• Open Spaces Events 2026

    Please let us know which activities are of interest to you. Keep checking back on this page for updates and any changes to the schedule.Want to stay in the loop? Leave your email below to receive updates about paddling capacity, event changes, and other activities at Beaubien Woods.
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  • May 9th

    Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County & partners for a paddle event at Beaubien Woods.

    Paddle the Little Calumet River with expert guides from Chicago Adventure Therapy and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail from the Beaubien Woods Youth Outdoor Ambassadors; listen to original live music about the assets of the neighborhoods surrounding Beaubien Woods. This event is FREE and open to all—paddling is first come, first served, no advanced registration is necessary.

    This event is part of a series to connect community to open space. The series is a partnership of People for Community Recovery, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Riverdale Community Land Trust, Openlands, the Field Museum, Chicago Adventure Therapy, Altgeld Murray Alumni, We Keep You Rollin’, Friends of the Forest Preserves, and other partners!

    Hope to see you there!

    Additionally, Friends of the Chicago River's River Day is also taking place on May 9 from 9-noon at Beaubien Woods pavilion at Flatfoot Lake. This event is a litter clean up and participants need to register with Friends of the Chicago River to participate. Register here:
    https://2026CRD_BeaubienWoods.eventbrite.com

     

  • Are you interested in this event?
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  • June 13th

    Beaubien Woods Celebration Day! at Flatfoot Lake and the Beabien Woods Boat Ramp. Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County and partners to do archery, nature walks and more, including a bike helmet give away near Flatfoot Lake.

    Also, paddle the river with expert guides and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp.

    Paddling times: 
    1st Launch 11am-12:45pm
    2nd Launch 1:15pm - 3pm
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.

     

  • Are you interested in this June 13th event?*
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  • June 19th
    Celebrate Juneteeth! Paddle in large beginner, friendly guided canoes with Wilderness Inquiry on the African American Heritage Water Trail at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp.

    Paddling times:
    1st Launch 2pm-4pm (FULL)
    2nd Launch 5pm - 7pm (to join this paddle - Register here)
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.



  • Are you interested in this June 19th event?*
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  • July 18th
    Paddle the Little Calumet River in large beginner, friendly guided canoes and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp. Fish, picnic, and help restore the prairie at Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp.

    Paddling times:
    Launch 10 am-1 pm
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.

  • Are you interested in this July 18th event?*
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  • Saturday, July 25
    Ribbon cutting and bike ride to celebrate installation of community asset signs with We Keep You Rollin. Event will start at Golden Gate Park at 12:15-1:15pm. 

  • Are you interested in this July 25th event?*
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  • August 8th
    Paddle on the Little Calumet River in large beginner, friendly guided canoes and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp.

    Paddling times:
    Launch 10am- 1pm
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.

  • Are you interested in this August 8th event?*
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  • TBD
    Create gardens with native flowering plants in the Fall. 

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  • September 12
    Paddle the Little Calumet River in large beginner, friendly guided canoes and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp. Additionally there will be a dance presentation by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater.

    Paddling times:
    Launch 1pm-4pm
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.

  • Are you interested in this September 12th event?*
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  • October 3rd
    Paddle in large beginner, friendly guided canoes and learn about the African American Heritage Water Trail and/or fish at the Beaubien Woods Boat Ramp.

    Paddling times:
    Launch 1pm-4pm
    Arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and complete the safety briefing.

  • Are you interested in this October 3rd event?*
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