Where the Underground Railroad and the River Connect: Join Us
Chicago’s Finest Marina, Friends of the Chicago River, and Openlands are co-hosting an Open House at the marina, which is the only Black-owned marina in Chicago, and located at a significant historical Underground Railroad site. The marina is also a prominent feature of the African American Heritage Water Trail on the Little Calumet River.
Register now.
Join us for a fun afternoon on Saturday, September 28, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. to explore the marina and historical site, paddle on the river, and connect with local community organizations.
The National Park Service’s Network to Freedom Program designated the historic Ton Farm, where the marina is located, as an Underground Railroad site in 2022. Click here to watch a story about the historic dedication from WGN News.
Chicago’s Finest Marina has been supporting boaters in the Riverdale community and the south suburbs for nearly 20 years, and it is poised to expand its role in the community by welcoming the public to learn about the historic site as well as the community partners who collaborate to bring awareness to the Calumet region.
The Little Calumet River flows through several south suburban and South Side of Chicago neighborhoods, and the African American Heritage Water Trail was featured in the New York Times’ 52 Places For A Changed World’ list.
Participants will have two opportunities to connect with the river by interpretational and recreational boating access through two rounds of paddling the water trail with Friends’ experienced canoe guides at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Canoe space is limited so registration is requested.
This special event will also share Friends’ riverbank aquatic planting project with the community, connect local residents and organizations with trails and other programming in the area, and build awareness in the community of the marina’s capacity to host events.
