by natural erosion. Recently, the State notified the City that repairs work will begin in the Summer and Fall of 2022. Completion is expected by the end of 2022. During this time, portions of Riverfront Park may be closed for the safety of park patrons.  The park will remain open during construction however please be cautious of construction equipment and fenced off for safety.  During this time access to the Marge Kline White water course will be restricted.