Sailing & Boating on Lake Opeka
Lake Opeka offers many fishing, sailing, and boating opportunities for all ages and has been a popular destination since 1963. Lake Park Marina is open every year from April 1 through October 31.
Sailing and boating are always weather-dependent. Please call the Clubhouse at 847-391-5730 for updates on weather-related closings.
1015 Howard Avenue • Map and Directions
Marina Hours
April & May September & October: 8:00a–dusk
June, July, August: 7:00a–dusk.
Always weather permitting. Paddle Boat and kayak rentals end 30 minutes before sunset daily.
Annual User Fee Daily Launch Fee
Includes use of Lake Opeka for the entire season, April 1, 2024–October 31, 2024
Residents: $70 • Non-residents: $115
For users who prefer to pay to use Lake Opeka one day at a time. See the staff in the clubhouse.
Residents: $10 • Non-residents: $20
Sailing is available to those who own a boat and are suitably qualified. Privately owned boats must be registered. All boaters must sign in and out at the clubhouse. Sailing is only permitted during hours when waterfront staff is on duty.
- All boats must be registered to sail on the lake, and all boaters must sign in and out at the Clubhouse.
- Boaters must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Sailing lessons
Sailing lessons for all ages are available throughout the season. Adult lessons are also available on weekday evenings.
Information is in the Spring Spectrum Program & Events Guide
Sailing Camps
For ages 8–14
Every summer we have classes that concentrate on the basic concepts of safe sailing, and classes that are designed to teach more techniques for intermediate and advanced sailors. Each one-week camp will review what you need to know about wind direction, knot tying, and includes on-the-water practice.
Sail on with the Des Plaines Yacht Club!
If you’re interested in sailing, and want to share that interest with a friendly group, join us for a meeting at the Lake Park Clubhouse and get involved with our fun activities. Visit our website
Regattas
Regattas take place throughout the season, on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. Come join us! The park district sponsors the Annual Labor Day Regatta for sailors. See you there!
We are accepting boat mooring reservations for winter. Winter Boat Storage available November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 Residents: $200 • Non-residents: $230 Paddle Boats Please protect our wildlife. Lake Park is home to a number of species of Illinois wildlife, all of whom are able to forage for food and sustain themselves on a natural, healthy diet. In particular, our darling ducklings and goslings quickly grow to full-size, hungry adults. Bread crumbs and popcorn are not good wildlife food. If you feed them, these birds lose their food foraging instincts as well as the need to migrate. That results in over-population, overcrowding, and a shortage of food and space for the animals. In consideration of the balance of nature, please do not feed the wildlife. You may think feeding is fun, but it can be deadly.
Contact Dylan.Kuffell@dpparks.org
All moorings are reserved on a first come, first served basis, and those with a mooring from the previous year have priority.
Download a registration form, or pick one up at the Lake Park Clubhouse. 847-391-5730.
$15 per half-hour • $23 per hour
Paddle boats seat up to 4 people.
Residents of Des Plaines and Park Ridge receive a $2 discount per rental.
Swan Boats
$17 per half-hour • $25 per hour
Swan boats seat up to 5 people.
Residents of Des Plaines and Park Ridge receive a $2 discount per rental.
Kayaks
$13 per half-hour • $20 per hour
Residents of Des Plaines and Park Ridge
Receive a $2 discount per rental.
Tandem Kayaks
$16 per half-hour • $25 per hour
Residents of Des Plaines and Park Ridge
Receive a $2 discount per rental.
Weekday Discounts
Receive $5 off your boat rentals on weekdays, before noon.
Group Rates
Special rates are available for groups, parties, fundraisers, and company outings.
