Illinois / Des Plaines River /

Des Plaines River Canoe Launch at Gowe Park

Carry-in (canoe and kayak) · on Des Plaines River · near Gurnee · Illinois

Zebra mussels

Zebra mussels (latest report 2015) reported in Des Plaines River 3.5 km from this launch (USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database). Clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before you leave, and do not move water, plants or live bait to another water.

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database · checked October 18, 2026

Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.

At the launch

Type
Carry-in (canoe and kayak)
Ramp surface
gravel
Managed by
Lake County Forest Preserve District
Website
lcfpd.org
Coordinates
42.36870, -87.91774

Directions (Google) Apple Maps

Conditions

Water level

Latest reading loads here; without it, see the USGS page below.

USGS gauge DES PLAINES RIVER NEAR GURNEE, IL, 2.1 mi from this launch on Des Plaines River: water level, flow, a reading every 15 minutes. Readings and history at USGS.

On Des Plaines River

River in Illinois. All launches on Des Plaines River.

Community

Where people who use Des Plaines River talk about it.

Nearby launches

Sources

Why it is listed as public: listed by Lake County Forest Preserve District Boat Launches (Illinois). Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.