Join us for the first annual EL CARDUNAL paddling experience on the morning of Sunday, June 22nd. It’s a celebration of the NEW free-flowing section of the Fox River. The removal of the Carpenter Dam last fall exposed the river that has been hidden for over 150 years. CARDUNAL represents the Carpentersville, Dundee, Algonquin region. REGISTER HERE BY June 1st.

THE BIG PICTURE

This is not a race but an enjoyable outing for paddlers of any experience level. EL CARDUNAL will navigate 6 miles through forest preserves and village parks from Algonquin to East Dundee. This is one of the finest stretches of the Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail for peace and serenity. Mid-June was selected since it usually offers wonderful weather and suitable water levels for paddling. 

Careful planning has gone into this event, and paddlers will be well cared for: from assistance with boat drop off, boat security, registration, check-in, bus shuttle, scheduled launch system, support boats on the water, signage, assistance landing and boat loading, to the social time afterward. All registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and swag bag. This is going to be a memorable event. You’ll want to be part of it.

THE TRIP

The paddle begins at Cornish Park in Algonquin just below the dam and at the confluence of Crystal Creek.  Paddlers will float past Buffalo Forest Preserve and into Brunner Forest Preserve on one side and Algonquin Shores Forest Preserve on the other. At Carpenter Dam Park, they can pause for an interpretive talk from the Kane County Forest Preserve District. Back on the river, paddlers will float around Otto Engineering and under the Carpentersville Main Street bridge where they can view progress on the new Carpentersville Park. The paddle ends in East Dundee with an opportunity to meet and greet fellow paddlers and event sponsors.

THE LOGISTICS

Boat drop-off is at Cornish Park between 7 – 9 a.m.
Drive your vehicle to East Dundee and park. A shuttle bus will bring you back to your boat in Algonquin. The details and on-going communication will be provided after registration.
REGISTER HERE

AMENITIES

Algonquin, where the launch begins, and East Dundee, where the paddle ends are extremely charming frontier towns with histories dating back to the early 1800’s. Now, charming boutiques and inviting bars and restaurants in both villages bookend this event. While waiting to launch, enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a quick breakfast at one of the downtown Algonquin eateries.

Later in the day, when you exit the river in East Dundee, you’ll find a charming town filled with excellent dining options at various price points. If nothing else, before you leave town, swing through the Dairy Queen drive-through on Main Street East Dundee or stop at Van’s to cool down. 

REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 1st

We hope to see many of you, our friends, on Sunday, June 22 for the first ever EL CARDUNAL. Space is limited. The number of boats available to rent is limited too. Be sure to tap on the registration button below to register and reserve your boat right away. Make a day of this! The first annual, EL CARDUNAL is a unique opportunity. Tell your friends about it and REGISTER HERE

SPONSORS