What Is Haigh Quarry?
Haigh Quarry is a scuba diving destination in Kankakee, Illinois, built around a flooded quarry and marketed as the "Caribbean of the Midwest." It is aimed at both certified divers who want a local place to dive and people looking to get certified or advance their training. If you are planning a dive trip, a class, or a group outing in the Midwest, this is the kind of site you would check for hours, water conditions, entry fees, and rentals.
Where it is and what it offers
The quarry is located at 2738 E 2000N Rd, Kankakee, IL 60901, and can be reached at 815.939.7797. Its main draw is scuba diving in a controlled inland environment rather than open ocean.
On-site features and services listed by the site include:
- Diving access to the quarry itself, with maps to help you navigate
- Quarry map and bathymetry map so you can see the layout and underwater depth profile
- Artifact Park, an underwater attraction area
- Classes, from introduction and certification through specialties, professional, and other courses
- Rental equipment, which can be reserved in advance or selected on arrival
- Reservations for groups of all sizes
- Events, including recurring ones such as Diver Appreciation Day
- Photos and forums for community content
The site also notes recognition, including being named among USA Today's "10 Great Places to go Scuba Diving right here in the US – even in the Midwest" and winning a Top 10 "Best Underwater Attraction" readers' choice award.
Who it is for
Haigh Quarry suits two broad groups:
- Certified divers who want a nearby dive without traveling to the coast, and who may be interested in the artifact park, depth maps, or events.
- New or progressing divers who need introduction, certification, specialty, or professional-level training, plus gear rental if they do not own equipment.
Because entry is fee-based and rentals and classes are separate offerings, it works as a pay-as-you-go destination rather than a membership-only club, based on the information provided.
Practical details to check before you go
The homepage gives a few concrete planning points:
| Item | Detail from the site |
|---|---|
| Diver entry fee | $30 per diver per day |
| October schedule | Open weekends as normal; weekdays by appointment |
| Closing date | October 30 |
| Seasonal activity | Underwater pumpkin carving, with pumpkins provided |
| Liability form | Available online to complete, print at home, and bring in |
| Parking restriction | No parking on Haigh Quarry property or road from 11pm to 5am |
The site also maintains regularly updated water temperatures and visibility, plus local outside temperatures for the current day and the following week. Checking those before a trip is worthwhile because inland quarry conditions can change.
How to plan a visit
- Check the current hours, temps, and visibility on the site so you know the quarry is open and what conditions to expect.
- Decide whether you need training or just dive access. Classes cover introduction, certification, specialties, professional, and other options; certified divers can go straight to planning a dive.
- Reserve rental gear if needed. The site says gear can be reserved in advance or picked out when you arrive, and that reservations are accepted for groups of all sizes.
- Complete the liability form online, print it, and bring it with you to get into the water faster.
- Review the rules and regulations, emergency procedures, and directions before traveling.
For overnight stays or meals, the site links to Kankakee County accommodations and restaurants, so a visit can be combined with a longer trip.
Common questions
Do I need to be certified? Not necessarily. The quarry offers an introduction course alongside certification and specialty training, so beginners have a path in.
Can I rent everything I need? The site states it carries all the equipment needed for a safe and fun dive, and that rentals can be reserved ahead or chosen on site.
Is it only for diving? The listed activities center on scuba diving, training, and dive-related events, with community features like photos and forums.