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2nd Annual EL CARDUNAL Paddle
June 20 @ 10:00 am
Join us on Saturday, June 20 for our 2nd annual celebratory paddle on the Fox River’s new free-flowing stretch from Algonquin to East Dundee, along the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail!
EL CARDUNAL is a scenic and immersive journey along a beautiful stretch of the Fox River.
The event offers participants a nearly 6.5-mile paddle; launch from Cornish Park in Algonquin and paddle downstream to East Dundee, enjoying a smooth, uninterrupted route with no portages. This stretch of river, newly free flowing in recent years, offers a unique opportunity to experience how the Fox River is naturally reshaping its course and surrounding landscape.
More than half of the route winds through forest preserves, nature preserves, and local parks, giving paddlers front-row access to the region’s diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty. Along the way, participants may choose to stop at an educational station featuring local naturalists who will share insights about river ecology and wildlife.
2026 Registration is now open and includes:
- Shuttle transportation to simplify logistics
- Discounted canoe and kayak rentals (rental registration coming soon)
- A post-paddle gathering in East Dundee
- An event t-shirt and commemorative swag
EL CARDUNAL continues to grow as a collaborative effort among local nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses, all working together to elevate awareness of the Fox River and the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail. “Year two is about building on the momentum,” said FOTFR board member Bob Sutton. “EL CARDUNAL is more than a paddle. It’s an invitation to experience the Fox River in a new way and to be part of its ongoing story.”
More than half of the route navigates through forest preserves, nature preserves and city parks on one or both sides of the Fox River.
Paddlers who stop along the route at the Fox River Shores Interpretive Site can take a break and learn something new. A Naturalist from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will share displays and stories about riverine ecosystems and the wildlife that lives along our regional waterways and depends on fresh, flee-flowing water to thrive.
Paddlers can see how the free-flowing river is charting its new course and transforming the landscape passing by the site of the old Carpenter dam.
Visit our resource page for maps and moreLocal non-profit organizations, government agencies and businesses worked together to bring greater recognition of the Fox River and the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail (FFWT) and the Fox River through this organized paddle highlighting the river that runs through four communities in Kane County, Illinois. Check out FFWT’s comprehensive guide to paddle access sites along the trail.
Photos courtesy of Kim Gilmore.
For 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.