Illinois Waterway
Running the width of the state bearing its name, the Illinois Waterway is a system of channels with its beginnings just off Lake Michigan. It consists of eight locks and ends 336 miles to the southwest when it joins with the Mississippi River at Grafton, Ill.
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
2025 Quimby’s Photo Contest
The fifth annual Quimby’s Cruising Guide photo contest will highlight amateur photographs taken along the Inland & Gulf Intracoastal Waterways. The contest will run through January 6, 2025. There are five main categories: Nature, Wildlife, People, Marinas and Anything Goes. Winners will be announced online and have their photos published in the 2025 printed guide. […] Read More
Boating Beyond Chicago: Joliet to Ottawa
The bright city lights of Chicago have attracted boaters to its waterfront docks and activities for decades. But for boaters looking to escape city surroundings and enjoy the great natural beauty of the Illinois River, there are nearby options on a portion of the Illinois Waterway flowing from Joliet to Ottawa (and beyond). Starting roughly […] Read More
2023 Photo Contest Winners
Thank you to all that participated in the 2023 Photo Contest. Here are the contest winners that appear in the printed guide — including the 2023 Cover Photo Winner! 2022 was a great year on the Western Rivers and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway — with continued interest in transient boating and wanderlust in the heartland of […] Read More
Inland Navigation 101
If you’ve spent any time at all on the inland rivers and lakes of the United States, then you know that boating here is different. The scenery and atmosphere are different. The water and weather are different. Even the boats and some of the boating rules are different. These differences are a big […] Read More
America’s Great Loop — Inland Stops & Resources
America’s Great Loop is truly one of the most unique travel experiences in the World. Covering over 5,000 miles, 11 different waterways and two countries, boaters have a chance to explore the different cultural and geographical landscapes that this region of North America has to offer. And the inland section—comprised of the Illinois River, Mississippi […] Read More
2022 Quimby’s Cruising Guide
5,000 miles, 11 different waterways and two countries—America’s Great Loop is truly one of the most unique travel experiences in the World. Read More
River Festivals
Let’s face it, 2020 was not the best of years for nearly everything — including events. Luckily, with the official 2021 boating season just around the corner, events are back — and that means the sound of boats on the water and people on the banks of river festivals around the Heartland. Take a look […] Read More
Historic River Town Opens New SkyTour
The city of Grafton, Illinois is continuing to expand upon its all-inclusive nature with a new SkyTour just minutes from the river. Launched in late October, the new cable lift starts at the town center near Mainstreet and climbs 300ft above the river bluffs for one of the best views of the Mississippi, Missouri, and […] Read More