EL CARDUNAL is a celebratory paddle along the Fox River’s newly-created, longest free-flowing stretch of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail in Kane County, Illinois.
EL CARDUNAL 2025 REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSEDOn June 22, the 5.9 mile kayak & canoe paddle will launch in Algonquin and finish in East Dundee. As a free-flowing stream there are no portages. Simply just put-in, paddle and take out. Shuttle buses will be provided so you won’t have to retrieve your vehicle at the end of your paddle.
Paddle the entire distance or rest at a stop along the route that will provide a break and the opportunity to learn something new at an educational table.
More than half of the route navigates through forest preserves, nature preserves and city parks on one or both sides of the Fox River.
Stop for a break at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve to learn about river ecology. A Naturalist from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will share displays and stories about riverine ecosystems and our Fabulous Fox River!
See how the free-flowing river is charting its new course and transforming the landscape as you pass by the site of the old Carpenter dam.
Local non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses have been working together to bring greater recognition of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FFWT) through this organized paddle highlighting the Fox River that runs through four communities in Kane County, Illinois. Check out FFWT’s comprehensive guide to paddle access sites along the trail.
EL CARDUNAL 2025 REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Your 2025 registration includes:
- Shuttle buses for you and your gear to make logistics easy
- An event t-shirt
- A swag bag
- An after-paddle mingle in East Dundee
At the take-out in East Dundee, participants will have the opportunity to collect their t-shirt and swag bag. Sponsor tables, music and refreshments are planned. All are encouraged to visit the many local restaurants.
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. Don’t miss out on being part of this historic event!
EL CARDUNAL VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPFor more information, contact: ELCARDUNAL@FOTFR.org or leave a message at (815) 356-6605.
Partners & Sponsors
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. Visit our Sponsor Page to learn more.
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 may one day include 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.