Chicagoland Canoe Base is quite a nice store. Mostly sea kayaks, but also some white water. They are a Kokatat dealer, and have a very good selection of equipment. Lots of helpful knowledge, and a great selection of kayaking books, videos, and magazines. The store is about 40 minutes from Evanston, at the western edge of Chicago, at Narragansett and Irving Park. (Check out the huge 'war canoes' stored in the back yard!). The owner also collects original skin kayaks, which unfortunately are not on display--but I did see one at the recent Chicago boat show).