EL CARDUNAL is a celebratory paddle along the Fox River’s longest free-flowing stretch of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail through Kane County, Illinois.
EL CARDUNAL is the first annual 10-mile kayak & canoe paddle that launches in Algonquin and finishes in Elgin.
As a free-flowing stream there are no portages. Simply just put-in, paddle and take out.
Paddle the entire distance or rest at optional interpretive and educational stops along the 10-mile route that will provide a break, the opportunity to learn something new, and the option to chart an abbreviated course.
More than half of the route navigates through forest preserves, nature preserves and city parks on one or both sides of the Fox River.
Local non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses are working together to bring greater recognition of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail through this organized paddle highlighting the Fox River that runs through five communities.
Registration opens soon
Online registration begins in April.
No canoe or kayak? Once registration starts, around 50 rentals will be available at reduced rates for EL CARDUNAL. Online registration begins in April.
A celebration “after party” at the Elgin take-out will have sponsor tables, music and refreshments for participants.
Volunteers: We are looking for volunteers who can help us with specific tasks like set-up, in-water launch assistance, safety paddling, information providing, and directions advising.
Contact: ELCARDUNAL@FOTFR.org or leave a message at (815) 356-6605.
Become a Business Sponsor
Friends of the Fox River and its partners invite your company to sponsor a celebration. We are offering a variety of levels to suit your preferences.
For more information contact: elcardunal@fotfr.org or (815 377-3616 ). Thank You!
Why is CARDUNAL spelled wrong?
It’s really not! The name “Cardunal” began back at a time when the Dundee Community High School was comprised of students from Carpentersville, East and West Dundee, and Algonquin (Car+Dun+Al), giving the Dundee Cardunals their unique nickname.
The Cardunals faired quite well in sports on a state-competition level, and the Cardinal bird was the school’s mascot. Today, the Dundee Middle School uses the name, and some businesses still identify their businesses with the name Cardunal.
The paddle includes the city of Elgin so, in keeping with tradition, we created a new name out of something old – and the name EL CARDUNAL was born.
Partners & Sponsors
