Family Kayaking & Paddleboarding Days
June 22 and July 13 | 8:00am-6:00 pm
Come on out to the Bangs Lake Marina and enjoy a 2-hour time block of kayaking or paddleboarding with your family and friends. This FREE event is open to the public, but we highly encourage you to pre-register as this will be a popular experience. Do this by calling Bangs Lake Marina at 847-865-0210. Enjoy your time on the lake, then visit one of Wauconda’s local establishments afterwards to refuel your energy. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent/ guardian sign the waiver to participate. Paddleboarders must be 18+ years. Kayakers age 13-17 and solo must have parent/guardian sign the waiver to participate. Double or Triple kayaks can be used for families. *We have boats for use or bring your own.
R/NR Fee: Free
Location: Bangs Lake Marina, 231 E. Liberty Street, Wauconda
Sailing Lessons
(10 years old and up) Set sail from Bangs Lake Marina and learn the skills of sailing. This beginner course is for anyone ages 10 and older, whether you are new to sailing or looking to refine your basic skills. Our experienced instructor, with years of teaching, sailing, and racing expertise, will guide you through the essentials of sailing in a fun and supportive environment. Students will learn safety, terminology, rigging, knot tying, wind reading and dynamics, and navigation skills. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and confidence to sail safely on their own. Join us for this exciting adventure and embark on a journey to become a skilled sailor!
All sailors must wear life jackets (provided, or bring your own) during the entire duration. Make up dates are listed in case of cancellation.
Location: Bangs Lake Marina, 231 E. Liberty Street, Wauconda
R/NR Fee: $185/$222
Min/Max: 2/3
Historical Bangs Lake Tour
We have teamed up with Wauconda Township Historical Society to offer a tour of Bangs Lake from a historical perspective, by a published Wauconda historian! Pontoon ride will last approximately 1.25-hour and loop around Bangs Lake.
Location: Bangs Lake Marina, 231 E. Liberty Street, Wauconda
R/NR Fee: $10/$15
Min/Max: 5/15
| Pontoon | 6 Person | 2-Hours $240 | 4-Hours $420 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon | 8 Person | 2-Hours $280 | 4-Hours $460 |
| Pontoon | 10 Person | 2-Hours $315 | 4-Hours $495 |
| Rowboat with motor | 3 Person maximum | 4-Hours $95 | 8-Hours $130 |
| Kayak or Paddleboard | 1 Person | 2-Hours $20 | $10 for each additional hour |
| Kayak | 2 or 3 Person | 2-Hours $30 | $10 for each additional hour |
Exciting improvements to come at Bangs Lake Marina
The Bangs Lake Marina Development Project will provide more public access to Bangs Lake for both active and passive users.
Wauconda Park District purchase the Wauconda Boat property in 2022 and has been awarded a large state grant to make improvements to the marina for our community to enjoy. The project includes an accessible kayak/canoe launch, accessible restrooms, boardwalk, native shoreline plantings, interpretive signage, a fishing station, patio with tables & umbrellas, picnic tables, game tables, and overlook with sunning steps, and a connecting path to the downtown business area. The budget for this project is estimated at $1.2 million dollars. This project will be funded by a matching OSLAD Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Wauconda Park District was awarded $600,000 for this project.
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.
