Sodowski Boat Basin

Located at 4827 North Galena Road in Peoria Heights, Sodowski Boat Basin offers public boat launch access to the Illinois River, one of the Midwest's major waterways. The facility features multiple public launching ramps designed to accommodate various vessel types, from kayaks and canoes to motorboats. This is an established access point developed to serve the paddling and boating community on this section of the Illinois River.

The Illinois River at this location is a substantial waterway with an average flow of approximately 27,200 cubic feet per second and a relatively gentle gradient of 0.3 feet per mile. Paddlers can expect moderate current and a major river environment with adequate width for various skill levels. The river's elevation at this point is around 540 feet above sea level, with the water body extending 273 miles total and draining a massive 27,500-square-mile basin, making it a reliable water source year-round.

Before launching, check current water conditions and flow rates, as the Illinois River's significant average velocity of 4.3 feet per second means stronger current conditions during high-water periods. The site's proximity to Peoria makes it a convenient access point for day trips, fishing excursions, and longer paddling adventures on this major river corridor.